Our Syllabus
Every parent will be sent a copy of the syllabus via email and/or from your student. I am also posting it here for your perusal. There may be updates from time to time...I will notify you via your student (handout) or email, and I will also update the blog here.
VISUAL ART SYLLABUS
Sabrina White
sabrina1.white@cms.k12.nc.us
Available for conferences, M-Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9:15-10:00 and 4:30 - 5:00 pm
VISUAL ART: The course is primarily devoted to deliberate and systematic presentations of various art processes, procedures, theories, and historical developments. Students will have experiences in producing two-dimensional and three-dimensional artworks. The course emphasizes the study of the elements of art and principles of design, color theory, vocabulary, criticism, history, and safety in the art room. The approach to art experiences during this time is experimental in terms of materials. Students are provided a strong foundation in design, and vocabulary in a teacher-structured environment. Problem solving and decision making are emphasized throughout visual arts.
CLASSROOM WORK: Classroom work is composed of comprehensive and sequential experiences that promote and emphasize students' development of independent, creative and complex thinking. Instruction focuses on artistic inquiry, reflective thinking and problem-solving skills. Students learn vocabulary and concepts associated with various types of work in visual arts study. They are empowered to think and reason in visual ways. Students will complete approximately 6 projects that may include but is not limited to: drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, mixed media, sculpture, 2d design.
ESSENTIAL STANDARDS
Use the language of visual arts to communicate effectively.
Apply creative and critical thinking skills to artistic expression.
Create art using a variety of tools, media, and processes, safely and appropriately.
Understand the global, historical, societal, and cultural contexts of the visual arts.
Understand the interdisciplinary connections and life applications of the visual arts.
Use critical analysis to generate responses to a variety of prompts.
GRADING:
Projects will be graded based on the following criteria: (each of these categories will be discussed in class with project specific rubrics to assist students in achieving their goals):
Effort and use of class time
Unified Composition and Design.
Creativity and Original Solutions
Craftsmanship and Technique
Followed Format
Each area of the rubric will be scored on a 6 point scale where
5-6.0=A or well above average
4-4.9=B or above average
3-3.9=C or average
2-2.9=D or below average
0-1.9=F or well below average.
Projects/ End of Project Tests /Assessments 65%
Homework/Journaling/Notebook/Quizzes 35%
Mid-term Portfolio Review and Critique 20% of 1st semester grade
Final Portfolio Review and Critique 25% of Final Grade
LATE/INCOMPLETE WORK
Incomplete major projects will be dropped 1 letter grade. Upon COMPLETION, students will receive full credit.
Late projects will be dropped 10 points if submitted after the 5 day grace period.
Late informal assignments will receive a 5 point deduction.
Any late work submitted within the last 5 days of the quarter will receive no higher than a 70%
RETESTS
Students scoring lower than 80% on a project have 10 days to retest up to or above 80%.
There are no retests on group critiques/presentations.
The highest score will be used.
Students must receive some form of review before retesting.
Students must retest within 2 weeks of receiving their score.
Students may not rework an existing piece to retest for a project grade. They must submit a new artwork.
SUPPLIES:
Your child will need the following supplies for this class:
Sketchbooks
(Optional) Your child can bring their own supplies if they would like:
Pencils
Erasers
Pencil Sharpeners
There may be projects for which your child wishes to bring in additional materials to enhance their specific design choices this is always great, but is in no way required.
VIDEOS:
From time to time videos will be used when related to the subject matter being discussed in class. If you have concerns about the content that your child may be exposed to, feel free to contact me for a list of possible videos. They will be provided to you as they come up during the year.
STUDIO EXPECTATIONS
All school rules apply but here are some specific clarifications for my class:
You must have your sketchbook, a positive attitude and willingness to work EVERY DAY. You can bring your own pencil, pencil sharpener, and eraser, although these would be provided to you.
NO cell phones, hats, mp3 players etc. Chromebooks allowed by teacher request ONLY.
Bookbags are not allowed at the students’ desk. Bookbags must be placed in designated area prior to students taking their seats.
Warm up begins promptly upon entering in student’s sketchbooks. Warm ups are posted everyday on the white board and would consist of either a drawing or a writing prompt.
No food. Art rooms are full of dust and toxic materials.
Studios are quiet spaces. There is to be no talking during instruction. During independent work time, talking is only allowed if you are asking/explaining something about the project, to someone at your own table or me, quietly. Drawing and visual spatial skills are controlled by the right side of your brain. Language is controlled by the left side of your brain. If you are talking, you cannot be fully engaged in your artwork to the best of your ability.
You are graded on the quality of your artwork. Do not “help” other students or allow other students to “help” you as this is cheating. If you are trying to show someone a technique or idea, show them on your own artwork or a separate example.
Be polite and respectful to everyone in class regardless of their actions. You are responsible for your actions and they are responsible for theirs.
Clean up after yourself (and sometimes others). If you get something out, put it back where you found it, in the same condition that you found it. If it is damaged let me know immediately.
No inappropriate language in class.
Do not touch any materials or equipment that we are not using in class. Much of the equipment and materials used in this classroom can be dangerous if not used properly. If you do not know how to use something ask me and I will show you.
No students are allowed in the storage closet without permission.
All project due dates will be given a 5 day grace period to allow for absences etc.
Incomplete major projects will be dropped 1 letter grade. Upon COMPLETION, students will receive full credit.
Students scoring lower than 80% on a project have 10 days to retest up to 80%.
During the year, there may be request for donated items (plastic bags, magazines, etc.) Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated! You can start sending them ANYTIME!
I have read and understand the syllabus and the rules and expectations for this class:
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