Material Cost: $25.

00
For All Visual Art Classes
Ms. Schmits Wonderful World of Art
A. L. Brown High Schools Visual Arts Syllabus
My Philosophy and Goals:
One thing I always find interesting is the reaction I get when others
find out Im an artist. The most common response is for people to comment
on the fact they cant draw and arent creative. Why do they think all art is
simply drawing and creativity is only reserved for the arts? The passion I have
for art education is a result of discovering the answer to that very question.
The reality is that art goes beyond a nice painting in a gallery. It true power is
that it provides substance to our everyday lives and challenges us to see and
become something better than we were before.
Why take an art class? It all comes back to the idea: to truly think
outside the box, you first have to learn where the edges are. Most people have
the misconception that art should only be about exploring and expressing
yours ides. Sure, thats part of it but you can do that on your own and it will
only take you so far. The power of taking an art class is it helps you develop a
common visual vocabulary, a wider range of skills (yes! They can be taught!),
and see how others experience art as well. These tricks make communicating
and executing an idea easier and deepen your relationship to the visual arts.
There is always room for exploring but having a bag of tricks to pull from
makes exploring more likely youll uncover truly new ideas and experiences.
Course Descriptions
Foundations 1 (Art 1): Beginning (no prerequisite)/ 3-D Design 1 (prerequisite: 80%+ in Art 1 and 2): An introduction to
basic skills and concepts that are essential for your development as a critical thinker and an artist. Both classes focus on
understanding and combining the Elements of Art, Art History, and foundational art skills. Art Critiques will be introduced and
are essential to the learning process for this class. Visual Arts I will work mostly with 2-D and some 3-D media (graphite,
charcoal, wire, etc.); 3-D design works more in 3-D with sculpting media (clay, wire, paper, etc.) with some 2-D concepts mixed
in. Effort is looked at strongly here, as well as individual improvement.
Foundations 2 (Arts 2): Intermediate (prerequisite: 80%+ in Art 1) / 3-D Design 2 (prerequisite: 80%+ in 3-D Design 1):
Continuing to expand basic skills and concepts learned in previous courses, we start including the Principles of Design to
challenge and develop skills like Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, and Creativity. You will be expected to maintain a higher level
of Skill, Craftsmanship, and Effort than in previous courses.
Honors 2-D Studio 1 (Arts 3): Proficient - (prerequisite: 80% or better in Art 1-2 and teacher approval) Now in this class is
where the Elements and Principles really begin to work together by focuses on Creative Processes. In other words, the Keys to
Success (Skill, Creativity, Craftsmanship, and Effort) come together truly begin to function as one to create well rounded,
meaningful art. We will continue to expand concepts from earlier classes while adding more advanced skills as well. Critiques
continue to be essential for improvement and understanding. You will be expected to expand and challenge your level of success
as an artist. Portfolio must be submitted at the end of the semester and meet specific criteria to receive Honors credit.
Honors 2-D Studio 1 Arts 4/AP Studio: Advanced (prerequisite: 80% or better in Art 1-3 and teacher approval) students will
be presented with the challenges artist experience in the professional world. They will explore and develop their own creative
process, complete commissioned work, and create an art series complete with artist statement. Students will be held accountable
to a work schedule they develop. All students will be expected to present a portfolio at the end of the year for this class but will
need to meet specific criteria for it to be submitted for AP or Honors credit.
Your Grade
Participation 40%
Assignments 20%
Art Projects 20%
Final Exam and Project 20%
Materials: A necessary part of all art classes is supplies. The people that pay the materials cost will ensure we
continue to have unrestricted access to art supplies and equipment. The class fee goes towards: materials essential for
art projects, sketchbooks, maintenance of equipment, etc. All students receive a kit with their supplies after the full
amount of the material cost is paid. They may keep the kit and are responsible for it for the rest of class. Students that
do not pay materials cost and those that misplace their art supplies will have access to the classroom sets; however, all
students will need to pay the materials cost if they want to check out art supplies and some projects home. I want
students to take their work home and am willing to be flexible. We can always set up a payment plan if it that helps.
All Students will be expected to bring something to write with, lined paper for notes, a folder/binder to put
notes and small assignments, and an open mind ready to learn.
Grading
This seems to be a concern in art, but its really not different from other classes.
Just remember the Keys to Success: Skill, Creativity, Craftsmanship, and Effort. I
use them to evaluate artwork, giving greater weight to different keys depending
on the assignment, individual and class level. For example: I expect students Skill
level to be much higher in an advanced class than in a beginning one. Going above
& beyond what is required is the path to success.
Participation and Attendance: Yes, participation is part of your grade! This is a
hands-on class so you have to be present physically and mentally to learn
techniques and use the equipment. There are ways you can earn some points at
home-Check the class blog if you are absent to find out how! Everyone starts the
day with 20pts (100pts per week). This means being in class prepared to work,
with a pencil & your art folder, using work time wisely, and helping with cleaning
(no standing around or just sitting talking with friends). Lost participation points can be made up with extra credit.
Assignments, Art Projects, and Exams: The best policy is to keep pace with the class. There will always be
enough time for assignments and projects in class as long as you use your time wisely. All assignments and projects
may be turned in one week after due dates for full credit. After that they are late but may receive half credit.
Unfinished work can be turned in on time for a lower grade. As long as the assignment was not late you are welcome
to improve a score on anything (including exams) just re-work/finish/retake and resubmit it for grading. Overall if
you find that you are falling behind; PLEASE TALK TO ME so we can come up with another solution.
Absence: It is your responsibility to find out what else was missed as well as make up. If youre absent you need to
also make up missed participation points. Check the class blog and talk with your classmates before coming to me-
this makes getting caught up faster and easier for us both. In the event you have more points to make up than time
outside school or cannot come in after school, talk to me ASAP! I know life happens, and I can be reasonable. We
can work together to come up with an alternative solution.
Extra Credit: To encourage students to do the work the first time, extra credit will only be added to participation. This way
everyone gets a clear picture of your performance in the class. Coming in after school to clean or do extra work on projects is
also a great way to earn some extra credit. I also give extra credit for going above and beyond expectations for daily activities (ex:
starting Creativity Journals without being asked, working on task, participating during class discussions, etc.).
Personal Electronics: Students may use them for class but only with teachers permission and must follow proper
etiquette: only one ear bud in for music, neighbors should not be able to hear your music, but ask permission before looking up
source images for art projects. If you use them for other non-class related activities you will be written up.