Drawing and Painting I & II - Annual Courses

Sculpture - Annual Course                                                 2009-2010 syllabus

2-D  Design and 3-D Design - Semester Courses

Dear Students and Parents,

              Welcome to the art department at Miami Springs Senior High.  Our lessons are designed to encourage creativity as well as develop thinking skills. In addition to teaching the basic curriculum, we plan to involve students in contests and exhibits and help them explore scholarship and career opportunities.    We look forward to a productive and meaningful school year.

Course Description:

The main focus will be the study of drawing, painting, sculpture or  2-D & 3-D design as they relate to history and cultures.  The elements of art and the way they are organized using the priciples of design will be explored in each assignment. In addition to increasing their skills in the use of various media, students will correlate class projects with work done by well-known artists.  They will learn about different styles and some key developments made in art.  Some lessons will be short, but many will take several days.  It is important that students attend class every day so that they do not miss assignments or fall behind in longer projects.

Class time will include activities in reading, note taking, planning (writing and sketching), research, and producing original works of art.  Some work will be collaboration.  Everyone will be expected to contribute in group assignments.   Students will have written tests based on class studies.  Students will also engage in group and class critiques which will build on their communication skills and augment their studies as well.  

Their home learning assignments will include research and sketches to help plan class projects, and journal entries and/or drawings to expand on what they learn in class.  Most home learning assignments will be done in the student's sketch book/journal.  

These are some of the lesson topics planned:

Explore various subject matter:                                           Apply Principles of Design

architecture, nature, portraits, etc.                                    Careers in art and related fields  

Explore various media:  paint,                                             Critiquing and comparing   

cut paper, printing, collage, etc.                                        artists and their styles

Use elements of Art                                                               Art as part of history and culture                                               

              Students will be given specific requirements or guidelines for each project.

They will be graded on their understanding, their creativity and originality, the development of their ideas, the use of the elements and principles of design, their craftsmanship, and their overall effort.

                    Academic grades will be distributed approximately as follows:

                           50% class projects                         15% class participation

                           15% home learning                        20% tests

                       (Work that is begun, but not completed, will receive a lowered grade)

 There will either be a fee charged for materials, or students may be asked to get special supplies for various projects.  Students will create their own sketchbook and construct a portfolio (folder) to keep their work in class. 

A pencil and their sketchbook/journal will be required for every class.

Some of the class work may require the use of scissors, indelible paints and inks, craft (X-acto) knives and small carving tools.  Students will be expected to review proper procedures and safety precautions prior to the use of any tool or material and follow directions carefully. It should also be noted that clay and plaster are used in the classroom and can create fine particles of dust.  While sanding and carving, students are expected to wear a dust mask, however the accumulation of dust in the room may still cause a problem at any time for someone with asthma or a similar condition.   

              During the first few days of school, we will discuss class rules, policies and procedures, and the contents of this syllibus.  Students are expected to review all of this information with a parent or guardian and return a signed paper to class to show that they have done so.

              Please note:   Students that neglect their home learning assignments,  handle materials improperly, or demonstrate unacceptable behavior during class,  may be prohibited from participating in some class activities.  Instead, they will be given alternative assignments.  This may affect their academic, as well as their effort and conduct grades.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me at MSSH (305) 885-3585 or e-mail me at llcampbell@dadeschools.net

                                          Thank you for your cooperation in meeting our goals,

                                                                                                         Ms. L. Campbell