AP Studio Art: 2D Design
Syllabus
Course Overview:
The AP Studio Art 2D Design course consists of two semester terms that are taken during the same
academic school year. Students entering the AP Studio Art program at our school have taken Level I, II and
III of the course content as a prerequisite. The AP Studio Art class meets three times a week for fifty-two
minute sessions and once a week for ninety minutes. Students are required to construct a portfolio for the
AP Studio Art Exam that includes a Breadth, Concentration and a Quality section. The Breadth Section
consists of a series of twelve art works that demonstrate a variety of concepts, media and approaches that
shows evidence of conceptual, perceptual, expressive, and technical range. The Concentration is a series of
twelve art works that are organized around a compelling visual idea that represents the total work of art (the
concept, the composition, technical skills demonstrated, and the realization of the artist’s intention
developed over time). The Quality section is a series of five works that shows mastery of design in concept,
composition, and execution. All of the artworks need to demonstrate an understanding of the Visual
Elements (line, shape, color, value, texture, space) and the Principles of Design (unity/variety, balance,
emphasis, contrast, rhythm, repetition, proportion/scale, and figure/ground relationships).
C1: The course promotes a sustained investigation of all three aspects of portfolio development -- quality,
concentration, and breadth -- as outlined in the Course Description or Studio Art poster throughout the duration of the
course. (Note: The body of work submitted for the portfolio can include art created prior to and outside of the AP
Studio Art course.)
First semester, students complete the twelve works of the Breadth section (Section III) of the portfolio
concentrating on demonstrating the understanding of the Elements of Art and the Principles of Design
using a wide variety of assignments that are facilitated by the instructor. The opportunity for deeper student
investigation is encouraged. Student’s work will define and use terminology-demonstrating design. Media
may include but is not limited to: graphic design, digital imaging, photography, collage, fabric design,
illustration, painting, printmaking, watercolor, colored pencil, acrylics, oils, and more. Students
demonstrate knowledge of color theory, perspective, proportion, the human figure, tonal values, landscape,
still life, observational drawing, imaginary images, gesture, abstract, artistic styles and expression. In this
part of the portfolio students need to show their knowledge of a variety of drawing and design skills. (The
body of work submitted can include art created prior to and outside of the AP Studio Art course.)
C4: The course teaches students a variety of concepts and approaches in drawing so that the student is able to
demonstrate a range of abilities and versatility with technique, problem solving, and ideation (i.e., "breadth"). Such
conceptual variety can be demonstrated through either the use of one or the use of several media.
Students complete the twelve works of the Concentration section (Section II) second semester that show
exploration of a design concern showing a strong visual idea. When creating this part of the portfolio
students develop a cohesive theme that includes original ideas, in-depth discovery, personal expression,
critical thinking, and visual communication. Students begin this process the summer before taking the AP
Studio Art course by listing over one hundred key words that when narrowed down can help them develop
an engaging innovative content that can show growth. When the artworks are complete students must write
an artist’s statement that explains the visual idea, the process of exploration, and the growth evident in the
completion of this part of the portfolio.
C3: The course enables students to develop a body of work investigating a strong underlying visual idea in drawing,
2-D design, or 3-D design that grows out of a coherent plan of action or investigation (i.e., a "concentration.”)
The five Quality works for the Quality section (Section I) are created during the academic school year.
These works demonstrate their mastery of design including complexity of composition, concept and skill.
These selections are the best of their work demonstrating excellence.
C2: The course enables students to develop mastery (i.e., "quality") in concept, composition, and execution of drawing.
Students are required to keep a sketchbook that will contain class notes, handouts, articles, brainstorming
ideas, journaling and to create thumbnails for project plans. This tool will enable students to develop their
concepts in an informal manner. Students are required to visit local museums and art galleries reflecting
upon their impressions in their sketchbooks.
C5: The course emphasizes making art as an ongoing process that involves the student in informed and critical decision
making.
All of the students’ artwork will be evaluated according to the AP Studio Art Scoring guidelines that rate
pieces from one to six.
C6: The course includes group and individual student critiques and instructional conversations with the teacher,
enabling students to learn to analyze and discuss their own artworks and those of their peers.
Students are always encouraged to draw from observation and are not allowed to plagiarize images. The
AP Studio Art course is built on integrity and work ethics meeting deadlines.
