Contemporary Crafts
Syllabus 2016-2017
Instructor: Ms. Anderson
Room D118
Course Description:Semesters: 2 Credit: 1Grades: 10-12 Prerequisite: Art Foundations
Contemporary Crafts is an exciting and über-current art movement that focuses on unique DIY (Do It Yourself) handmade objects and artworks. Design is perhaps the most important element in this course. Students will explore a wide variety of applied arts media, techniques, and history while solving design problems. Students will participate in hands-on exploration of possible mediums such as ceramics, sculpture, loom weaving, papermaking, book-binding, macramé, paper maché, beading, jewelry making, batik, embroidery, fabric painting, sewing, knitting and crochet, and various combinations of the above. Emphasis will be placed on individual expression and learning by doing.
A $20 dollar fee per semester is required.
Course Objectives:
-Students will explore a variety of media and art-making, both traditional and non-traditional.
-Students will continue to explore the elements and principles of art and design and demonstrate artistic growth in those areas, as well as continuing to develop a comprehensive art vocabulary.
-Students will explore a number of craft techniques and create artworks that will enhance their creative skills.
-Students will view and discuss the artwork of many diverse artists, from the past as well as the present.
-Students will participate in group critiques of artwork.
-Students will make quality, meaningful artwork to continue enhancing and expanding their portfolio.
-Emphasis will be placed on enhancing creativity and individual expression through problem solving.
-Students will participate in Craft fairs and Craft shows.
Course Procedures/Topics:
-Students are expected to arrive to class prepared to work, as this is a studio class and most of our time will be spent producing works of art.
-Demonstration of art-making techniques will be an integral part of the classroom structure.
-Discussions of art history, social impacts on the arts, trends in art, careers in art, and art advocacy will be incorporated into the course.
-Students will be responsible for taking care of all art supplies. There is a required $20 fee per semester for this course which is used to purchase art-making supplies.
-Students will usea sketchbook for weekly assignments, notes, and reflection.
-Students are expected to arrive to class with an open minded attitude, ready to make quality, meaningful artwork. We will be ready to think critically, not criticize!
Course Outcomes
- Students will complete a short research paper and make a presentation on a Craft artist of their choice.
- Students will develop their own Artist Statement.
- Students will identify the cultural and historical origin and importance of Crafts.
- Students will recognize and understand the difference between custom and mass-produced products.
- Students will be able to answer the following questions: Why explore Crafts? How do Crafts facilitate self-expression? How have Crafts evolved throughout history?
Grading: Students will be graded on:
* Effort and work ethic
* Participation and following directions
* Classroom conduct and behavior
* Sketchbook Assignments
* Class assignments and quick projects
* Major Projects
Classroom Rules:
-All school rules also apply in the Art room (i.e. no cell phones or iPods, no food or drink, etc.)
-Respect is our golden rule – you must always be respectful of the teacher, your fellow classmates, and all classroom materials.
-Clean up after yourself. Put away all materials and make sure your tables/work stations are clean.
-Make sure you are on task and following directions.
-Always be participating and have an open-minded attitude.
Expectations
As in any art class, students work at different paces. This course is slightly fast-paced, due to all the topics/projects we must cover. Therefore, if you cannot finish a project during class, you may have to spend time at home working on your project. While what we are making/doing in class is fun, we will still work and keep a steady pace; being careless and inefficient are not options here.