In this non-graded activity, you will begin working on your submission for Project 2. This activity will serve as a valuable opportunity for you to explore the prompt, identify any questions you might have, and reach out to your instructor for clarification and assistance.

At the end of Module Six, you developed a chart in which you examined the impact of culture on your chosen artifact and reflected on how individual assumptions and values can affect understanding of that artifact. Return to that assignment and review the responses you captured in the artifact chart, as well as any feedback your instructor shared. Then, read the instructions for Project 2 (found below) carefully. Remember that you are not writing an essay but answering the individual questions as three separate responses. Some suggested approaches to answering these questions are provided after each prompt. Begin assembling notes and bullet points to support your more comprehensive written responses to the Project 2 short answer prompts.

Before the end of this week, you will complete and submit Project 2. Take this opportunity to review the different elements of this assignment and the valuable tips and tricks captured in the suggested approach write-ups as you begin to compile notes and bullet points to support your written response. Be sure to reach out to your instructor as soon as possible with any questions you have on this assignment.

Section I:
Your Artifact Suggested Approach: As you work to address this prompt, refer back to course content. Also consider revisiting Section III and Section V of your Project 1 Artifact Chart. In these sections, you explored the purpose of your selected artifact and how creative expression impacts and is impacted by the people and situations that surround it. Also, consider the questions you posed in Section VI of Project 1 related to expression. In answering this prompt, consider expanding on the initial insights you gained about your artifact to explain the larger human need to express.
This Course Suggested approach: A.) Consider Modules One and Two, which contain a list and discussion of reasons why artifacts are created, and Modules One through Four on the big questions. Modules Five and Six give some examples of these reasons for creative expression during various time periods, naming a number of famous creators in the humanities, all of which might contribute to the discussion of your artifact. Modules Seven and Eight talk more specifically about some powerful motives for creating in the humanities as well. Consider applying these concepts here. For instance, in the sample of All Shook Up by Otis Blackwell and Elvis Presley in Module Four, the motives of making money, achieving fame, and entertaining were mentioned, among others. Be sure to refer back to course concepts in your response.

Section II Suggested Approach: In addition to thinking about your artifact and reviewing the overall course content, consider especially the definition and discussion of culture and how artifacts change as cultures evolve; the numerous examples of cultures throughout time, and the contemporary examples used. Also, review the responses you captured in the artifact chart submitted in Module Six. Does your previous work help inform your thoughts around how creative expression impacts and is impacted by culture? For instance, in the resources related to All Shook Up by Otis Blackwell and Elvis Presley at the end of Module Four, World War II and the unique cultural mix of America were mentioned as having impacted the creation of the artifact, while the song itself influenced American pop culture as a larger part of rock and roll. Check the responses for your own artifact in your chart and extend the insights you gained to explain the broader cultural impacts on creative expression as well as how humanistic artifacts impact the culture they are a part of.
Section III Suggested Approach: In addition to reviewing the overall course content, consider what the humanities have to do with us and the impact of the humanities on contemporary issues. Guided by the topics in Modules Seven and Eight, determine what some key issues are today. Think about the connections your chosen artifact might have to contemporary issues, and expand the insights you gain to explore how artifacts in general can have an impact on current concerns.