Junior High School Visual Art Syllabus 2010-11
Dawn Deming, Instructor
Email: ddeming@weps.k12.co.us
Phone: 864-7350
Office Hours: upon appointment
“All art consists in bringing something into existence.” Aristotle
Overview:
This class will be an introduction to art processes and styles from cultures around the
world. You will have the opportunity to draw with pencil and color as well as
experimenting with paint, sculpture and clay. You will be using a variety of tools and
resources to explore the different art forms. For more information, please go to the
assignments and grading section.
Expectations:
Throughout the class you will be expected to follow all school and classroom rules
for safety and courtesy at all times.
 Attendance: (Translation: Be here and be on time!)
I will require you to be on time for each class period and to be present for the entire
class in accordance with overall school expectations. Missed instruction could
jeopardize your project understanding or your grade! If you must come late, or
leave early, a note/pass will be required to be excused.
Class Dismissal. You are dismissed by the teacher only after all supplies and materials
are accounted for, stored properly and the room is cleaned.

 Respect and Behavior: (Translation: Take care of our stuff, follow directions and be
nice!)
As a general courtesy, respect for the classroom, materials, instructor and fellow
students will be expected at all times. This includes but is not limited to appropriate
language, physical contact with others, safe material handling and not talking
during instruction. If you are unsure about something being ok, just ask! In addition,
there is not a maid service that will be coming around to store materials and clean
up after you when class is over. You will be expected to follow clean up procedures
for storing artwork, materials and for disposing of classroom waste yourself.
Safety: (Translation: Use common sense and be safe!)
Safety is the most important part of this class. Even the most innocent objects
can become harmful if they are not handled correctly. As materials are introduced,
I will give explicit instruction for safe usage and storage. These instructions are to be
taken seriously and followed at all times. Especially, the constant rule no throwing of
anything at anytime. These rules are designed to keep this classroom a fun place
and to keep everyone inside from being injured. Safety and behavioral rules are
always in effect. 

Infractions of Rules: Refer to the student handbook for procedures/consequences.
Assignments:
Tentative Agenda:
Week 1: Introductions and Housekeeping
* Welcome activites, Cubbies, Sketchbooks, and World flags
Week 2/3: African Art
* Woven Texiles/ Animal Designs
Week 4: Native American Art
* Navajo Coil Pottery
Week 5-9: European Art
* French Impressionist-style Landscapes
* Italian Fresco Portraits
*European Rose Window Patterns/Glass Etchings
Week 10-13: Asian Art
* Japanese Toro Nagashi Lanterns
* Chinese “Fu” good Fortune Boxes
Week 14-15: Hispanic Art
* Mexican Tona Animal Masks
* South American Rain Sticks
Week 16-17: Australian Art
*Aboriginal Bark Paintings
*Wood Burnings
Week 18: Finals
Grading:
Each student is graded on an individual basis. No cross-class comparisons will be made.
I grade on my expectations of you and your growth as an individual. Your projects will
be graded with the following criteria in mind:
Effort- this means always striving for your personal best
Craftsmanship- you have taken your time and done a careful job
Creativity/Originality- you have developed your own idea and not copied someone
else's
Following instructions- you have met the criteria outlined for each assignment
A = Excellent, outstanding effort, exceeds expectations; “WOW!!!”
B = Strong work, very good
C = Fair, adequate, looks finished.
D/F= work does not demonstrate Colorado standards and must be resubmitted
Your total grade will be broken down in the following way:
40% Projects
60% Work Grades (Daily Points)
1st Quarter 45% of final grade
2nd Quarter 45% of final grade
Final Test being 10% of the final grade = 100% for a semester
FEES AND MATERIALS: You have the choice of paying a $10.00 art fee or
providing the following materials for successful completion of the course. You will need
all materials in 2 weeks (September 1)!! If you do not have the required materials, you
will be assigned written work until provided. Please communicate
difficulties/emergencies with me.
Supplies Needed:
1. 6- #2 pencils (not mechanical)
2. Large Eraser
3. Ruler
4. Rubber Cement and Elmer’s Glue
5. Two Black Felt tip markers (PREFERABLY SHARPIES)- 1 thin/ 1 thick
6. Scissors
Sources for Art Supplies
Apothecary
Walmart
Michael’s
2464 Hwy 6 & 50, Grand Junction
Office Depot
2449 Hwy 6 & 50, Grand Junction
Hobby Lobby
2401 North Ave, Grand Junction
or
2201 S Townsend Ave, Montrose
Dear Student & Parents:
I am delighted about your interest in fine arts and about working with you this year.
Hopefully, this syllabus has provided sufficient information regarding curriculum,
expectations and grading policy. The keys to success in this program are regular
attendance, a positive attitude and good work habits. If you have questions, please
ask. I read email daily and respond promptly. I try to check my mail box at school
daily.
Instead of simply charging the $10 lab fee for each art class, I am providing the
opportunity for students to purchase their own materials. Hopefully, this will encourage
better care of materials needed for successful completion of class. Take advantage of
bargains! If finances are a problem, please let the office know.
I anticipate that this class will be an exciting, productive experience and look forward
to sharing art work with parents, the school and the community. Check the NJSHS
website for our future student gallery. Your signature on the tear strip acknowledges
that you are aware of and support these expectations for your student.
Sincerely,
Dawn Deming
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I understand the rules, expectations and consequences of this class. I also
understand how I am being evaluated and graded and have read and
understand this syllabus and have asked questions about the procedures and
expectations. I will give my best effort toward meeting class expectations. If I
have future questions, I will contact the teacher using the information located at
the top of page one.
Circle class: Junior High Art
Art 1
Art 2
Art 3
Period: ____
Student (printed): _________________________________________
Signature: __________________________________________________
Parents/Guardians: Students are asked to show you the course syllabus. Please
sign here to let me know that happened. Thank you.
*Return it signed within one week. (10 pts)
Parent/Guardian (printed): ___________________________________________
Signature: ____________________________________________________________
Current home phone: _________________
Parent’s email address (es): ________________________
Course goals
1.
Demonstrate basic skill building in drawing and painting production, applying the fundamentals of the elements and
principles of fine art and design.
2. Experience not only art production, but also artistic philosophy, art criticism, and art history.
3. Analyze and make critical assessments about artworks.
4. Respond appropriately to a variety of inquiries related to the curriculum.
5. Produce artwork that shows individual creativity and problem solving ability.
Course Objectives
1.
Students will design individual artworks based on design elements
and principles as well as responses to historical , philosophical and cultural prompts.
2. Students will use appropriate vocabulary in the verbal and written description
and analysis of their work.
3. Students will participate in historical and cultural discussions about the
philosophy of art.
4. Student s will create artwork of acceptable quality using the techniques of
graphite drawing, pen and ink, colored pencil, water color, tempera, multi-media collage,
and acrylic paints.