The Arts: Overview
An extended essay (EE) in the arts gives students an opportunity to undertake an in-depth investigation into a topic within an arts subject of particular interest to them.
The EE must demonstrate in-depth understanding of the subject matter studied shown in the form of:
a coherent analysis and interpretation of their chosen area in relation to a posed research question
the testing and validation of the research and consideration of its effect on the practice of the investigated area of the arts
development and exploration in a disciplined and imaginative way of an area of study specifically appropriate to the curriculum area chosen
a link to a practical dimension.
The research outcome should always include a link with a practical dimension. Where relevant and possible, students may wish to consult practitioners and professionals, such as performers, directors, researchers, writers, designers, painters, sculptors, composers or critics; or they may wish to visit theaters, galleries, museums and arts centers.
Requirements for The Arts EE
SUBJECT-Specific Guidance pages explain the requirements. Print, highlight, annotate this document and pin it above your desk!
Use Command Terms and Subject-Specific Vocabulary in your essay to indicate a strong background in your subject
Read the Subject Reports to know what examiners are looking for.
Sample Research Questions
Review the questions below
Film
What is the role of psychoanalytic film theory in conveying distorted perceptions of reality filmically? (Grade B)
Music
How do the works of Lightning Washington, WC Handy and Amos Milburn reflect both African and European influences on the musical characteristics of the blues? (Grade A)
Theater
How does Kenneth Posner’s stage lighting convey meaning across various Broadway productions? (Grade A)
Visual Arts
Past Papers: Why Read Them?
Past Papers in The Arts
Film
Music
Theater
Visual Arts
Free search platform providing worldwide access to an extensive collection of digitized art history texts from a range of institutions. This multilingual and multicultural union catalog affords art historians and other researchers the ability to search and download complete digital copies of publications devoted to art, architecture, material culture, and related fields.
MetPublications is an online portal to The Metropolitan Museum of Art's comprehensive art publishing program. It features over 1700 titles, including books, guides, Bulletins and Journals from the last six decades.
The National Gallery of Canada is home to one of the finest collections of Indigenous and Canadian art in the world, and is dedicated to amplifying voices through art. Search the collection by artist name, artwork title, accession number, etc.
The Archives of American Art is the world’s preeminent and most widely used research center dedicated to collecting, preserving, and providing access to primary sources that document the history of the visual arts in America.
A comprehensive database of shows produced on Broadway, including all "title page" information about each production. IBDB also offers historical information about theatres and various statistics and fun facts related to Broadway.
Contains many professionally made films and "home movies" depicting life in Chicago and, to some extent, the Midwest.
