Clay Studio II & III (568001 & 572001) course Expectations 
Room: 416
Teacher: Mojdeh Kazem


Course Overview:

In Clay Studio II, Students will continue to develop their skills with clay working observationally, imaginatively, expressively, and abstractly. Students are going to explore advanced projects on constructing, carving, modeling, and hand building. The class refers to contemporary and historic practice from many sources and traditions. Ceramics and Sculpture III involves studying advanced topics and independent projects in clay working, and the development of a personal portfolio of three-dimensional artwork. Because of the more independent, personalized nature of the advanced courses, enrollment in this course requires a B+ or higher in the previous year of this subject. Expected Outcomes


By the completion of the Ceramics and Sculpture course, successful students will be able to:
  • Effectively use and discuss the basic elements and principles of art. 
  • Demonstrate a facility with a wide range of art tools, materials, and techniques. 
  • Demonstrate an exploratory attitude and approach to art-making.
  •  Develop highly creative work. 
  • Properly maintain art tools and materials.  
  • Take proper safety precautions. 
  • Communicate ideas and feelings through art. 
  • Communicate orally and in writing about your own artwork and the work of others. 
  • Analyze, discuss, and be inspired by the works of other artists (from our own and other times; from our own and other cultures). 
  • Solve problems using critical and creative thinking. 
  • Exercise self-discipline, self-reliance, and self-motivation. 
  • Demonstrate an appreciation of the roles art can play in your life and in the world. 
  • Develop an increasingly high level of craftsmanship. 
  • Help to foster a sense of community and collaboration. 
  • Create a substantial body of hand-built work. 
  • Develop an understanding of the firing process. 
  • Create an exhibit of your best work. 
  • Prepare your work for display in an exhibit. 
  • Take advantage of the opportunities to participate in presentations by artists, art school representatives, and field trips. Meet personal artistic goals.




Topics/ Content
Main Components: The elements and principles of art Form and function Three- dimensional composition Symmetry as it relates to ceramic form Skill with different methods and materials Famous and important art and artists Creative thinking and generating ideas Making Meaning - Visual communication and personal expression Studio Habits of Mind Design-thinking - Visual problem-solving, planning, and process Reflection, analysis, and critique


Essential Questions: 
  • What makes good art good? 
  • How can I improve my technical skills in artmaking? 
  • How do you see the elements of design in ceramics and sculptures? 
  • How can an artwork express an idea or emotion? How do I build a strong portfolio? 
  • How do I build a strong proposal for three-dimensional art works? 
  • What kinds of ideas and questions inspire me? 
  • From where can I look for inspiration as an artist? 
  • What are the options available to me as an artist? 
  • What informs why, how, and what artists and designers make? 
  • How do artists and designers make works of art and design?
  •  Why and how do artists and designers present their work to viewers?
Assessing Progress 
Assignments will be recorded in Aspen in one of three categories: Learning Process, Applied Learning Assessments, or Summative Assessments.

Percentages: The following percentages determine quarterly grades in this course. 

  • Learning Process: 10 % 
    • Students should review the Learning Process rubric for details on how they will be assessed. 

  • Applied Learning Assessments: 20% for CP art courses (30% for Honors art courses)
    • Students can expect workshops, homework, critiques/peer feedback, class activities, demonstrations, and other similar types of learning tasks to be included in this category. 

  • Summative Assessments: 70% for CP art courses (60% for Honors classes)
Students can expect final or long-term projects, unit tests, significant essays, cumulative presentations, and other similar types of assessments to be included in this category.    


Types of Assessment:

  • Class Activities 
  • Workshops
  • Studio Projects
  • Sketchbook
  • Written assignments (such as self-assessments, written peer critiques, and analysis of professional artworks)
  • Participation in critiques and other discussions and group activities
  • Presentations
  • Participation in the art exhibition
  • Tests and Exams


Grading Criteria:

You generally will be graded on a combination of concept, design, technical quality, and personal investment/work habits. 

Consideration may also be given to:
  • Research of ideas; concept development
  • Strength and clarity of concept 
  • Strength of design
  • Technical proficiency (skill)
  • Presentation
  • Understanding demonstrated in discussion and writing
  • Class participation 
(attendance, work habits, ambition, listening, asking questions, contributing)
  • Specific criteria for each assignment

These are the tools we use to measure your success:

Classroom Expectations
  • School rules from the Student Handbook apply.
  • Get to class on time
  • Use your time effectively
  • Take responsibility for the condition of your materials, your work area, and the studio. Clean up thoroughly.
  • Hand in your homework and projects on time
  • Attendance is critical to success in this program.
Studio time and group critique time cannot be replicated at home.
Poor attendance will have a direct bearing on your grade.
  • During class, cell phones should be turned off and kept in the assigned area.
  • Students MUST clean their workspaces at the beginning and end of each period.
  • ** Art classes will use Google Classroom, Google Drive, and teacher websites that can be found on the BHS Art & Design homepage.
  • ALWAYS get permission before leaving the classroom
    ** You must use Securely Pass app when leaving the room to use the bathroom, and use     the bathroom closest to the art room. **
  • Students are expected to be present and actively engaged during the scheduled class period every school day.
  • Teachers will give direction to the students working with the possibility of requiring that the work be turned in by the end of the session as an “exit ticket” via Google Classroom, email, or sharing from Google Drive.

★ All students are expected to adhere to the BHS Academic Integrity Policy. 
 
Revisions & Retakes


Student Support & Extra Help
  • Add information about when you are available for extra help and how students should schedule it. 
  • In addition to flex block, I am available for drop-in extra help sessions before school from 8:05 - 8:35 and after school from 3:00 - 3:15 on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. If these times don’t work for you, see me to schedule an appointment. 

Homework/Make-up Policy

  • All homework assignments will be posted on Google Classroom. Completed assignments must be submitted on the same platform (at the start of class on the due date or the start of school on the due date).

  • Students are responsible for arranging their make-up work. Work should be completed as soon as possible to limit disruptions to learning. The Student Handbook outlines the following timeframe:
  • Add details about your procedures for accessing and completing homework and make-up assignments here.

  • 1-2 Days of Consecutive Absences: All work is due within one week of the absence. 
  • 3-5 Days of Consecutive Absences: All work is due within two weeks of the absence. 
  • More than 5 Days of Consecutive Absences: See me for guidelines.

What Students Will Need A sketchbook - 11" x 14", at least 60 lb. paper weight -  A set of drawing pencils (HB to 6B) and an eraser (pink, kneaded, or both)  Recommended: a set of color pencils