C. Cultural Significance

C. Analysis and Evaluation of Cultural Significance

(6 marks, SL & HL)
Key Vocabulary:

• Cultural Contexts: historical period, geographic origin, religious beliefs, sociopolitical climate, traditions, movements, symbolism, iconography.

• Significance Words: reflects, represents, embodies, challenges, redefines, preserves, subverts, influences.

• Perspective Terms: original audience, contemporary audience, legacy, cultural value, heritage, appropriation.

• Evaluation Verbs: evaluate, judge, appraise, consider, weigh, critique.

• Qualifiers: consistently insightful, informed, well-supported, deeply contextual.

To excel here, provide a deep, informed analysis of each work’s cultural, sociopolitical, and historical significance for its original audience and for today. Evaluate, not just describe, the work’s role within its culture and any impact beyond. Use research to back up claims, showing you understand the work’s place in larger cultural conversations.
Tips:

• Explain the cultural symbolism, traditions, or beliefs represented in the work

• Compare how significance might differ for local versus global audiences

• Reference credible scholarly or museum sources to support cultural claim

Additional Resources on this Scoring Criterion: https://branksome-asia.libguides.com/ArtCS/Culturalcontext 

Example