Harrells Christian Academy
Foundations of Art
Course Syllabus
Credit Hours: 0.5
Grade Levels: 10-12
Description: This course is designed to introduce students to the
fundamental concepts in visual arts. A focus on terminology and art history will also be incorporated to aid in critiques and development. The Course will encounter 5 major areas:
- Elements of Art and Principles of Design
- Drawing
- Contour Line Drawings
- One-point Perspective
- Grid drawing
- Color Theory
- Three-Dimensional Design
- Art History
Textbook: Art in Focus by Gene a. Mittler
Instructor: Meredith H. Horne
mhorne@harrellsca.org
Mary Susan Cowan Johnson Auditorium – Second Floor
(910) 385-7439 Main
(910) 532-4575 School
Materials: Spiral Bound Sketchbook
Kneaded Eraser
Sharpie Markers (Medium and Fine Point)
Bristol Paper Pad (11” x 14” or bigger)
Graphite Pencils (2H, H, 2B)
Rubber Cement (1 bottle)
12” or 18” Ruler
Internet Access
Book Cover
I. Major Objectives:
Over the duration of this course students will develop an enhanced level of
comprehension in the following fundamental areas of artistic design:
- Proper use of language and constructive criticism in art critiques
- Elements of Art
- Principles of Design
- Historical Perspective
- Properties of Different Media
Major performance expectations include the following:
- The student will be able to give oral and written critiques of their own artwork and their peers’ work using correct terminology.
- The student will explore the differences in media types.
- The student will problem-solve during new projects by employing information acquired in previous lessons.
- The student will actively seek out new information in the art world, including, but not limited to (1) New York Times Articles, (2) Art Magazines, and (3) Local artist exhibitions.
- The student will acquire information through class lectures, class discussions, written assignments, reading assignments, and take-home practices.
- The student will demonstrate his/her knowledge, understanding, and application of course topics through class participation with the instructor and other students, timely completion of classroom assignments and projects, and formal testing and evaluation procedures.
As instructional methodology, the teacher will:
- Show the interdisciplinary nature and historical significance of visual arts;
- Include examples of concepts, terms, and generalizations presented in discussion; and
- Encourage students to write well and think logically and independently.
II. Course Requirement and Grading
- Daily Class Requirements 10% of Grade
- Attendance.
- Participation in class discussions and critiques.
- Completing homework assignments on time.
- Reading assignments.
- Project Requirements 40% of Grade
- Correct use of materials.
- Understanding concepts introduced.
- Utilization of concepts introduced.
- Neat final presentation.
**See attached project evaluation rubric.
- Written Requirements 15% of Grade
- 3 Written Assignments
- Correct use of assigned citation style
- Exams 20% of Grade
- Sketchbook Requirements 15% of Grade
- 30 fully developed entries by end of term.
- Three progress checks during the term.
- Inclusion of assigned entries.
III. Classroom Policies and Procedures
The following policies have been established so that we can have a productive
and enjoyable year.
- Attendance. Time is a crucial element in an instructional art environment.
When a student misses a day of class, they have missed time in which progress can be made on their project. Absences will happen. If a student is aware of an upcoming day that they will not be present they should contact the instructor to arrange for any work that may be missed. When you are absent it is your responsibility to obtain any discussion notes, assignments, papers, etc., from a classmate or the teacher. Students may arrange to stay after school to make up for missed time on art projects with permission from the instructor. Attendance also includes showing up to class on time, prepared to learn with required materials.
- Participation A crucial element in the art world is the willingness to talk about
the art being produced and viewed. Group critiques will be a
large part of our learning process this term. Not only will critiques
teach students how to use their vocabulary in a formal setting,
they will also help students improve their own work by obtaining
feedback from their peers and the instructor. It is imperative that
all students participate actively in group discussions.
Active participation in class includes:
- Asking intelligent questions and giving intelligent insight.
- Respectfully giving and receiving constructive criticism.
- Taking notes.
- Staying organized and keeping up with materials.
3. Homework Out of class assignments are necessary to further the learning
process. Students are expected to have assignments ready by
their due date. All assignments must be turned in at the beginning of class on the scheduled due date. Any assignments turned in late will be automatically dropped one letter grade (i.e. an A+ becomes an A and an A becomes an A-).
Reading. Assigned reading will usually be discussed in class the next day. It is imperative that students read assigned materials in order to participate actively. Reading will also give students ideas for their own artwork in future situations.
Writing. Part of the artistic process in the ability to write about the work viewed. This includes both formal and informal assignments. Students will be expected to use correct terminology and proper formatting. Students will also explore two types of citation systems: MLA and Chicago Manual. Teacher will instruct students as to which is appropriate prior to each writing assignment.
New York Times Online. Each student is required to register for a free online subscription to the New York Times. Occasionally students will be assigned articles or videos to view on the website. This will help to keep students in touch with the modern world of art and possibly give inspiration for future projects.
