Communication Through the Arts

Course IV: Communication Through the Arts

Mrs. Burghdorf

Art, like language, is a form of communication. It expresses the inner thoughts, feelings, and observations of its maker. Its meaning is shaped by the materials, techniques, and forms it makes use of, as well as the ideas and feelings it creates in its viewers. Creating art is often an easier way to communicate because of the various types of media available (speech, text, action, as well as traditional art mediums) and the ability to easily juxtapose ideas and symbols. It often allows individuals to communicate more complex information; thoughts that they may not fully understand themselves or know how to articulate in any other way. This is exactly why art is now used as therapy. The possibilities are truly endless!

Every week we will observe one new piece of artwork and try to determine what the artist intended to communicate, as well as its meaning within its historical context. The use of the Elements of Art and Principles of Design will be important tools when we interpret the artwork.

Projects:

You will receive approximately 2-3 projects for each marking period with due dates for each. If you do not finish by the given due date/the day for final critiques, you will still be required to critique your project unfinished, and will be responsible for completing the project on your own time (after school, study hall, etc.). You are responsible for handing it in to me when complete (I will not go searching for your project or imagine it for a grade).Your grade will remain MIS (missing) in School Tool until the project is given to me, which will then translate to a zero if unfinished by the end of the current mid-marking period and/or final marking period. If you choose to receive an incomplete, you will only have ten days to make up the unfinished work. Be sure to work at an appropriate pace, taking your plans and the given amount of time into careful consideration (this will eliminate any “down time,” which would have a negative effect on your grade).

Any project where Art plagiarism is evident will lose points automatically. Using parts or ideas from another piece of artwork as inspiration is fine, but copying exactly is not.

Sketchbooks:

For each project you are assigned, there will be practice sketches/drawings, and/or notes that you will be asked to write in your sketchbooks. If you are absent, make sure you ask a peer what you missed and copy their notes. If a peer tells you that they received a handout, then it is your responsibility to ask me for one then (not a day before a quiz). You are required to keep your sketchbooks for this class in school and in your “cubby.” If I feel it necessary I will do sketchbook checks, so be ready and organized!

Grading Policy: HW, Quizzes & Misc. – 10 %

Participation & Projects – 70%

Critiques (Written or Verbal) – 20%

Final Exam: Your ability to (interpret in writing) a piece of work that you have never seen!