C7: The course teaches students to understand artistic integrity as well as what constitutes plagiarism. If students
produce work that makes use of photographs, published images, and/or other artists' works, the course teaches students
how to develop their own work so that it moves beyond duplication.
Student Learning:
Students begin the course with six summer assignments and a reading. They also construct a list of 100
topics that can be considered for the concentration before returning to school.
Summer Assignments:
• Week 1
The Reading: The Blank Canvas by Anna Held Audette
Students will need to email the instructor 5 reflective writings about the book content.
Explore the following urls:
• The AP Studio Art website at AP Central
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/sub_studioart.html?studioar
• The AP Studio Art Classroom website
http://www1.dcsdk12.org/secondary/mvhs/staffwebpages/wilson/artdept/ap.htm
C5: The course emphasizes making art as an ongoing process that involves the student in informed and critical decision
making.
• Week 2
Take photographs of landscapes, architecture, reflective objects, people, animals, and more from
unique perspectives with dramatic lighting.
• Week 3
Start a sketchbook, or an altered book recording your interests to create a visual diary.
• Week 4
Draw, paint or photograph the Visual Elements (line, shape, color, value, texture, space) and the
Principles of Design (unity/variety, balance, emphasis, contrast, rhythm, repetition,
proportion/scale, and figure/ground relationships) that you discover in your surroundings or places
you travel to.
• Week 5
Create a list of 100 topics that you might use for a theme for your concentration. When school
starts we will find connections to narrow your theme to a visual idea that you can develop.
Fall Semester (First Term):
To complete the Breadth portfolio students learn from teacher facilitated assignments, demonstrations,
critiques, and digital slide shows over eighteen weeks of study. Guest artists will demonstrate technique
and styles.
C4: The course teaches students a variety of concepts and approaches in drawing so that the student is able to
demonstrate a range of abilities and versatility with technique, problem solving, and ideation (i.e., "breadth"). Such
conceptual variety can be demonstrated through either the use of one or the use of several media.
• Week 1
Overview of computer software, camera basics, traditional media and art
vocabulary
• Week 2
Line, shape and texture; Typography; Word Project
• Week 3
Logo/Symbol Design*
• Week 4
Figure (positive)/ground (negative) space relationship, composition, illusion of
depth on a two dimensional surface, rule of thirds, proportion, scale; Perspective
Project
• Week 5
Montage*
• Week 6-7
Rhythm, pattern, movement, and repetition; Printmaking project
• Week 8-9
Unity, variety, and balance; Radial Balance Design
• Week 10-11
Color, value, and space; Color Project*
• Week 12-13
Emphasis, exaggeration; Expressive or Abstract Self Portrait
• Week 14-15
Advertisement/ Product Design, illustration, critique of professional designers
• Week 16
Story or poem illustration*
• Week 17
Social statement
• Week 18
Poster design, professional presentation skills*
At this point in the semester students will have a public and private portfolio review of their progress
creating the Breadth part of their portfolio. *
At the end of the semester students will go through a public and private portfolio review of their Breadth
pieces. They will also take slides of their work and mat them for professional presentation. *
*C6: The course includes group and individual student critiques and instructional conversations with the teacher,
enabling students to learn to analyze and discuss their own artworks and those of their peers.
Students will consider the following as they
approach their work but they are not limited to:
Students will use a variety of media including but
not limited to:
• The Elements of Art and the Principles of Design
• Formalism
• Emotionalism
• Past/present/future
• Spatial systems
• Color theory, black and white media
• Color psychology
• Reflective surfaces
• Metamorphosis
• Positive/negative space relationships
• Media developments
• Vocabulary
• Art history
• Technology
• Artist statements
• Poster design
• Abstract expressionism
• Art Deco
• Graphic design
• Digital imaging
• Photography
• Collage
• Illustration
• Painting
• Printmaking
• Ink
• Oil
• Mixed media
• Variety of surfaces
• Colored pencil
• Pastels
• Acrylics
• Watercolors
Students will use a variety of concepts including but
not limited to:
• Deliberate distortions
• Architectural space
• Caricature
• Action figures
• Collage
• Animals
• Magnification
• Reflective surfaces
• Modular Design
• Imaginary landscapes
• Product design
• Political cartoons
• Fabric design
• Fauvism
• Industrial/mechanical
• Landscape
• Pop Art
• Realism
• Non-objective
• Conceptual
• Printmaking
• Painting
• Conflict
Spring Semester: (Second Term)
To complete the Concentration portfolio students complete student self-directed studies over seventeen
weeks. The artwork needs to be expressive with personal content that speaks with the artist’s own voice.