Sketchbook. Each student’s sketchbook is provided as a vehicle for keeping ideas, terms, and inspirations in one location. Students should keep their sketchbook with them at all times, especially in class. They should actively take down notes and sketches during class discussions. Students should also complete 30 fully developed entries into their sketchbook by the end of the term. This does not include notes, inspirations, or quick sketches. Assigned sketchbook entries WILL count as a part of the final 30 required entries. There will be three progress checks on the journals throughout the term (each date is listed on the course schedule). Students should show progress with the number and quality of entries in respect to the time allowed between said progress checks.
4. Logistics
The following organizational items are important:
- All written assignments must be typewritten or computer generated. If this is a problem, discussion with the teacher is required immediately.
- The following heading must be submitted on all typed work unless otherwise noted:
- Student Name – First and last
- Course Name
- Teacher’s Name
- Date (Day Month, Year)
- On typed work of more than one page, student’s last name and page numbers should be included in the bottom right hand corner of the extra pages unless otherwise noted.
5. Conduct The art room is full of many tools and gadgets that aid us in our
quest to create. However many of the tools we will use this term
can be dangerous if not used correctly. It is vital that classroom
behavior be at it’s best. The following are basic rules for everyday
conduct in the art room:
- Be respectful of others.
- Clean up after yourself. This includes cleaning up paint spills, papers, thoroughly washing out brushes, and returning ALL supplies to their CORRECT location.
- Do NOT play with or use supplies until directed.
- Listen to and follow directions carefully and closely.
- Horseplay will not be tolerated.
- Lying, Stealing, Cheating, and Plagiarism are absolutely forbidden.
Basic life rules that apply in the classroom:
- Show concern and passion for your fellow student. This includes, but is not limited to, refraining from the use of any ethnic, religious, or gender slurs.
- Give respect. Get respect. Others will not respect you if you do not respect them.
- Do not talk or interrupt while someone else is talking.
- There is no such thing as a dumb question!
Other Expectations:
- Bring sketchbook and other supplies to class everyday.
- Ask for permission before leaving the room during class.
- Feel free to bring a closable-top bottle of water if desired.
- All work turned in for grades is expected to be neatly presented with a cover sheet.
IV. Engrade.com
In an effort to provide a more open access for parents to my classroom and students’ progress I have created an account on the website http://www.engrade.com. This web-based program allows several things:
- Teacher access to grades, reports, and calendar from any internet location.
- Student access to assignment due dates and files for additional study help.
- Parent access to grades, absences, tardies, and citizenship (conduct comments) posted by the teacher.
Each student will be given an access code at the beginning of the year and will use that code to create an account. When creating the account, students/parents are able to choose their own username and password, eliminating the threat of fellow students accessing your reports. Reports will also show missing work and cumulative grades. The overall purpose of this program is to allow parents to keep a track on their student’s progress in the classroom.
My personal website can be found at:
http://www.engrade.com/mhhorne
V. Tentative Schedule of Topics & Due Dates
August 18-22 Introductions and Syllabus
Conduct Contract (**Due 08.22.08)
Elements of Art and Principles of Design
Read Chapter 2: The Language of Art
25-29 Test on EOA, POD, and Chapter 2
Project #1: Lined-Shape Composition
Read Chapter 4: Art Criticism and Aesthetics
Read Chapter 5: Art History
September 2-5 Work on Project #1
Read Chapter 6: Art of Earliest Times
8-12 Finish work on Project #1
**Project #1 Due: 09.12.08
Read Chapter 7: Art of Ancient Egypt
- Project #2: Notan Symmetry
Test on Chapters 4, 5, 6, 7, and Notan Symetry
Read Chapter 8: Art of Rising Civilizaations
- Finish work on Project #2
Read Chapter 9: Roman Art
Project # 2 Due: 09.26.08
October 29-03 Project #3 Grid or One-Pt Perspective Drawing
Read Chapter 10: Art of India, China, and Japan
Paper #1 Due.
6-10 Work on Project #3
**Project #3 Due 10.10.08
Read Chapter 11: The Native Arts of the Americas
Read Chapter 12: The Arts of Africa
Test on Chapters 8, 9, and 10
Project #4: The Color Wheel
Read Chapter 13: Early Christian, Byzantine, and Islamic
Project #4 Due 10.25.08
Read Chapter 14: Early Medieval and Romanesque Art
Project #5: 2-Point Perspective Drawing
Test on Chapters 11, 12, 13, and 14
Read Chapter 15: Gothic Art
November 3-7 Work on Project #5
Read Chapter 16: The Italian Renaissance
Texture
Project #6: Clay Relief
Read Chapter 17: 15th c. Art in Northern Europe
Read Chapter 18: Art of 16th c. Europe
Paper #2 Due 11.14.08
17-21 Finish Project #6
Project #6 Due 10.21.08
Read Chapter 19: Baroque Art
Research Social Issues
Test on Chapters 15, 16, 17, 18, & 19
Read Chapter 20: Rococo Art
December 1-5 Work Final Project: Social Issues
Read Chapter 21: New Directions in 19th c. Art
Read Chapter 22: Art of the Later 19th c
- Review for Final Exam (Cumulative)
Final Project Due: Exam Day
Information found in this Description is subject to change with due notice.
