Syllabus

Art Syllabus

Santa Cruz High School

Ms. Behr

I am excited to be teaching the Art (Drawing and Composition) course at Santa Cruz High School and look forward to working with you. Please sign and return this paper by the first Friday of the semester.   

Brief Course Description

This is a first year art course, with no pre-requisite, focusing on developing the necessary skills to meet the California State Standards in Visual Art on a beginning level.  The Elements of Art and Principles of Design are the foundation for the units covering concepts, philosophy, history, technology, cultural context, application, and appreciation of art works of the past, as well as current student production.

Course Goals and/or Major Student Outcomes:

• Students will respond to sensory information in art and nature at a beginning level
• Students will apply skills in a variety of media and techniques that reflect knowledge of the elements of art and principles of design
• Students will experience cultural and historical research through projects, writing, and reading.
• Students will find meaning in artwork of their own and others through critiques and effective evaluation processes
• Students will recognize connections between visual art and performance art, as well as non-art areas
• Students will use current resources, such as technology, as creative medium and become aware of art applications and careers

Unit 1: Contour Drawing and Observation

Unit 2: Reverse Shading: Scientific Illustration

Unit 3: Value and Shading with Graphite: Animal Drawings

Unit 4: Perspective

Unit 5: Human Figure – Fashion, Cartoons, Comics

Unit 6: Intro to color, pastel landscapes

Grading:

Standard letter grades will be given based on the following:

• 50% - Employability Skills
• Proper use of class time and time on task
• Participation and paying attention during demonstrations
• Punctuality and attendance
• Adherence to safety rules
• Ability to follow instructions – respect for teacher and peers
• Presenting yourself as an artist – you will keep a blog to document projects
• 50% - Projects
• Craftsmanship
• Proper execution of techniques
• Meeting project guidelines
• Degree of difficulty/challenge and improvement of skills and abilities

Classroom Rules:

• Cell Phones are NOT allowed, except as a learning tool (image research) with teacher permission only!
• Food or drink other than closable water bottles are NOT allowed – this is not only a distraction, but can damage materials and art work, and is a health concern when working with art materials
• No homework or work from another class is permitted unless instructor approval is given
• Hall passes will be given only in case of an emergency

Required Materials:

• You must have a sketchbook – two types of sketchbooks are recommended – either Black Hard Bound 8 ½ x 11” or spiral bound 8 ½ x 11”.  Both Types are sold at Palace Arts or Lenz Arts.
• Materials fee – see attached letter

I have read and understand this information:

Parent Signature: ____________________   Student Signature: _______________________