C3: The course enables students to develop a body of work investigating a strong underlying visual idea in drawing,
2-D design, or 3-D design that grows out of a coherent plan of action or investigation (i.e., a "concentration.”)
• Week 1 – 2:
Develop a theme that shows personal expression, unity and potential for growth
through investigation and critical thinking. Visit local Art Museums to read
artists’ statements and understand themes. Optional: Local gallery walks.
C5: The course emphasizes making art as an ongoing process that involves the student in informed and critical decision
making.
• Week 3 -17:
Students create the twelve pieces of artwork with receptivity to feedback to push
their ideas and technique to higher levels of accomplishments. Students will
have scheduled public and private portfolio reviews of their progress while
creating the Concentration part of their portfolio. They will also take slides of
their work and mat them for formal presentation.
C6: The course includes group and individual student critiques and instructional conversations with the teacher,
enabling students to learn to analyze and discuss their own artworks and those of their peers.
• Week 18
Students organize their work for a professional presentation. Selection of their
Quality pieces is determined and formal writing of their Concentration statement
is completed. During the Spring Semester Seniors are required to participate in a
“One Man Show” in the District’s Senior Portfolio Show to learn professional
presentation, matting, selection process and layout.
C5: The course emphasizes making art as an ongoing process that involves the student in informed and critical decision
making.
Assessments:
All artwork is evaluated on craftsmanship, color, composition, contrast, cohesiveness, content, and the AP
Scoring Guidelines provided by AP Central.
AP Central Scoring Guidelines are posted at:
http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/members/exam/exam_questions/2182.html#name9
C5: The course emphasizes making art as an ongoing process that involves the student in informed and critical decision
making.
C6: The course includes group and individual student critiques and instructional conversations with the teacher,
enabling students to learn to analyze and discuss their own artworks and those of their peers.
Methods include:
• Formative – Ongoing
• Performance – Demonstration of skill and knowledge
• Portfolio – Collection of work over time that shows knowledge, ability and growth.
• Self Assessment – Student reflections of performance for the purpose of improvement.
• Summative: “Tell me what you have learned.”
• Journaling
• Demonstration
• Critique
• Rubric
• Conference
• Artist’s Statement
Criteria Based Rubric:
Criteria
Point Value
Points Received
Comments
Total=
5 (100-90)
Excellent
Exceptional
application and
demonstration of
criteria
Insightful use of
design elements
and principles
Masterful use of
the techniques
Purpose and
direction is
challenging and
evident throughout
the media, subject,
& technique
4 (90-80)
Strong
Visible evidence of
criteria
3 (80-70)
Moderate
Inconsistent
evidence of criteria
2 (70-60)
Weak
Little evidence of
criteria
1
(Re-do)
No evidence of
criteria.
Strong
understanding of
design elements
and principles
Clean and
consistent
technique
Purpose and
direction is
evident, but
inconsistent
Inconsistent use of
design elements
and principles
No evidence of
design elements
and principles
Inconsistent
technical control
Little evidence of
incorporating
design elements
and principles
Technical control
is haphazard
Inconsistent
evidence of
purpose and
direction
Purpose and
direction is
confusing and
limited
No evidence of
purpose and
direction
No technical
control evident
Resources:
• AP Studio Art Poster
• AP Studio Art Teacher’s Guide
Textbook:
ArtTalk, Glencoe/McGraw-Hill; 4th edition (January 2, 2004),
ISBN-10: 0078305993
Resource Books:
A Practical Guide to Digital Design: Designing with Your Computer Made Easy, by Pina Lewandowsky
and Francis Zeischegg, AVA Publishing (October 28, 2003)
ISBN-10: 288479039X
Adobe Photoshop CS2 Classroom in a Book, by Adobe Creative Team, Adobe Press; Pap/Cdr edition (May
24, 2005)
ISBN-10: 0321321847
Design and Form: The Basic Course at the Bauhaus and Later, by Johannes Itten, Wiley; revised edition
(December 1, 1975)
ISBN-10: 0471289302
Design Basics, by David Lauer and Stephen Pentak, Wadsworth Publishing; 6th edition (February 23,
2004)
ISBN-10: 0534625592
Design Manual, by Shirley J. Brainard, A (4th Edition), Prentice Hall; (March 30, 2005)
ISBN-10: 0131931555
Design Principles and Problems, by Paul Zelanski and Mary Pat Fisher, Wadsworth Publishing; 3rd edition
(February 2, 2007)
ISBN-10: 0495094889
Design Synectics, by Nicholas Roukes, University of Calgary, Canada, Davis Pubns (September 1988).
