Art Syllabus 2017/2018 

 

Willow Glen Middle School Instructor: Mary Evans Room: D 101 

Phone: (408) 535‐6277 Email: meevans@sjusd.org Office Hours: by appointment 

  

Description 

This art class is a two semester long exploratory art course. The course will cover basic art appreciation art 

criticism, art history and art skills and techniques, utilizing the elements and principles of design. The 

course is structured to provide a base of fine art skills, techniques and theory in multiple mediums with 

opportunities for creative expression. Students will create works of art to explore their interest in the visual 

arts. 

 Course Objectives 

Students will be able to: 

• Use art vocabulary to discuss and write about art 

• Apply elements and principles of design to create art 

• Illustrate, render, and create art subjects in a well‐executed manner 

• Demonstrate applicable skills to create different works of art in a variety of mediums 

• Study the history of art and its influence on today’s creations 

• Demonstrate knowledge of different 2D skills such as drawing, painting, printmaking, color, design, layout, 

as well as various 3D projects 

• Demonstrate an understanding of art theory and criticism 

• Identify various career opportunities in art  

• Through art, students will gain a deeper understanding of themselves, others, and the world around them. 

 Teacher Beliefs 

● All students have the right to a quality education 

● Classrooms should provide a safe, positive, and caring atmosphere 

● Students should be challenged to achieve their maximum potential 

● We are all responsible for our own actions. 

 

 

 

Art Syllabus 2017/2018 

 CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS 

This discipline policy is intended to promote self‐confidence, fairness, honesty, responsibility, human 

values, and self‐management. Schools are created to help people learn skills and increase their knowledge. 

Teachers and students are expected to try their best and obey the rules of good behavior. 

 

Respect All  Achieve Your Best  Make responsible choices 

Respect and put away 

others’ materials Be in your seat on time and 

prepared to learn. Bring your materials 

everyday to class. 

Actively listen while others 

are talking Actively participate in all 

classroom activities, both 

verbally and nonverbally 

Leave your gum at home. 

Always use appropriate, 

respectful language. Listen to instructions, ask 

for clarification when 

needed 

Enjoy only water in the 

classroom. 

The school’s PBIS motto is the RAM Way (Respect all, Achieve your best, Make responsible choices).    When students behave appropriately, they may earn rewards. If a student chooses to break a rule, they 

must deal with the consequences. The following is a sample of possible rewards and consequences. 

Possible Rewards   

1. Student of the Week Award 2. Call/ Letter home 3. Homework Passes 4. Treats 

 

 Consequences If students choose not to fully participate in class, consequences do exist. They are as follows: 1

st and 2

nd infractions    Warnings 

3 rd infraction      Change of seat or Lunch detention 

(As appropriate) 4

th infraction    Parent phone call and written warning 

With parent signature     5

th infraction (and every time thereafter) Sent to administration  

with Office Referral *Steps can be skipped, depending on the severity of the disruption.    

 

