COMPARATIVE STUDY

Students analyze and compare different artworks by different artists. This independent critical and contextual investigation explores artworks, objects and artifacts from differing cultural contexts. Students compare at least 3 different artworks, by at least 2 different artists, with commentary over 10–15 screens. HL Students also submit a reflection on the extent to which their work and practices have been influenced by any of the art/artists examined (3–5 screens).

Comparative Study

A guide for students

This document provides you with the rubric that the examiner will use when grading your Comparative Study, 3 examples of the Comparative Study (as a link) from the IBO, along with the examiner’s mark (6 is the highest, and 12 for category F). Please note the differences between HL and SL.

Task summary

The comparative study is an externally examined assessment task worth 20%.

To complete the task, you are required to present a comparative study of at least three artworks by at least two different artists from different and contrasting cultural contexts. The work should be selected from work you have investigated as a part of your independent coursework, and will be explored further and presented as a series of screen-based slides.

Formal requirements

SL

• SL students submit 10–15 screens, which examine and compare at least three artworks, objects or artifacts, at least two of which need to be by different artists.
• The works selected for comparison and analysis should come from differing cultural contexts.
• SL students submit a list of sources used.

HL

• HL students submit 10–15 screens, which examine and compare at least three artworks, objects or artifacts, at least two of which need to be by different artists.
• The works selected for comparison and analysis should come from differing cultural contexts.
• HL students submit 3–5 screens, which analyse the extent to which their work and practices have been influenced by the art and artists examined.
• HL students submit a list of sources used.

COMPARATIVE STUDY EXAMPLES

ASSESSMENT RUBRIC

Click on the link above and scroll down to Marking Criteria Summary for an easy to read table

Marking criteria summary

What the examiner is looking for:

A. Analysis of formal qualities

• an effective identification and analysis of the formal qualities of the selected artworks, objects and artifacts.

At the highest level of achievement, the work identifies and analyses the formal qualities of the selected pieces from at least two cultural origins and the analysis of these formal qualities is consistently informed by reliable sources and effective.

B. Interpretation of function and purpose

• an informed and appropriate interpretation of the function and purpose of the selected artworks, objects and artifacts within the cultural context in which they were created.

At the highest level of achievement, the work demonstrates a consistently informed by reliable sources and appropriate interpretation of the function and purpose of the selected pieces within the cultural context in which they were created.

C. Evaluation of cultural significance

• an informed understanding of the cultural significance of the selected artworks, objects and artifacts within the specific context in which they were created.

At the highest level of achievement, the work demonstrates consistently informed and appropriate evaluation of the material, conceptual and cultural significance of the selected pieces within the specific context in which they were created.

D. Making comparisons and connections

• an effective identification and critical analysis of the connections, similarities and differences between the selected artworks, objects and artifacts.

At the highest level of achievement, the work critically analyses the connections, similarities and differences between the selected pieces. These connections are logical and coherent, showing a thorough understanding of how the pieces compare.

E. Presentation and subject-specific language

• information that is conveyed clearly and coherently in a visually appropriate and legible manner, supported by the consistent use of appropriate subject-specific language.

At the highest level of achievement, the work clearly and coherently conveys information which results in a visually appropriate, legible and engaging study. Subject-specific language is used accurately and appropriately throughout.

F. Making connections to own art-making practice (HL only)

• an analysis and reflection on the outcomes of the comparative study investigation and on how this has influenced your own development as an artist, identifying connections between one or more of the selected works and your own art-making processes and practices.

At the highest level of achievement, the work analyses and reflects upon the outcomes of the investigation consistently and appropriately. You effectively consider your own development, making informed and meaningful connections to your own art-making practice.