2011 SYLLABUS

*syllabus items and calendar are subject to change.

J. Brooks Room 175 Grades 11-12 1 credit

540-433-2651

Office Hours: 1:00 – 3:00

Course Description:

This course is designed for the highly motivated student who primarily intends to continue in the art field upon completion of high school. This class will concentrate on compiling a portfolio of work in a variety of media that may be used for college admissions or future jobs. The student must be self-directed, able to work independently, and able to set up his/her own basic program of study under instructor supervision. Art history, critiques, and the development on a consistent body of work are stressed.

Attendance:

Your attendance in class is mandatory. Because of the nature of the class absences affect the outcome of your body of work. Work done solely outside of class does not represent the same evidence and documentation of planning, problem solving, etc. However, work on projects outside of class is encouraged and MANDITORY. You are expected to be in the classroom when the bell rings. Tardiness will not be tolerated. First tardy – warning, Second tardy – conference with student, Third tardy – parent contact, Fourth tardy – parent conference. The fifth tardy or not serving a detention will result in a discipline referral.Leaving the classroom for the attendance office, guidance office or lavatory is not an acceptable daily excuse. You must take your pass and sign out every time you leave the classroom.

Honor Code:

Tests/Quizzes – No student shall give or receive, in or out of class, information pertaining to the material (questions or answers) on any test or quiz. During a test: No student shall look on another student’s paper. No student shall talk. No student shall look on papers other than their own test paper, (no notes, books etc. ) unless it is specified as an open notebook test/quiz. Stealing/Destruction of Property – No student shall take or deface any items not his own. No student shall touch any work that they did not create. Lying – No student, witness, or accused shall make any false statements to a member of the administration or faculty.

Grading Criteria: Appropriate criteria for each lesson will be selected by the teacher and student.

For student initiated lessons a project proposal sheet needs to be completed prior to starting the project.

Design (cohesiveness of composition)

Originality/Creativity (novel or unique solutions)

Elaboration (stretching or expanding imagery)

Achievement Potential (Task commitment)

Overall Aesthetic Effect

Use of medium

Technical Execution (Craftsmanship)

Perspective/Proportion

Students will be evaluated on Sketchbooks, Written Work, Exercises, Art Projects, Tests and Exams. Written work, test, projects, sketchbooks and hands on assignments hold equal weight with differing point values. The final exam is one seventh of the final grade. Grades will be updated to star portal every two weeks due to the independent nature of art projects.

Throughout the Semester:

  • All works should be titled and in final form - framed, matted, mounted etc.
  • Follow through on chosen projects is expected.
  • Students are expected to participate actively in class on a daily basis.

Art History Day

Student generated art history lessons will be presented on a regular basis.

Art history notes should be included in your sketchbook. Interesting facts, side notes and images should be included to make it relevant and interesting.

Drawings

Every six weeks you are required to complete one drawing. One of the required three for the year should be a direct observational drawing. The content of the other two is your choice, however of the three no more than one should be non-objective. EVERY 9 WEEKS!

Art Criticism

Describing and evaluating the media, processes, and meanings of a work of visual art and making comparative judgments. Written Critiques: Every six weeks you will complete one written critique. The artwork could be your own, the work of a classmate or the work of a professional artist. It could take on many forms but must describe, analize, judge and interpret the work. There are format examples and descriptive words in the guidebook if needed (green pages). The green art criticism pages may also be filled out for this purpose.

EVERY 9 WEEKS!

Gallery/Museum Visit

Every six weeks you are required to attend a museum or gallery and write a review of the show.

Suggested galleries: artWorks, New Image and Sawhill Gallery (JMU Campus), OASIS Gallery, 150 Franklin St., Spitzer Art Center, The Artful Dodger, Clementine and the Quilt Museum (downtown Harrisonburg), Galleries at EMU, Bridgewater and downtown Stanton. *see a complete listing in the guidebook.

Your review should include: The name of the gallery, location, date visited and show title or featured artist. At the very least discuss the style, media, subject matter/theme exhibited. You may focus on one particular work of art or the entire show/gallery as a whole.

EVERY 9 WEEKS!

Aesthetic Questions

On each Friday that you have class you will answer the aesthetic question from the guidebook (grey) in your sketchbook or on lined paper. Please do not leave these questions until the end of the week. Give them careful consideration and explain your stance, making sure to support your response. Please be sure to restate the question in your response. DUE EVERY B Day FRIDAY!

Art History Pages

During each nine weeks you are responsible for creating a page with images, research and accurate background information on a selected art history topic or artist.

Every 9 WEEKS!

Visusal Journal/ Sketchbook - You are required to complete 2 pages in your visual journal/sketchbook each 9 weeks in addition to art history day notes and project preparation. You will be given (20) twenty-five minutes at the start of each class. Please utilize this time. Each entry from the provided sheet should reflect (2) two hours of work. You must supplement classwork with time outside of the classroom to meet this requirement. Sketchbooks will be collected and assessed at regular intervals.

*See visual journal pages.

Sketchbooks/journals/research workbooks should include:

  • art history/aesthetic response day notes
  • extensive research on major projects (other artist working in media and their approach, influences, supporting information).
  • media tests
  • journal entries
  • criticisms
  • observations
  • vocabulary
  • idea development
  • visual problem solving
  • weekly theme entries using the list provided – Each entry should reflect 2 hours of effort.

Self Directed Assignments

You are expected to supplement the given requirements with Self directed assignments. Several project ideas are given in the guidebook, but you are expected to come up with your own. This is your chance to create your own curriculum.

Each assignment should have a project proposal submitted prior to starting work (purple sheets).

Portfolio

The student will demonstrate mastery through a culminating portfolio that exhibits quality, concentration, breadth of experience, technical skill, and development over time. Portfolios are due on Tuesday, May 29 and should be picked up by Monday, June 4. A written statement as to why pieces were chosen should accompany the portfolio.

  • Evaluation portfolio - a body of artwork with an emphasis on drawing that includes two-dimensional and or three-dimensional works, that are representative of your breadth of experience, progress and highest level of achievement.
  • 10-12 works should be selected based on technical quality and personal style. 50% of the work must be from this semester. Sketchbooks should be included to show thought processes. A written statement as to why pieces were chosen should be included.

Student/Parent Acknowledgement

Please return this syllabus with a parent signature by Friday, September 9, 2011.

The returned signed syllabus is a grade.

Student Name ______(please print)

I acknowledge that I have read this syllabus and understand the expectations, requirements, and consequences as stated.

______

Parent Signature date

______

Student Signature date

Honors Art Option

If you would like to complete this course for honors credit please discuss this with me, your parents and your guidance counselor. You will have additional requirements that must be fulfilled in order to receive credit. The sheet of requirements and contract follows.