Art 8

Art 8:  8th Grade Art Course Description and Syllabus

18 Weeks

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.

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

Grades:  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.  

Journals/Self-Evaluations - 5-10 points

Grading Criteria:  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:  Art courses are 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, provided that it is turned in one week prior to the last day of the grading period.

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.

Units of study will include and is subject to change for differentiation:

Candy Composition

Illustration based on a text

Paper Mache favorite food

Self-Portrait

Acrylic Fruit/Veggies

Product Design Packaging and Marketing

Printmaking with Tessellations

Figure Drawing and Action Figures

Calligraphy Name Plate

Ceramic Cupcake Project