Block 1 : Art Foundations

Spring 2006

Art Foundations is the introductory course for students wishing to take additional courses in the Art department.  This course provides students with the basic foundation of the elements and principles of art. Students will be introduced to a variety of two-dimensional and three dimensional media including charcoal, paint, collage, printmaking/, wire, cardboard, paper mache, plaster craft, and mixed media in the study of line, color, shape, space, value and texture. 

Semester   5 Credits     

Course Requirements

• Pencil, at all times
• Sketchbook/Notebook (to be provided)
• Homework (see late work policy)
• Participation in class activities
• Portfolio of all work
• Studio clean-up

Sketchbook/Notebook

              All students must maintain a folder that contains.

• Notes taken in and out of class from videos, oral presentations, and group work.
• Sketches-ideas, research, thumbnails.
• Homework and written class work
• Handouts

Journal

              All students must keep a journal to document the major projects completed in this course.  Each journal entry is made up of an objective (what was the assignment), the process (how you went about creating the piece), and a conclusion (often a writing prompt about the concepts explored and how you employed them in your work).

Late Work Policy

              Every student is responsible for making up any and all work missed including video viewing, notes, quizzes, written work, and artwork. The appropriate amount of time will be provided in class for all artwork, however some students may find it necessary to come before or after school to complete major projects. It is expected that all work be turned in on time. Written work must be turned in within 24 hours to receive credit but will be marked down one whole letter grade. All artwork must be turned in by the end of the unit to receive credit.

Course Information can be found at www.grsd.org/teachers/kitchenk and you can email me at kkitchen@grsd.org

Class Expectations

              The following exceptions are a code for all art activities in and out of school.

• Class time is for art and your work. It is expected that you use the entire allotted class time on art. If you finish early, check to see if you have met all requirements. After that you may work quietly on other art projects or constructively help a classmate.
• To earn a passing grade, you must participate and contribute to all class activities and discussions.
• Verbal slander and inappropriate discussions are not allowed in school.
• Physical contact, running, and ignorant clumsiness will not be tolerated.
• You are responsible for everything you use; return it in better condition then you found it, please.
• Do not touch anybody’s work but your own.
• Do not deliberately misuse, waste, or otherwise destroy any material, tool, or time. If so, you will be responsible for the replacement value.
• Being tardy to class, talking in the doorway, and lining up at the door are greatly frowned upon.
• Challenge yourself-lame excuses not accepted.

Other

              No food or drink allowed in the art room. Only water bottles with caps are hard candy allowed. Personal listening devices are allowed, granted they do not interrupt class time or are overheard by anyone. If there is a substitute teacher, all work must be turned in, no passes will be granted, and double the penalty on all discipline infractions.

Grading

              All portfolio work will be graded using the art department grading rubric. There are 30 possible points that will be translated to a 100 pt. scale. Other work will be worth 5 pts. And graded with a

Art Department Grading Rubric

Syllabus

              This course consists of a series of projects, activities, readings, and writings that will help the student construct their own knowledge of the fundamentals of visual art.  Through the process of actively participating in the creation, examination, and discussion of art, the student will learn the concepts necessary to be successful.  Within this course students will be viewing art videos and prints that may contain images of the nude human figure as well as cultural content that is appropriate for older students in order to help them better understand art and it’s impact on society.

Visual Language

• Expression
• Communication
• Representation
• Immortality and permanence
• Recognition

Elements and Principles of Design

• Line
• Shape/form
• Value
• Texture
• Color
• Space
• Pattern
• Balance
• Unity/variety

Social Purposes of the arts in Society

• Illustration
• Gesture/action/movement
• Humor
• Portraiture
• Education