Art

Mrs. Todd
toddj@clps.k12.mi.us
Description
Art will encourage students to make meaning through visual methods. By developing an
understanding of various artistic concepts, students will learn how to communicate with others
through the interpretation of others artwork and the exhibition of their own.
Objectives
Students will identify and utilize various themes to connect the artwork from class to their own lives
and communicate through their artwork.
Students will improve their technique.
Students will add to their vocabulary knowledge.
Students will create art with a variety of media including: drawing pencils, paint, clay, and collage.
Students will study the meaning behind various artworks.
Students will develop and compose their own meaning using the elements and principles of design
effectively.
Students will reflect on their own artwork as well as constructively critique the work of others.
Course Methods
Participation
Projects
Presentations
Expectations
Be Respectful
Treat everyone with proper consideration, regardless of whether he/she is in the classroom at the
time. Use respectful language, in writing as well as in discussions. Show respect for your
environment by keeping the classrooms clean and neat.
Be Responsible
Arrive at class on time and with all necessary materials. Complete assignments on time, ask
questions when necessary, and stay aware of deadlines. Be prepared for the start of class each day.
Do what is right, regardless of what everyone else in class is doing.
Be Appropriate
Conduct yourself as a mature, well-mannered young adult. Think before speaking and make sure all
contributions to the class dialogue should be meaningful and pertinent. Take care of personal
business when the time is appropriate. Use your privileges wisely.
Be Involved
Participate to the fullest extent that you can. Stay awake. Take part in discussions. Ask questions.
Answer questions. Stay on task. Take notes. Keep your head up. Do your homework. Use class time
efficiently. Listen. Watch. Participate.

Be Honest
Do your own work. Do not cheat, and do not plagiarize. Do not attempt to sneak around the rules.
Avoid inventing excuses to cover up for your mistakes. Accept consequences for your mistakes, and
learn from them.
Resources and Materials
Sketchbook
Pen/pencil
Grades
Always remember: I do not GIVE grades; you EARN them.
Sketchbook
20%
Projects
65%
Tests
15%
Grading Scale:
A+
100% - 98%
A
97% - 93%
A92% - 90%
B+
89% - 87%
B
86% - 83%
B82% - 80%
C+
79% - 77%
C
76% - 73%
C72% - 70%
D+
69% - 67%
D
66% - 63%
D62% - 60%
F
Below 60%
Developmental Behaviors of High School Students in Art
The truth is, we are not all natural born artists. Some have to work harder than others and
some will never reach that level of achieving perfect representational realism. According to Viktor
Lowenfeld, at the high school age, students either like creating art or prefer to leave it alone.
Natural development will cease unless a conscious decision is made to improve drawing skills. I
will provide students with the tools and advice necessary to improve their drawing skills but only if
they so choose. Although many students are often critically aware of the immaturity of their
drawing and are easily discouraged, I will provide other disciplines for them to express their ideas
through. Clay, paint, found objects, collage, and plaster are just a few of the many mediums we can
use to explore our thoughts. I will also utilize Lowenfelds solution to the problem of the students
discouragement by enlarging their concepts of art to include non-representational art and the
transformative lessons of art across various occupations.