Syllabus

Welcome to Visual Arts

This is a semester-long introductory course emphasizing elements and mediums of art. In this class students will develop skills in drawing, painting, sculpture, collage, reading, writing, decision making, risk taking, and presenting artwork.

Course Curriculum Content

The entire list of Georgia Visual Arts Standards can be accessed through the district web address at Georgia Standards of Excellence: Visual Arts. These standards consist of an in-depth exploration of creating, presenting, and responding to art, while connecting the world of art to other areas of learning and personal endeavors.

Course Description:

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Demonstrate a knowledge of various artistic techniques.
Describe the elements of art.
Apply the elements of art to create their own work.
Read, write, and talk about artwork.

Makeup Work: Make up work is defined as work assigned during a student's absence, not work assigned prior to an absence. The student has five (5) school days upon returning to school to complete make-up work. The teacher has the discretion to grant a longer period to make up work if there are extenuating circumstances.

Instructional Materials

Materials for the class will be provided, however donations of any sort are welcome! This can range from old hairdryers for drying art works, to old magazines for collaging, to wood boards or ceramic tiles for use as canvases, and of course traditional art supplies such as paint brushes, paints, etc. We can make anything into art.

Expectations

Students are expected to maintain a clean and orderly classroom and use resources wisely.
Students will be respectful of others and take responsibility for their actions.
All students’ work must be their own work and not the work of others.

Academic Integrity

It is the expectation of Forsyth County Schools that students exhibit academic integrity when submitting evidence of learning. When students submit evidence that does not authentically represent what they know and can do, the evidence is rendered invalid. Examples of academic dishonesty are outlined in both the Family Engagement Guide & Student Handbook and The Forsyth County Schools Code of Conduct. Depending on the severity of the situation, academic dishonesty/cheating may result in the loss of credit, completing an alternative assignment and/or disciplinary consequences up to a tribunal referral.

● First Offense: Parent contact + take different assessment for full credit + admin conference entered in IC

● Second Offense: Parent contact + take different assessment for full credit + possible in-school suspension or out-of-school suspension

● Third Offense: Parent conference +academic integrity contract + loss of credit up to 100% + possible out-of-school suspension

● Academic Integrity offenses will not reset each school year. For example: If a student has an academic integrity offense during 6th grade and another one in 8th grade, the offense in 8th grade would be considered their second overall offense. Academic Integrity will reset once a student leaves middle school and enters high school.

● Standardized Assessments: Any suspicion or instances of cheating on standardized tests will be reported to the governing agency and, based on the severity of the behavior, will receive disciplinary consequences.

● Severe Offenses: Should a student engage in behavior that compromises the integrity of an assessment (i.e., theft of assessment, pictures/dissemination of content, etc.), immediate and more severe consequences (up to a disciplinary tribunal) may be applied.

*Students who face consequences for submitting work that does not reflect their own knowledge and skills may only reassess in accordance with the FCS Academic Integrity Consequences for Middle School Students outlined above.

Evaluation and Grading Weights

Grade Weights

25% - Classroom Assessments:

Journaling/Documenting process

75% - Summative Assessments: Production/Art pieces

Grade Weights

A: 90 and above

B: 80 - 89

C: 70 – 79

F: 69 or below