Written Assignment Question:
In his 1972 book Ways of Seeing, John Berger writes that: “The relation between what we see and
what we know is never settled.”
What does he mean by this? Through a close reading and analysis of “Chapter 1: Seeing Comes
Before Words” in Ways of Seeing (week 2’s required reading), explore Berger’s argument and its
relevance to the study of visual culture. In order to support and develop your analysis of Berger’s
text, you must also select and analyse two visual examples.
One visual example must be chosen from the Key Visual Images from weeks 2 to 6.
The second visual example should be one of your own choice (avoid images already discussed by
Berger in “Chapter 1: Seeing Comes Before Words” – try to think independently).
First Images
Masaccio The Tribute Money. ca. 1427.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Tribute_Money_(Masaccio)Second Images
Giambattista Tiepolo, The Banquet of Cleopatra, 1743-44
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Banquet_of_Cleopatra
Special Instructions
-Even though this is not a research essay, you still need to use thorough referencing and citations.
For example, each time you quote or make direct reference to Berger’s text, this must be
acknowledged through a footnote. Your must also include a bibliography.
-Footnotes and bibliography should follow Turabian, Notes – Bibliography Style.
-Please include images of your two chosen visual examples as figures in your essay. Information
about how to do this can be found here.
-Your analysis of Berger’s text should be based on your own reading of the chapter. We know that
there are many essays and articles already written on Ways of Seeing available online. Do NOT be
tempted to plagiarise.