ART COURSE SYLLABUS

Point Loma High School, 2335 Chatsworth Blvd, San Diego, CA 92106, (619) 223-3121
Vision Statement: “ENGAGE, EMPOWER, AND EDUCATE ALL STUDENTS FOR THE 21ST CENTURY.”
Instructor: Ms. Sandy Lao | Room 302 | Phone Extension 4302 | Email: slao@sandi.net
I. Course Descriptions:
• ART 1, 2 is a foundation art course providing instruction in basic art theory, skills and techniques including those specifically relevant to drawing, painting, composition and application of elements of art and principles of design. The course is structured to provide real-world applied projects and assignments. Art 1, 2 provides a background for students by providing a solid knowledge base of fine arts vocabulary, basic drawing and painting skills, design theory and opportunities for creative expression in a variety of media. Students are also assigned projects and written and oral work to facilitate exploration of art careers, historical and cultural contributions and analytical interpretations of a variety of art forms. The Art 1, 2 course content connects with other art forms and real-world applications requiring problem solving, communication and time management skills.
• DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY is an introduction to visual expression using digital photography as the primary medium. Students will create visual pieces, demonstrating knowledge of art elements and principles through the use of digital photography and digital processes. Students will develop academic vocabulary, analyze and respond to art in class critiques, develop artistic perception and research art history and culture. Students will be able to connect what is learned to other art forms and apply their skills to other disciplines, careers and professions. Students will learn photographic properties and techniques, while using them to produce visual art pieces. Through this course, students will develop and complete a portfolio of finished prints.
II. Visual Arts Content Standards and Performance Standards:
•  1.0 ARTISTIC PERCEPTION
Students learn how to perceive the world in an artistic way and identify visual elements and principles of design using the language of the visual arts
• 2.0 CREATIVE EXPRESSION
Students develop knowledge of artistic skills in a variety of arts media and technical processes and apply the knowledge and skills while creating original artworks.

• 3.0 HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL CONTEXT
Students explore the role of arts in human history and culture by investigating themes and concepts in historical and contemporary periods.

• 4.0 AESTHETIC VALUING
Students analyze, interpret and derive meaning from works of art and make critical judgments about the quality of artworks based on learned elements and principles of art.

• 5.0 CONNECTIONS, RELATIONSHIPS, APPLICATIONS
Students apply what they learn in visual arts to learning across disciplines by developing competencies in problem solving, communication skills, and management of time and resources.

III. Expected Student Learning Results (ESLRs)
Upon graduation from Point Loma High School, all students should be responsible, critical thinking, and contributing life-long learners and members of a global society.
• Students will be on task and complete art projects in a safe and timely manner by being responsible self-directed workers.
• Students will self-assess, analyze and critique works of art as complex thinkers.
• Students will be respectful, participate and behave as involved citizens and healthy life-style advocates promoting a safe and productive environment.
• Students will demonstrate the ability to be effective communicators while discussing and developing project ideas, design theory and art careers.

IV. Types of Assessment and Grade Determination
• Academic grades are based on points. Major projects are weighted heavier than skill-building assignments. Points possible and number of projects and assignments may vary according to class completion rates and other variables. Turn in work ON TIME (late work will receive lowered grade). Grades will be updated and posted often throughout the semester.
o Project grades are based on the following criteria:
-Directions were followed -Craftsmanship is neat and clean
-Objectives and Standards are met - Originality -Honest effort is shown
o 90-100% A 80-89% B 70-79% C 60-69% D <59% F
• Citizenship grades. All PLHS school rules, expectations and tardy policy apply in classroom. Students will be graded upon whether they are respectful, helpful and are displaying appropriate behavior.
o E –Excellent   G –Good   S –Satisfactory   N –Needs Improvement   U -Unsatisfactory

V. Classroom Policies and Practices
• Please refer to handout on “Class Rules & Expectations”.
• Students will be responsible for “PLHS Student Expectations”.
• Daily Workload - In this class there is daily work to be done. We do not take days off. If you refuse to work on any given day, your grade will suffer greatly. This is your choice and your responsibility. Do not blame others or make excuses.
• Expectations - Students are expected to attend class daily, listen to instructions, take notes, actively participate and be current on class assignments.
• Be Prepared - Bring supplies EVERY day (pencils, erasers, project and other materials as specified by instructor)
• Seating Arrangement - Students are required to sit in their assigned seat, roll will be taken from seating chart and students will be marked absent if they are not in their assigned seat. The teacher reserves the right to change your seating assignment at any time. If a student is encountering a problem with their seating assignment please come and discuss the matter with me and an attempt will be made to create a better location.
• Attendance and Tardy Policy: Students must be in their seat, prepared and ready for class before the bell rings. If a student is in the room but not in their seat when the bell rings, they will be marked late/tardy. All students who arrive to class late must have a printed late pass or an official pass from teacher in order to enter class. Parents are strongly urged to call the school when their child needs to miss a day for a legitimate reason, or the absence will be considered unexcused.

VI. Office Hours and Conference Procedures
• Parents/Guardians, please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. I will be available by appointment during the week or during my prep period (2).
Please contact me via email: slao@sandi.net.

CLASS RULES & EXPECTATIONS
Point Loma High School

Instructor: Ms. Lao
Welcome to our learning and creative classroom environment. In order to succeed in this class, maturity and responsibility for oneself is necessary. Students who fail to abide by the rules and expectations will be disciplined through lowering of citizenship, phone calls home, and/or referrals. I have very high expectations for quality of student behavior. Please take advantage of your success and future; this is to make teaching and learning easier and fun! I look forward to a great year!
1. Respect – Students are expected to respect the teacher, classmates, materials, equipment and furnishings at all times. Students failing to do so will be subject to disciplinary action. 


2. No Food/Drink/Gum – Eating, drinking, and gum chewing in the classroom are not permitted.  (Gum chewing is also against school wide policy.)
3. No Talking While I Am Talking – Students are not allowed to talk while I am talking. This also applies to students who are answering questions. This is about respect (see rule #1) and having your full attention. If you are speaking while I am speaking, that means you are not listening and missing important instruction.
4. Raise your hand - 
Please raise your hand and wait for permission to speak. Do not use vulgar or offensive language. Use appropriate academic language instead.
5. No Electronic Devices – All electronic devices, including but not limited to cell phones, iPods, mp3 players, PSP’s, etc, must be put away and out of sight prior to entering through the classroom doorway. (Also a school wide policy.)
6. Late Work – Any late work turned in after the set due date will be accepted, but it loses a letter grade for every school day it is late. After five (5) days, the maximum score for complete work will be 50% (F).
7. Students Must Be Working At All Times – Students must be working during class time unless they have my permission. Do not be lazy just because the person next to you might be. When the majority of students are off task, I assume everyone is done and we move on. Please use class time wisely.
8. Responsibility – Responsibility for your actions is an important part of this course. You must be responsible for yourself at all times. You must be responsible for your own cleanup, your own work, and your own grade. No whining.
9. No Plagiarism (copying) – Students who take another’s work and try to pass it off as their own will not be taken lightly. This applies to written work and artwork. Students caught doing this will receive a ZERO grade for the assignment, and possibly a referral. 


10. "Three Strikes" Policy - Students who exhibit inappropriate behavior will be given "three strikes" to deal with and manage their own behavior.  The strikes count as warnings.  After all three strikes have been expired; any subsequent inappropriate behavior will result in a referral.  


We understand that our student is enrolled in one of the visual arts courses listed below and has received this syllabus. We are aware that our student is responsible for its content. Our student has read and understands the following information regarding this course.