ISBN-10: 0871921987
Interaction of Color, by Josef Albers, revised edition, Yale University Press; (September 10, 1975)
ISBN-10: 0300018460
Introduction to Design, by Alan Pipes, Prentice Hall (January 6, 2004)
ISBN-10: 0131841068
Introduction to Digital Photography, by Joseph Ciaglia, (2nd edition) # Prentice Hall; (March 4, 2005)
# Language:
ISBN-10: 0131175157
Launching the Imagination: A comprehensive Guide to Basic Design, by Mary Stewart, 1st edition,
McGraw-Hill Humanities/Social Sciences/Languages (January 11, 2002)
ISBN-10: 007248540X
Principles of Color Design, by Wucius Wong, Wiley; 2 Sub edition (September 26, 1996)
ISBN-10: 0471287083
Principles of Form and Design, by Wucius Wong, Wiley (September 15, 1993)
ISBN-10: 0471285528
The AP Vertical Teams Guide for Studio Art by College Board, © 2002.
Order from the College Board
The Art of Writing about Art, by Suzanne Hudson, University of Colorado at Boulder; Nancy NoonanMorrissey, University of Colorado at Boulder. Wadsworth Publishing; 1st edition (May 25, 2001).
ISBN-10: 0155061542
The Artist's Handbook of Materials and Techniques, 5th edition, by Ralph Mayer, Viking Adult; (May 31,
1991).
ISBN-10: 0670837016
The Blank Canvas, by Anna Held Audette, 1st edition (September 28, 1993).
ISBN-10: 0877739382
The Creative Process: Reflections on the Invention in the Arts and Sciences, by Brewster Ghiselin,
University of California Press; reissue edition (November 22, 1985)
ISBN-10: 0520054539
The Elements of Color, by Johannes Itten, Wiley (January 31, 1970)
ISBN-10: 0471289299
Understanding by Design, by Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe, (2nd Edition), Prentice Hall; (April 1,
2005).
ISBN-10: 0131950843
Visual Design on the Computer, by Wucius Wong and Benjamin Wong, 2nd edition, W. W. Norton &
Company; (August 20, 2001)
ISBN-10: 0393730611
Ways of Seeing: Based on the BBC Television, by John Berger, Penguin (Non-Classics); reprint edition
(December 1, 1990)
ISBN-10: 0140135154
What Can I Write About? by David Powell, National Council of Teachers of English; 2nd Updtd edition
(November 2002).
ISBN-10: 0814156541
Websites:
AP Central: http://www.collegeboard.com/prof/index.html
Art Cyclopedia: http://www.artcyclopedia.com/
Art History Resources on the Web: http://witcombe.sbc.edu/ARTHLinks.html
Art Source: http://www.ilpi.com/artsource/museum.html
Artlex: http://www.artlex.com/
Guggenheim: http://www.guggenheim.org/
Musee: http://www.musee-online.org/home.asp
National Gallery of Art: http://www.nga.gov/
The Getty: http://www.getty.edu/education/
The Kennedy’s Center Artsedge: http://artsedge.kennedy-center.org/
The Metropolitan Museum of Art: http://www.metmuseum.org/
WebMuseum: http://www.ibiblio.org/wm/
Color Matters: http://www.colormatters.com/entercolormatters.html
Masters/Illustrators in the Yahoo Directory:
http://dir.yahoo.com/Arts/Visual_Arts/Illustration/Artists/Masters/
PhotoShop Support: http://www.photoshopsupport.com/tutorials.html
Periodicals
ARTnews, Circulation Specialists, Inc.
ASIN: B00005N7OP
Cmyk Magazine, Cmyk Magazine
ASIN: B00006K98C
Communication Arts, Communication Arts
ASIN: B000071F95
Scholastic Art, Scholastic Inc. ASIN: B00006KW9X