Art Syllabus 2017/2018 

  Grading Policy Students are expected to consistently improve upon their personal levels of achievement and their effort in this pursuit. Grades will be based on an overall average of studio projects and class participation. *A point system will be used for each of the following key assignments assigned:  Studio Projects (60%) are projects that are worked on in the classroom. Projects typically run from 1 to 3 weeks in length. Studio projects are primarily worked upon independently in the classroom, but there will be group work in the form of research, presentations, critiques or a collaborative project. Aspects of the projects will be given as homework assignments. Independent assignments will be assigned to build on skills, techniques and themes of the current unit. These projects become homework in the event they are incomplete, not turned in on time, or do not yet meet grading expectations stated on the rubric for each project.  The studio assignment will be broken down into several parts: • Introduction to the project • Demonstration(s) of how to make the project • Student research and preparatory sketches • Student revision/critiques • Production of project • Final critique/Assessment of project  Artwork will be graded on the successful completion according to a predetermined rubric. In general, most rubrics will be based upon following: assignment instructions, practice of techniques and skills of the project, originality/creativity, craftsmanship, effort and participation, and timeliness of submission. Projects will have a due date, and sometimes may overlap. There will be some flexibility in submission if, and when, special circumstances occur. Art process often entails research and experimentation, and can require additional attempts at success. While projects and assignments are expected on the due date, please be sure to let the teacher know of extenuating circumstances and the need of additional time. If a second attempt is made on the project, the highest grade will be entered in the grade book. Independent assignments from books, handouts, practice sheets, video notes, quizzes, etc., are expected on the due date. In addition, participating in school productions (pullouts, etc) does not excuse you from assigned deadlines—plan accordingly.  Class Participation (40%) is a crucial portion of the student’s grade. Students are expected to come to class on time and ready to learn. Their grade is based on their individual effort they put towards the studio projects and group discussions that take place during classroom. Each day students have the opportunity to earn 5 points for Class Participation.       

 

Art Syllabus 2017/2018 

At the end of the grading period, these points will be totaled. A grade will be given according to the following percentages: A = 100% ‐ 90% B = 89% ‐ 80% C = 79% ‐ 70% D = 69% ‐ 60% F = 59% ‐ below Policy for Resubmitted and Late work It is wise to stay on task and complete the work within a reasonable amount of time. Incomplete work will be graded at a maximum of 50%.. Late work with an excused absence will be accepted for full credit if absence is excused. *If the student is absent from class, it is their responsibility to ask the teacher what they missed while being absent.  Extra Credit – A variety of assignments will be offered for extra points. Please note that extra credit points will not cover the point value of a missing major project within a reasonable amount of time.  Opportunities for Extra Help Extra help is available upon request during lunch or by appointment. It is required for the student to schedule a time and place with the teacher.  Classroom Texts  Textbooks are available for classroom student use. We will reference the following available textbooks on occasion as we explore art examples, art criticism lessons, and artistic literacy. Various articles, essays, book excerpts (handouts will be provided) Aside from these, students are strongly encouraged to use other reference materials in the classroom, the library, magazines, and the World Wide Web.  Recommended Materials to be brought to class each period • Pencils (wooden casing‐‐i.e. Standard #2 style) Students may also bring mechanical pencils in addition to wood pencil • Erasers (white vinyl preferred) • Folder/Binder to store handouts • Sketchbook ( 9” x 12”)  Supplemental materials Basic supplies will be provided, however, the care and quality of the supplies cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, students are encouraged to bring their own supplies whenever possible. • Black felt tip pen or equivalent • Colored pencils and colored markers  *All school donations are encouraged, appreciated and always in need. Contact me for more details.   

 

Art Syllabus 2017/2018 

Please remove the following page and return it to your Mrs. Evans within 2 business days.  RETURN TO MRS. Evans – ART I have read and understand the expectations listed in this syllabus. I also know that I will be held responsible for the information in this letter.    Student Name (printed) _______________________________________________ 

Student Signature _________________________________ Date _____________ 

Student Primary Home Phone _______________________________________ 

Student Cell Phone ________________________________________ 

Student e‐mail ______________________________________________________ 

  

Name of Parent or Guardian #1 _______________________________________________ 

Signature of Parent #1 ____________________________Relationship________________ 

Home Address ___________________________________________________ 

    ____________________________________________________ 

Home Phone __________________________ Cell phone ___________________ 

Place of Work __________________________ Work phone ___________________ 

E‐mail address ______________________________________________________ 

 

Parent or Guardian will need a translator for conferences and phone calls (circle one):   

YES NO   

Student has a smartphone with internet access (circle one):   

YES (3G) Yes (4G) NO 

Student has a computer with internet access at home (circle one):   

YES NO  

Note to parents/guardian: Is there anything that you would like to tell me about your child (for example, medical, or special educational needs, custody arrangements, etc?)