Drawing I

Art: Drawing Course Description and Syllabus

9 Weeks

Drawing I:  9 weeks: Fundamental Skills (develop and practice all teacher guided)

Drawing II: 9 weeks:  Student Designed Studio Assignments for portfolio development (6 out of the list provided to students.  Students design the project)

This syllabus contains information for both courses since the courses are scheduled in the same Block.  The idea behind combining these two courses is in order to create an atmosphere of support. Taking a fostered learning approach helps students communicate and converse about the arts and their individual goals.

Goals:  Communicate ideas visually, increase skills, learn new vocabulary, identify stronger and more interesting compositions and become acquainted with artists (subject matter and style) and the time periods in which they worked.

Sketchbook:  Each student will maintain a sketchbook.  Sketchbooks help students take drawing skills and ideas from a novice level to a more advanced level.  Notes can and should be taken in sketchbook. There will be sketchbook checks approximately every other week.  There should be 3 drawings each week with a sketchbook check which demonstrate 20-40 minutes of work. Suggested topics will be determined on an individual manner depending on the unit being learned and personal interests and goals.  

Portfolios:  Students will keep select projects that demonstrate knowledge of each skill being investigated for each unit.  A reflective document in a journal format will be written for these selected works that are selected. The journal should reflect on the daily goals, struggles and successes, mental state and incorporate vocabulary appropriately.  

Grades are formulated into a point system.  The following are approximate. Students are involved in deciding and then agree upon how many points each component are worth.  

Portfolio/Studio assignments - <100 points.  

Sketchbooks - 5-10 points per collection.

Journals/Self-Evaluations - 5-10 points

Art Criticism - Final Exam Paper/Project

Grading:  The grading rubric for studio assignments are made up of 5 areas:  Elements and Principles, Craftsmanship/Skill Demonstrated, Requirements, Time Management and Originality.

Missing/Incomplete Assignments:  Drawing is a course that is studio-based, therefore attendance is critical to a student's’ success.  If a student falls behind for whatever reason, the teacher will grade the work of art as it stands incomplete, placing a grade into the grading system.  It is then the student's’ responsibility to complete the work in Ram (or at home if the project allows.) The student has until one week prior to the semester ending to turn in the missing/incomplete assignment to the teacher.  10% points will be removed for the work being late.

There are no extra credit assignments for art class.  However, here is the option provided: any student who is not satisfied with their grade can schedule to come in to the art room during RAM time for help and extra time.  Students have the option to re-do any project that they are dissatisfied with as long as they turn in the project one week prior to the end of that grading period.

Class Rules and Procedures:  All rules will be followed according to the student handbook.  If a student does not conduct themselves according to those rules, the student will be referred to the office for disciplinary action.

Students who are tardy 3+ times to art class will be referred to the office for disciplinary action

Cell phone use:  Cell phones are NOT allowed in the art room.

Drawing I and II:

Self Portrait

Still Life

One Point Perspective

Pastel Drawing

Pen and Ink Illustration

Figure Drawing