OFFICIAL COURSE DESCRIPTION

Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12

10 Credits

This course is designed to serve as a foundation for the study of art in high school and is usually a prerequisite for all other high school art courses. It is intended for all students, whether they are interested in art as a possible career or whether their formal experience in art will end with this single course. The essential components of good composition are stressed throughout the course as are thinking skills and problem solving. Students work in the areas of drawing, painting, ceramics or sculpture, mixed media, printmaking, and fibers or metals. Art history, criticism, and aesthetics are incorporated. A student who has demonstrated superior ability in art as well as a strong desire to learn may submit a portfolio of original work to the middle or high school art teacher for waiver of this introductory course.

GENERAL COURSE OVERVIEW

The major objective of Art Concepts & Materials is that the student, using a variety of art materials, will develop creative solutions to various 2 and 3 dimensional art problems.

This full- year course meets every day.and is different from other art courses students may have had in middle, private or elementary school. Greater time and continuity allows for greater focus on the creative problem solving process, along with more experience with various art materials and techniques.

Students will also continue to build their understanding of the various principles of art, as evidenced by their conscious incorporation of these principles into their art work. Formal critiques and discussions will further require the students to demonstrate their understanding of the elements of art from a cultural and historical perspective.

Evaluation of the students' art work is usually done in two ways. Normally, the class meets to critique their work. The critique gives the students an opportunity to see and discuss how they have handled the same art problem. The focus of the critique is to identify those "things" that make the art work successful. It also is a forum for students to demonstrate how they've learned to discuss other's art work in a specific, informative, and positive manner.

All students are expected to successfully complete the problems assigned. Some students may need more time or help. This can be scheduled with the student's instructor, provided the student used his/her class time effectively.

While making their visual art, students should also learn to be better creative thinkers, quality producers, self-directed learners, and cooperative workers. Students are expected to work both in groups and individually to complete their projects and maintain the classroom environment. Student progress in these areas will be communicated by interim reports.

We, in the South Art Department, believe "art" should continue to be a enjoyable and valuable class. We see it as a place where the students are encouraged and expected to use a "hands on" approach to explore ideas, techniques, and materials to solve visual and tactile art problems. Students should learn from both their own efforts, as well as the success and mistakes of others.