GRADY MIDDLE SCHOOL ART SYLLABUS
2012-2013
Instructor: Mr. Zepeda
Contact: Jzepeda1@Houstonisd.org
Office hours: Tuesday – Friday – 11:00 to 12:30 (Other times available,
please call)
Art supplies needed for class:
Sketchbook: 9 x 12 inch, 100 sheet that is spiral bound
1 box 12 #2 pencils
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The visual arts program offers students comprehensive art experiences with detailed
explorations in the classics such as painting, drawing, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture and
crafts. In addition to gaining confidence and proficiency working with a variety of mediums,
students will learn about the history, analysis, and interpretation of art.
GOALS OF VISUAL ARTS EDUCATION
Art in school is both a body of knowledge and a series of activities. Fundamentally, learning in art has
four major components. The goal of art education is the development of these areas:
*by making art (art production);
*by responding to and making judgments about the properties and qualities that exist in visual forms
(art criticism);
*by acquiring knowledge about the contributions artists and art make to culture and society (art
history);
*by understanding the nature, meaning, and value of art (aesthetics).
NORMS FOR SUCCESS
In addition to the school-wide discipline policy, a set of class guidelines for success and consequences
has been established and will be maintained. The following is a list of the class guidelines for success:
Class Guidelines for Success:
1. Be prepared for class – bring pencils to class every day.
2. Be to class on time.
3. Listen to and follow directions – ask questions.
4. Respect the people, equipment and furnishings in the art room. Get permission to use other’s
materials.
5. Use all tools safely and properly.
6. Be honest and accountable for your actions.
7. Use your time wisely – stay on task and work towards project and assignment objectives.
8. Work quietly – use appropriate language and have appropriate conversations.
9. Be responsible for work area and tools – clean up after yourself!
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Art 1 students will:
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Explore the origins and history of art
Use warm-up exercises to provide an avenue for moving into the creative mode and/or pin point
concepts that will be introduced during class.
Learn essential skills and techniques that will help in the creation of a work of art. Elements and
Principles of design will be discussed, practiced and incorporated into your vocabulary and your
art work.
Students will learn to critique (give constructive feedback) works of art.
ASSESSMENT
Assessment is the process of judging in terms of criteria. Assessment is an integral part of expected
learning outcomes. Criteria are expected outcomes and observable evidence of learning. The main
purpose of assessment should be to improve teaching and learning and to measure student’s progress.
All student work will be assessed using the IB point system, using the following four objectives:
(A) Knowledge and Understanding — This objective focuses on building knowledge and understanding
of Visual Arts as both an art form and an artistic process. Work completed in this objective will inform
the student’s practice as a young artist; allow him/her to appraise other art work; and impact his/her
own skills and expression of personal interpretations in Objective B.
(B) Application — This objective focuses on the practical application of the student’s skills to the
creation of visual art. The student will investigate and experiment with his/her artistic processes
through the planning, creation, execution and presentation of the work of art — developing an initial
idea or theme to a point of realization. These processes will allow the student to develop and
experiment with skills and techniques, as well as explore, express and communicate artistic intentions.
These intentions will involve the investigation of alternative ways of using their knowledge,
understanding and skills.
(C) Reflection and Evaluation — This objective focuses on the way that a student gradually comes to
feel and think like a artist. Ongoing reflection will require the student to question and justify the
choices that he/she has made and to develop an objective evaluation of his/her own work. The
student will also develop a growing insight into his/her own artistic development. The student will be
encouraged to seek feedback from others and to consider how this feedback might inform his/her
developing work.
(D) Personal Engagement — The main focus of this objective is the development of the attitudes
essential to engage with the artistic processes of the visual arts. The student will develop the personal
and interpersonal skills that will enable him/her to initiate, to explore, to negotiate with others and to
take informed risks during his/her artistic experience. The student will develop his/her ability to
interact with other students in a supportive and sensitive way. It is also anticipated that students will
become increasingly mindful of their own and other cultures, and use their experiences to
advance their artistic development.
SKETCHBOOKS
Sketchbooks are an expectation in the visual arts. They will be assessed regularly throughout the year.
The assignments will be provided.
DUE DATE & LATE POLICY
Class time for projects must be used diligently. There will be opportunities for you to take the work
home for additional time.
Grady Middle School Art Gala
The Grady Middle School Art Gala happens in the spring. Each student will be required to summit at
least one finished, quality piece for the show. The art department will select the works of art that will
help raise money for the PTO.
Parents/Guardians
Grady Middle School Art Department
Mr. Gardner and I are excited about the future of the Grady Art Department. Please feel free to stop by
and introduce yourselves to us whenever you are in the building.
Also, the art department is always open to donations of various materials including but not limited
to…newspapers, clothes hangers (all wire), aluminum foil, wax paper, baby food jars, sponges, plastic
wrap, storage bags (zip-lock), facial tissues, and items that could be set up for a still life. If you would
like to donate any of this to the art department, please send it with your child, or dropped it off at the
front desk. Be sure to label GMS ART.
I also access the following web sites to help in generating quality supplies for the students to use;
www.donorschoose.org ; www.adoptaclassroom.com . If you are interesting in helping provide art
supplies for the students at Grady, please visit those websites throughout the year.
STUDENT / PARENT or GUARDIAN SIGNATURES
The middle school art syllabus must be signed and dated by a parent or guardian and the student and
turned in to Mr. Zepeda. This process will ensure that the student and parent or guardian will have a
clear understanding of what the objectives, expectations, and assessment tools are for this course.
Thank you,
Mr. Zepeda
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Student signature Parent or Guardian signature
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Date ______________________________