Visual Arts Comprehensive I /Art History Syllabus

Visual Arts Comprehensive I / Art History introduces the beginning art student to the basic elements and principles of art and design and a base knowledge of past art movements, architecture, and artists' personal statements. In addition, the students will be introduced to the study of aesthetics, art criticism, and art‑related careers. A variety of art media may be used to help students understand and communicate the language and purpose of art. Students will be expected to demonstrate knowledge of this content by recognition, recall, observation, identification, and collection of assigned tasks. This course must be successfully completed before taking any other visual art course.
A complete outline of projects and class assignments are attached. This outline should be consulted weekly for class work assignments and sketchbook assignments. Assignments are also communicated on the classroom board daily. Late projects/class assignments will NOT be accepted for full credit unless of an excused absence in which case the projects/class assignments MUST be turned in on the same day that the student returns.

Participation is critical to success in a high school studio course. Participation will count as 45% of the final average. Each student will receive 100 points on Monday of each week; students will not lose points off their participation grade when absent. Points will be deducted for the following:
(1) Forgetting sketchbook, outside assignments, or required supplies-20 points
(2) Lack of preparation or participation in class activities-20 points
(3) Lack of attention or focus during class-20 points
(4) Lack of respect or failure to follow class procedures, policies, and expectations-20 points
(5) Having food, drinks, gum or candy-20 points

Note book and sketchbook: We recommend that you keep a 3 ring binder or a notebook to contain all art project directions, artist handouts and sketchbook assignments. This binder/notebook can be kept in the art room and can be used to review for quizzes and final exam material. Sketchbook assignments are designed to enrich your class projects, and the due dates are attached. All sketchbook assignments are to be complete drawings on white paper (NOT notebook paper), following the directions given. When the assignment asks for shading show at least seven values. Include ALL details. Make sure you have a focal point. Fill the entire space of the paper. Include background information if applicable. Read the rubric comments and apply them to your next assignment. We recommend you draw something in your sketchbook everyday and that you turn all assignments in on time.

A few quizzes will be administered through out the semester, to assess your understanding of project procedures, elements of art and artists.

Due dates: All in class art projects and sketchbook assignments from each six-week grading period must be turned in accordingly (see attached).

Grading Profile
Class Work and Projects 45%
Participation and Sketchbook 45%
Quizzes & Final Semester Exam (cumulative) 10%

Required supplies
3 ring binder or paper folder
*Sketchbook – top spiral bound 9" x 12" (any size is fine); you can even make one using white computer paper, punch holes and file in your binder.
#2 wooden pencil and eraser

Recommended Supplies
Due to the expense of consumable art supplies there is a recommended art lab fee of $5.00. The lab fee will provide each student with quality art supplies that will be used at school for the entire semester. I also recommend that you purchase the below items to use for sketchbook assignments at home.
* Prisma brand color pencils set of 12 or more
*Magic Rub eraser
*Large kneaded eraser
*H, 2B, 4B, 6B drawing pencils & Ebony pencil
*These items may be purchased at Walmart, Target, Michael's, Dick Blick, Pearl Discount Art Supply, Office Max, Office Depot, or Staples