Studio Art Course Expectations
Teacher: M. Kazem                                 
Course Title and Number: Studio Art
Grades 9, 10, 11.12
Prerequisite - None
5 per/wk – 5 credits
Full year course
Room: 414
Email: [email protected]

Course Overview
 
Design is the prerequisite for all studio art courses offered at the high school. This course will cover the basic art principles and compositional concepts in both two and three-dimensional design. Students work in all areas of art with an emphasis on drawing, painting, 2-D and 3-D design, looking at/writing about art, art history, and aesthetics. Conceptual design problems as well as technical skills are emphasized. The use of a variety of medium- pencil, pen, crayon, charcoal, watercolor, paint, clay, and wire will help the student develop many skills that will aid in their personal growth and self – expression. Through historical and cultural references students will develop an appreciation of art as an expression of other cultures.  This art history component seeks to reinforce visual literacy and a respect for diverse and creative thought.
 
Successful Learning
 
  • LOOK carefully. Understand the importance of observation and reflection.
  • Understand and appreciate the process of artmaking.
  • Listen to the assignment introduction - Ask questions.
  • Be open to suggestions.
  • Make productive use of your time.
  • Be aware of how other students solve similar problems.
  • Be willing to edit; transform and alter your artwork
  • Take advantage of your sketchbook and draw independently.
  • Cooperate with your classmates and respect their work.
  • Challenge yourself. Go beyond the specified requirements of an assignment.
  • If there seems to be a simple solution, push yourself to find a more creative one.
  • Don't be afraid to make changes - to take risks. Be willing to re-work an assignment.
  • Remember that you are working on unique, original solutions to visual problems.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment.
  • Complete the homework assignments (1 1/2 - 2 hours/week) - they parallel the class work.
  • Visit museums and galleries.
  • Look at art in books and magazines.
 
Student Learning Expectations
 
As a student in this course, you will be expected to:
  • Apply a variety of problem-solving strategies. You will be learning many ways to approach artmaking. Some will involve writing your ideas, some will involve rough drafts, some will involve working spontaneously and experimentally.
  • Employ current technology to investigate, create, communicate, and produce.
  • Write effectively in your sketchbook and in written critiques of artwork.
  • Communicate orally by sharing your ideas with the class and discussing the work of others.
  • Read critically from magazine articles on famous artists, and when working on an art history research project.
  • Demonstrate self-control and respect for all individuals. Speak honestly and respectfully to your classmates and respect their voice and their opinions in discussions and group critiques.
  • Pursue and participate in modes of artistic and creative expression EVERY DAY.
  • Exhibit responsible citizenship. Be responsible for your tools and your workspace, assist your classmates when needed, consider how you can reach out to the rest of the school and your community with your art.
 
Expected Outcomes
 
By the completion of the Design course, successful students will be able to:
 
  • Effectively use and discuss the basic elements and principles of art.
  • Increase skills in developing effective compositions.
  • Demonstrate a facility with (and an exploratory attitude and approach to using) a wide range of art tools, materials, and techniques.
  • Demonstrate proper maintenance of tools and materials. Take proper safety precautions.
  • 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.
  • Communicate ideas and feelings through art.
  • Communicate orally and in writing about your own artwork and the work of others.
  • Collaborate on group projects. Help to foster a sense of community and collaboration.
  • Portrait of a Graduate in Our Classes
    Burlington Public Schools has adopted the Portrait of a Graduate as a vision for student success, focusing on critical thinking, effective communication, successful collaboration, and resourceful problem solving. Each faculty member across all subjects—including the arts—is committed to weaving these essential skills into daily lessons.
    • In art classes, this means students will not only create but also practice collaboration, problem-solving, reflection, and communication through their projects, ensuring that artistic growth contributes directly to the lifelong skills expected of every Burlington graduate.

 
Topics/ Content
 
Main Components:
 
  • The elements of art and how the principles of design are used to organize them
  • The importance of observation and reflection
  • Various methods and materials including those for drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, ceramics, sculpture, mixed-media, illustration techniques, graphic design, and creative thinking exercises
  • Famous art, artists, and their historical importance and contexts
  • Visual communication and personal expression
 
Essential Questions:
 
  • What makes good art good?
  • How can I improve my technical skills in artmaking?
  • How do I design better?
  • How do I come up with and develop better ideas?
  • How can art communicate meaning?
  • What are some of the options available to an artist?
  • What kinds of ideas and questions inspire artists?
  • What kinds of ideas and questions inspire me?
  • What are more of the options available to me as an artist?
  • What makes a successful art exhibition, and how do I create an exhibit of my best work?
  • Why is art important?
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/Journal
  • Presentations
  • Written self-evaluations
  • Written peer evaluations
  • Participation in oral critiques
  • Final portfolio of work
  • Participation in the year-end exhibition
  • Unit Tests and Final Exam

 
Grading Criteria:
You will generally be graded on a combination of concept, design, technical quality, and participation
  • Studio Habits of Minds Criteria
  • Research of ideas; concept development
  • Strength and clarity of concept
  • Strength of design
  • Technical proficiency
  • Presentation
  • Understanding demonstrated in discussion and writing
  • Portraits of Graduate Criteria
  • Specific criteria for each assignment based on Studio Habits of Minds 
 
You generally will be graded on a combination of concept, design, technical quality, and personal investment/work habits. Although we reference the art department’s general grading rubric, you are at a level in your art education where the rubric will need to be modified for many projects based on the independent, individualized nature of your artistic investigations. In these cases, you will be graded on how well you met the objectives.
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.
  • Cell phones are to be always turned OFF when in class
  • 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 ______________. Completed assignments must be submitted ___________(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.

Additional Information
Please feel free to contact me at school by email [email protected]
I can usually be found in the Ceramics Studio and the Art Studio (414 and 416),  or the art department office  – they’re all connected.
BHS Art Department website: www.burlingtonhighschoolart.org

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