Ms. Cecily Corcoran
7th Grade Visual Art
Swanson Middle School 2014-2015
Contact Information
Email: Cecily.Corcoran@apsva.us
Welcome to 7th Grade Visual Art! Using the elements of art and the principles of design as a
framework, students will investigate a variety of experiences and concepts in their artwork
projects. There will be multiple artwork projects offered including Drawing, Painting, Sculpture,
Mixed Media, Printmaking, and Design (Units of Study). These Units of Study will be introduced
with a demonstration with step-by-step instructions of the objectives expected from each artwork
project. Cultural Context and Art History will be incorporated in the artwork projects. Students
may achieve an A in their artwork project when it exemplifies the expected objectives.
Course Content: Arlington County and Virginia State Standards
Units of Study
75% of Grade
SOL’s
Drawing
Perspective
Observational
Linear
7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.5
7.7, 7.8
Painting
Elements and Principles of Design
Color Relationships
7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5
7.6, 7.7
Sculpture
Handbuilding in Clay
Papier Mache
7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.5, 7.9
Mixed Media
Collage
7.4
Printmaking
Monotype
7.1, 7.4, 7.6
Design
Illustration
7.1, 7.2, 7.5, 7.6
Evaluation
25% of Grade
SOL’s
7.15, 7.18, 7.19
After the artwork project is completed, each student will be given the opportunity to reflect on
their own individual achievement and growth. Each student will evaluate their artwork in a
written format in order to asses their understanding and knowledge of the Unit of Study. This
reflection and evaluation will give the student the opportunity to respond to their work of art and
express their understanding of the objectives.
Each student will incorporate cultural and art history in their projects and learn the roles of
artists in mass media (SOL 7.10-7.17). Students will have the opportunity investigate the
purposes of art (SOL 7.14-7.20) during demonstrations and group activities.
Homework:
Students are expected to come into the art room ready to create. Please collect any necessary
imagery from home as well as brainstorm your ideas before class.
Supplies:
Pencil, Eraser, Pencil Sharpener, and Black Ultra Fine Point Sharpie
NOTE: Students may keep these supplies in their bins in the art room.
Text/Online Resources:
A Global Pursuit
Gardner’s Art Through The Ages
www.davisart.com
APS Grading Policy (Refer to p. 17 (English) and p. 44-5 (Spanish) of Swanson
student/parent handbook).
Student grades reflect student achievement and not student behavior.
Quarterly grades will round up when the percentage is .5 or higher.
The final grade is to be calculated using the quality points and no percentages, letter
grades, number or point systems.
Students receiving ESOL/HILT, Special Education, or 504 services will be afforded all
accommodations and modifications as documented by the appropriate regulations and/or the
plans. Parents may access weekly student progress each Tuesday, after 9:00 am by logging
into their assigned account.
Integrity of work (Refer to p. 19 (English) and p. 47 (Spanish) of Swanson student/parent
handbook).
Attendance Policy (Refer to p. 8-9 (English) and p. 34-35 (Spanish) of Swanson
student/parent handbook)).
Students are expected to arrive to class on time with all materials. Class starts the moment
you walk in the door. You are expected to be prompt (be on time), prepared (have all materials
and be in a frame of mind to learn), polite (treat yourself, each other and me with respect), and
productive (use of class time wisely and for the planned activities).
When absent:
Since various materials are offered to the students in the art room, students need to make up
their artwork during lunch or after school in the art room. If the student misses most of the Unit
of Study, students may choose from the following projects. (1) Students may attend an
approved art event (art museum, art gallery, art venue) and write about their experience (must
bring in a flyer from the art event). (2) Students may choose an artist and write about one work
of art created by that artist. (3) Students may choose an artwork project already demonstrated
and create a work of art using the according techniques at home.
I am available for help every morning in room 214 from 7:20-7:40am. Otherwise, I generally can
help you during lunch- you just need to arrange that with me beforehand. My availability after
school is more limited as I sponsor various school activities or must attend meetings, but I will
occasionally be available after school.
I have read and understand the course syllabus for 7th Grade Visual Art.
Student signature:_____________________________________________
Parent signature:______________________________________________
Date:_________________________________________________________