Design Works Syllabus

Half Year Course

Instructor: Ms. Higgins

Design Works is an introductory course to a variety of contemporary art and design issues. Students will explore art- making in a variety of media, identify and develop visual learning.

All projects will facilitate the “Elements and Principles of Art” and will be further explored through a variety of sketchbook assignments, class discussions, critiques and applied to projects. We will explore the medias of paint, sculpture, collage, drawing and printmaking.

Supply list:

  • Each student will need a sketchbook, preferably a hard cover, any size is acceptable. They are inexpensive and easy to find. This is required and will be a major part of your grade. Sketchbooks will be collected every Friday for grading. Assignments will consist of exercises that reinforce drawing skills. We will also utilize our sketchbooks for research, planning and production for projects.
  • Always have a writing utensil with you in class, preferably a number 2 pencil.
  • If you are able, any donations of hand held pencil sharpeners, tissues or hand wipes are greatly appreciated!

Please try to have your sketchbook in class for: Tuesday 9/15.

Class Rules and Procedures:

In order to ensure a safe, positive, respectful and productive learning environment for all students, we will compromise ourselves as a classroom community to the following:

  1. Be on Time. Sit in your assigned seat immediately.
  2. Turn off all electronic devices. No ear buds.
  3. Be Safe: Follow all safety procedures.
  4. Be respectful to others and all staff.
  5. Listen to directions and remain quiet during lecture.
  6. Appropriate language and behavior at all times.
  7. Clean up work area, return supplies to proper storage spaces.
  8. Hand in all work on time. Late work results in point deductions.
  9. Do not line up at the door prior to dismissal. Remain in your seats until dismissed.
  10. Tardiness and unexcused absences are not acceptable.

Consequences:

  1. Verbal warning
  2. Phone call home
  3. Lunch detention
  4. Referral

Grading:

Student evaluation is reflected in the art grade, a composite of a student's participation and achievements in assignments and assessments.

Students will be given a rubric totalling 100 points prior to the beginning of a project. Each project is graded on a point scale and will be based off the following criteria

  • Design/ Composition- How well has the work been planned out? How long was production? Did you follow directions?
  • Craftsmanship- This pertains to the neatness and care of the project. Also, did you use the supplies correctly?
  • Creativity/ Production- Did you execute a variety of ideas within planning, did you facilitate a multitude of avenues to achieve your best work?
  • Performance/ Class Participation- Did you use your time wisely? Did you contribute to class discussion?
  • Effort and participation points will be awarded throughout the semester. There will be a final exam and a final project in January.