Course Plans

 

Art One Syllabus

Art Three Syllabus

Our Classroom Community

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Art One Syllabus

Welcome to the adventure of seeing the world in new ways through Art! As we move through this foundation year you will begin to see edges, shapes, spaces, textures, values and colors in surprising new ways. You will learn how to draw from observation, and how to create original images. In our projects this year, we will explore themes of home, gifts, change and exploration.

After this year, some of you may wish to continue the adventure and some of you may never touch an art class again. Whatever you choose, you will find that this year will definitely change your way of seeing the world!

Multicultural Perspective:

With each project, we will be seeking out your unique perspective, heritage and voice. The work you and your classmates do will provide us all with a better understanding of the diverse culture we inhabit. Art encourages everyone to become more adaptable and able to understand multiple points of view. By creating images, we can learn to move beyond tolerating one another to understanding and appreciating the special contributions each individual and cultural group has to offer.

Requirements:

Attend class

Complete class projects and assignments on time

Keep a journal/sketchbook

Complete a gallery review each semester

Fill out requested questionnaires and evaluations

Participate in class discussions and group activities

Grading:

Your grade for this course will be determined by the following factors. See the "Our Classroom Community" handout for more information about the Participation grade.

Projects = 60%

Participation = 10%

Sketchbook/Modular Assignments = 10%

Gallery Review= 10%

Final = 10%

Grading is based on:

Evidence of learning, thought and care

Understanding of ideas of the lesson

Completeness

Creativity

Craftsmanship

Time Management

 

Fall Semester:

In the Fall, we will explore how artists make great drawings through careful observation and use of line, value, texture, form, perspective and proportion. Our projects this term will revolve around the themes of home and gifts.

Spring Semester:

In the Spring, we will continue to develop your skills in observational drawing and embark on the exploration of color. Our projects this term will revolve around the themes of change and exploration.

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Art Three Syllabus

 Welcome to the world of Design! Designers are the creators and recorders of our contemporary culture. In this class, we will explore how to communicate through images and typography. Our projects for this year will revolve around the themes of identity, culture, work and play.

Learning Objectives:

Whether designing tennis shoes to websites, you will learn how to use research, multicultural awareness, brainstorming, collaboration and the power of images and words to create effective designs. You will continue to extend the drawing and image-making skills you started in Art One. We will also explore making 3D representations of your designs and using the computer to research and design your ideas.

Requirements:

Attend class

Complete class projects and assignments on time

Keep a journal/sketchbook

Complete a gallery review each semester

Fill out requested questionnaires and evaluations

Participate in class discussions and group activities

Grading:

Your grade for this course will be determined by the following factors. See the "Our Classroom Community" handout for more information about the Participation grade.

Projects = 60%

Participation = 10%

Sketchbook/Modular Assignments = 10%

Gallery Review= 10%

Final = 10%

 

Grading is based on:

Evidence of learning, thought and care

Understanding of ideas of the lesson

Completeness

Creativity

Craftsmanship

Time Management

Fall Semester:

In the Fall, we will focus on introductions to media literacy and typography. How can we interpret the messages and the methods of advertising, graphic design, literature, film and music? What can we learn about ourselves, our community and the world when we observe these artifacts of our culture? What messages and contributions can we send with our own designs? How do letters themselves (in addition to the words they represent) communicate ideas and messages? Our projects for this term will revolve around the themes of Identity and Culture.

Spring Semester:

In the Spring, we will focus on developing your skills in research, design, cooperation and collaboration. In at least three projects, you will be working with a partner or as a member of a design team. You will have the opportunity to be the "client" and the "designer." When you work in a design team, you can start to identify the tasks you enjoy doing the most, whether that be drawing, photography, research, model making, typography, leadership or presentation. Our projects for this term will revolve around the themes of Work and Play.

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Our Classroom Community

Everyone has the right to enjoy art as a member of a classroom community that functions well through active learning, respect and kindness. Follow the Basic Class Rules and pursue Productive Days so we can have fun exploring art!

Basic Class Rules

  1. Show up ready to learn and make art.
  2. Respect others around you and their rights to learn and make art.
  3. Listen quietly when someone else is talking.
  4. Take good care of materials, tools and equipment.
  5. Follow school rules in the art classroom.
  6. Clean up after yourself.
  7. Wait in your seat until the teacher says "Hasta manana!"

Productive Day

This is a learn-by-doing class. Being in class, following the basic rules and focusing on the given assignment or class activity is considered a productive day.

Non-Productive Day

Having an unexcused absence or tardy, not following the basic rules, or not working on the assignment or class activity is a non-productive day. Make-up of non-productive days can be arranged during lunch or after school.

Semester Participation Grade

Your participation grade for the semester is based on your accumulation of productive days:

A grade

Motivated and engaged with learning opportunities

Focused and productive during work time

Follows class rules

Arrives to class on time

No unexcused absences

B grade

Participates in learning opportunities

Productive during work time

Follows class rules

Arrives to class on time

No unexcused absences

C grade

Mostly participates in learning opportunities

Mostly productive during work time

Follows class rules

Mostly arrives to class on time

No unexcused absences

D grade

Sometimes participates in learning opportunities

Sometimes productive during work time

Mostly follows class rules

Late to class fairly often

Unexcused absence(s)

F grade

Doesn’t participate in learning opportunities

Not productive during work time

Does not observe class rules

Late to class fairly often

Unexcused absences

Parent Involvement

Art is an important subject for everyone because it enhances our quality of life and our ability to think creatively and critically across all academic disciplines. Parents are asked to support their child’s involvement in art by acknowledging new skills and creative accomplishments and helping to overcome obstacles to learning.

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