Synthesis Workshop

Synthesis Workshop Description

11th and 12th grade

After a brief guided tour, students work in small groups to review a packet of documents related to the object, theme, or time period of a work of art from Reynolda’s collection.  Students then must form an argument about the work of art and share their report as a group. Designed for AP Language and Composition classes, but is not exclusive to them. Program typically lasts from 9:30 – 2:00 p.m. with the school/individuals providing lunch.

Location: Reynolda House Museum of American Art

Available: Available for much of the school year; also can be transformed into a set of materials for teachers to use in the classroom

Accommodates: 8-48 people

4 hours 30 minutes (includes break for lunch)

$8 + tax per student

Learning objectives: Students who experience a Synthesis Workshop will be able to

• analyze a work of art in conversation 
• practice visual literacy skills of observation and identify details that support an interpretation
• entertain and communicate different viewpoints, grounded in specific observations in the works of art
• synthesize at least three documents with a work of art
• construct an argument about a work of art

NC Standard Course of Study Connections:

ELA 2017 RL.11-12.1 – RL.11-12.10 By the end of grade 11, read and understand literature within the 11-12 text complexity band proficiently and independently for sustained periods of time. Connect prior knowledge and experiences to text. Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain.

ELA 2026 11-12.CT.1 Independently read and listen to texts at the high end of the 11-12 text complexity band, applying skills from the grades 11-12 standards proficiently.

ELA 2026 11-12.CT.1.1 Cite the most relevant and significant textual evidence to support analysis of what a text says, including where the text leaves matters uncertain.

ELA 2026 11-12.CD.1 Evaluate the development of multiple themes and main ideas, articulating the relationships between them in texts.

ELA 2026 11-12.CD.1.1 Determine the themes or main ideas in a text.

ELA 2026 11-12.CW.1 Initiate and propel collaborative discussions about texts, building on others’ perspectives and expressing their own in a compelling manner.

ELA 2026 11-12.CW.1.1 Work with peers to promote civil, collegial discussions and decision-making, establishing individual roles as needed.

ELA 2026 11-12.CW.5.2 Synthesize relevant information from multiple authoritative sources to maintain a clear line of reasoning.

Questions? Contact Julia Tanner, julia@reynolda.org