VISUAL ARTS STATE STANDARDS

1.0       Artistic Perception- Processing, Analyzing, and Responding to Sensory Information Through the Language and Skills Unique to the Visual Arts

2.0       Creative Expression- Creating and participating in the visual arts.

3.0       Historical and cultural context- Understanding the historical contributions and cultural dimensions in the visual arts.

4.0       Aesthetic valuing- Responding to, analyzing, and making judgments about works in the visual arts.

5.0       Connections, Relationships, Applications- Connecting and Applying What Is Learned in the Visual Arts to Other Art Forms and Subject Areas and to Careers

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This is an intermediate level art course that focuses on experiences creating and responding to art. To be eligible for this class students must have successfully completed Art 1A and 1B. This course will build on the knowledge and skills that you acquired in the previous Art courses. Emphasis will be placed on production, but students will also be expected to participate in critiques and self-evaluations. Creative problem solving, and creative expression will be encouraged. Some out of class course work is required.

 

THE MATERIALS

This is a lab course that requires a vast array of materials on a daily basis. Students are asked to contribute $20.00 per semester to help cover the cost of studio art materials. If students are unable to contribute they may share communal supplies or purchase their own.  However, All students are required to have a pencil everyday. If students do not have a pencil they may obtain one from Mr. Himes for a cost of 25 Cents.   

***See separate page on supply contribution.***

THE GRADES

Grades will be given using the point system.  All assignments and activities are given point values based upon their level of difficulty. Projects will be graded on five general criteria: creativity/originality, craftsmanship, effort/use of time, technique/use of materials, and the requirements stated at the beginning of each project. Students are expected to self-evaluate on every assignment before it is submitted to me for a grade.

  Grading scale:  A’s= 100-90    B’s= 89-80    C’s= 79-70    D’s= 69-60    F= 59 and below

 

THE WORK

The course content requires a high level of self-motivation. Assignments, materials, and techniques will be introduced throughout the semester. Students are expected to creatively apply techniques to complete assignments on time. Additional work time outside of class is a reality for this course.  I understand that “creative think time” is important to a successful piece of art, but deadlines are a reality. You will encounter them when you graduate and you will have them in this classroom. All deadlines must be met. Submit incomplete assignments for a grade on the due date…then re-submit it for an improved grade when it is complete.

SKETCHBOOKS

Every week on Wednesday a sketchbook assignment is turned in to be graded.

BEHAVIOR AND EXPECTATIONS

The art room is a place where you have freedom to be expressive, creative, and share your ideas with others. My number one goal is to create a positive class environment. That said let’s discuss some specific classroom policies.

 

1.      Respect - If I am going over information or another student is talking, put down your work, end your conversation and direct your attention toward the speaker.

2.      Unsafe and destructive behavior - zero tolerance here…need I say more?

3.      Defiance - If you are asked to move your seat, hand over a cellphone, put away food, etc please do so. If you want to discuss it, do it after class.

4.      Inappropriate language - Just because it doesn’t offend YOU doesn’t mean it won’t offend others. Be sensitive with your word choice.

5.      Food and drinks - Eat before you come to class or during brunch...(with water as an exception) you can survive for 52 min without food or drink.

6.      Cellphones - Turn them off! Parents can contact the school if there is an emergency:     1^st offense is Warning, 2^nd offense phone submitted to office, and parents will need to retrieve phones on the 3^rd offense.

7.      iPods, CD players, etc. - These are not currently allowed to be used in my classroom.

 

If these guidelines cannot be met, appropriate consequences will be given. Depending on the offense they may include phone calls home, detentions, referrals, or Saturday School assignment. Be safe, be respectful, participate positively in class and you should have a great semester.

 

THE ATTENDANCE POLICY

Your attendance is essential to your learning and to the education of the class as a whole. Like most teachers, I ask that you warn me ahead of time of any absences. Missed class time due to excessive tardies and absences is frequently a cause for poor grades. Don’t let this happen to you. Be in class when the bell rings!

 

Please note: Students will receive reasonable make up time for assignments after absences. Students who miss more than 15 days from any class during a semester are subject to a failing grade in that class.

 

DEAR PARENTS/GAUIRDIANS,

 

I look forward to having your child in my class. Please complete and return the attached forms after reviewing the syllabus. Please email me [email protected] with any questions. Thank you for supporting your child’s creative interests.

 

Sincerely,

Steve Himes