Roberson Middle School Art Syllabus
I. COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Through this course, students will experience the classics such as painting, drawing, ceramics, sculpture, graphic design, and crafts. In addition to gaining confidence and proficiency you will also be working with a variety of mediums, students will learn about art history, analysis, interpretation of art, and art techniques. Students will be guided to take these basic knowledge and critical thinking skills to constructively apply them to their own artwork, as well as, artwork of others. The students will produce artwork that shows the individuals’ creativity and problem solving ability.
II. COURSE OBJECTIVES:
The major goal of this course for you, as a student, is to understand and use the elements of art and principles of design, as well as, problem solving and critical thinking to your artwork.
Students will create original art by exploring a variety of materials and developing beginning skills based on design elements and principles; as well as respond to historical, philosophical and cultural prompts.
Students will use appropriate vocabulary in the verbal and written description and analysis of their work.
Students will create artwork of acceptable quality using the art techniques like graphite drawing, pen and ink, colored pencil, water color, tempera, multi-media collage, and acrylic paints.
Students will make connections to their world by studying art history and works of various artists using a text and art magazines.
Students will critique their own artwork and the artwork of others using established criteria.
Students are required to keep a portfolio for proficiency review.
Objectives for this course align with the TEKS standards for Art Education.
III. CLASS GUIDELINES FOR SUCCESS:
In addition to the school-wide discipline policy, a set of class guidelines for success and consequences has been established and will be maintained. The following is a list of the class guidelines for success and consequences for art:
Class Guidelines for Success:
Be prepared for class – bring sketchbooks, pencils, etc. to class everyday.
Be on time to class.
Listen to and follow directions – ask questions.
Respect the people, equipment and furnishings in the art room. Get permission to use other’s materials. Use all tools safely and properly.
Be honest and accountable for your actions.
Use your time wisely – stay on task and work towards project and assignment objectives.
Work quietly – use appropriate language and have appropriate conversations.
Be responsible for work area and tools – clean up after yourself!
Have a positive attitude – you CAN do it!
If you CHOOSE not to follow the guidelines:
Step 1 – verbal warning
Step 2 – student/teacher conference about choice or behavior that is disruptive, inappropriate, or unacceptable and documentation
Step 3 – principal intervention, parent notification, and documentation
IV. SKETCHBOOK ASSIGNMENTS
As an artist in middle school, you will be required to keep a sketchbook. In addition to the daily drawing assignments, you are encouraged to fill this space with your own work and drawings of your choice (as long as they are appropriate for school). Use your sketchbook as a place to let out your ideas and thoughts through your art. In addition to developing creative visual ideas, you may also use your sketchbook to record verbal ideas and information.
For example:
1. Keep notes from class, a small drawing or sketch will serve as a symbol.
2. Write quotations or poems that interest you.
3. A personal journal of assignments, due dates, project interests, insights.
4. Keep an artist's diary.
5. A resource book of ideas, media interests, and art resources.
6. Attach clippings or pictures from newspapers or magazines, etc. (a visual scrapbook of your personal
interests and ideas or comments).
7. Critically review artwork, keeping a record of ideas “brainstorm”.
Sketchbooks will be evaluated at the end of every week throughout the class period.
V. GRADING/ SCORING:
Listed below is the break down of you final grade:
Weekly Sketchbook Assignments 20% Projects 60% Worksheets 5% Participation 10% Quiz 5%
Each project will have objectives that need to be met along with those objectives your projects will be graded with the following criteria in mind:
Effort- this means always striving for your personal best Craftsmanship- you have taken your time and done a careful job
Creativity/Originality- you have developed your own idea and not copied someone else's Following instructions- you have met the criteria outlined for each assignment
A = Excellent, outstanding effort, exceeds expectations
B = Strong work, very good
C = Fair, adequate, looks finished.
D/F= work does not meet objectives, follow instructions, show effort, didn’t develop idea, and/or is not the students best work.
Specifically, the letter grades denote the following:
A: 93 - 100
B: 83 - 92
C: 71 – 82
D: 61 - 70
F: Below 60
VI. TELEPHONES
All cellphones are collected and placed in the phone holder at the beginning of every period. That is why the students are to make sure that they bring their chromebook charged with them everyday. Cell phones are not to be used during the school day, EXCEPT if we are working on a project and he/she needs to research, look at a picture, or look something up for this certain project. Permission must be given before cellphone use.
Class Dismissal. The teacher dismisses you only after all supplies and materials are accounted for, stored properly and the room is cleaned. Refer to the student handbook.