Teachers: Madison Holmes & LeAnna Martinez Phillips
Course Level: Mixed Grades 9–12

 

Course Description

This course is designed to enable students to achieve visual arts literacy and develop technical artistic skills. In the visual arts, literacy is built through:

• Engagement in an authentic creative process

• Use of traditional and nontraditional materials

• Application of the formal elements of art and principles of design

• Learning the language of art to describe and critique artworks

• Discovering expressive qualities of art to reflect, connect personal experiences, and create meaning

Students will explore the four artistic processes:

1. Creating – generating and making new work

2. Presenting – preparing and sharing artworks

3. Responding – interpreting and evaluating art

4. Connecting – relating artistic ideas to personal and cultural contexts

 

Class Norms

• Engage fully and participate in all activities.

• Be prepared and on time.

• Respect yourself and others.

• Clean up after yourself and shared spaces.

• No phones unless teacher-approved (music or searching references).

• Note: Due to the nature of fine arts, students may encounter images that include nudity or themes they may not agree with. We will approach these with maturity and professionalism.

Grading Policy

Grades are calculated in Synergy and weighted by the following criteria:

• 0–4 Scale Rubric:

  • Advanced (A)

  • Proficient (B)

  • Developing (C)

  • Beginning (D)

• Percentage Scale:

  • 90–100% = A

  • 80–89% = B

  • 70–79% = C

  • 60–69% = D

  • Below 59% = F

All work will be accepted for full credit within the grading period.

Materials & Safety

Students will experiment with a variety of materials, including drawing tools, paints, clay, and mixed media.

• Safe handling of tools and materials is required.

• Students will also explore how art materials can impact human health and the environment.

Semester 1 Objectives

By the end of Semester 1, students will be able to:

• Use multiple approaches to begin creative endeavors.

• Engage in making a work of art or design without a preconceived plan.

• Explain how traditional and nontraditional materials may impact human health and the environment, and demonstrate safe handling practices.

• Describe how knowledge of culture, traditions, and history may influence personal responses to art.