Fundamentals of Art
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Course Description
Fundamentals of Art is a one-semester course that introduces high school students to
the theory and practice of art. In this course, the elements of art (line, color, shape/form,
space, value, and texture) and the principles of art (balance, harmony, unity, emphasis,
repetition, rhythm, contrast, and composition) are discussed and demonstrated through
the incorporation of famous works of art and interactive graphics and activities.
Course Objectives
When you finish this course, you will be able to:
Define and identify examples of each of the elements of art (line, color, shape/form,
space, value, and texture)
Define and identify examples of each of the principles of art (balance, harmony, unity,
emphasis, repetition, rhythm, contrast, and composition)
Identify various famous works of art
Identify various types of perspective
Course Assignment Values
Assignment Type
Points
Possible
Weight
13 Assignments
425 pts
46%
3 Papers
150 pts
16%
11 Unit Tests
154 pts
17%
1 Midterm Exam
1 Final Exam
80 pts
120 pts
9%
13%
Course Totals
929 pts
100%
Suggested Course Schedule
The suggested time frame shown below is based on learning sessions. A learning
session is a 45-minute period of time. This course should take approximately 90
learning sessions to complete, but this schedule is just a suggestion. You may work on
each unit at your own pace, completing as many learning sessions as you’d like in one
sitting. However, keep in mind that you must finish the entire course within the time
specified by your school district.
©2011 Advanced Academics, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Learning
Session
1-7
8-15
Content Covered
Unit 1: The Language of Art
In this unit, you will define and apply various terms used in art. You will
also be able to describe the elements and principles of art and how they
influence compositions.
In this unit, there will be:
1 Assignment
35 pts
1 Unit Test
14 pts
Unit 2: Perspective: A Point of View
This unit explains the basics of perspective. You will learn how using
atmospheric and linear perspective affects compositional structure.
16-22
In this unit, there will be:
1 Assignment
35 pts
1 Unit Test
14 pts
Unit 3: Elements of Art – Space
Upon completion of this unit, you will be able to describe how artists use
many different techniques to create the illusion of depth and space within
compositions.
23-29
In this unit, there will be:
1 Assignment
35 pts
1 Unit Test
14 pts
Unit 4: Elements of Art – Line
In this unit, you will learn how to differentiate between different types of
lines. You will also describe how various types of lines affect artistic
compositions.
30-37
In this unit, there will be:
3 Assignments
105 pts
1 Unit Test
14 pts
Unit 5: Elements of Art – Shape/Form
In this unit, you will learn how to differentiate between different types of
shapes and forms. You will also describe how artists use various types of
shapes and forms in their compositions.
In this unit, there will be:
1 Assignment
1 Unit Test
35 pts
14 pts
©2011 Advanced Academics, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
38-45
46-53
54-60
61-68
69-76
Unit 6: Elements of Art – Texture
This unit describes the use of texture in works of art. You will be able to
explain how artists use both visual and tactile texture to influence and
add interest to their compositions.
In this unit, there will be:
1 Assignment
35 pts
1 Unit Test
14 pts
Fundamentals of Art Midterm Exam 80 pts
Unit 7: Elements of Art – Value
This unit defines value as an element of art. You will describe the
different ways that artists use value to create drama and depth in their
works of art.
In this unit, there will be:
1 Assignment
35 pts
1 Unit Test
14 pts
Unit 8: Elements of Art – Color
Throughout this unit, you will be expected to differentiate between
categories of color. You will also describe how colors can be mixed and
combined to create aesthetically-interesting and -pleasing compositions.
In this unit, there will be:
1 Assignment
35 pts
1 Paper
50 pts
1 Unit Test
14 pts
Unit 9: Principles of Art: Emphasis, Contrast, and Variety
This unit describes how artists use different elements of art to create
contrast, emphasis, or variety in their compositions.
In this unit, there will be:
1 Assignment
35 pts
1 Unit Test
14 pts
Unit 10: Principles of Art: Rhythm, Repetition, and Pattern
In this unit, you will describe how artists use the different elements of art
to create rhythm, repetition, or pattern in their compositions.
In this unit, there will be:
1 Assignment
1 Unit Test
5 pts
14 pts
©2011 Advanced Academics, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
77-83
84-90
Unit 11: Principles of Art: Balance, Harmony, and Unity
Upon completion of this unit, you will be able to describe how artists use
the principles of balance, harmony, or unity in their works of art. You will
also be expected to explain why these principles make compositions
more interesting and successful.
In this unit, there will be:
1 Assignment
35 pts
1 Paper
50 pts
1 Unit Test
14 pts
Unit 12: Analyzing a Composition
In this unit, you will evaluate a piece of art work. You will then discuss the
use of the elements and principles of art within the composition. You will
also need to identify what makes a piece of artwork successful or
unsuccessful.
In this unit, there will be:
1 Paper
50 pts
Fundamentals of Art Final Exam 120 pts
Privacy Policy
No member of the Advanced Academics staff is authorized to release student
information without the written permission of the student’s parent or legal guardian.
Names, images, and/or class work of Advanced Academics students will not be
published in print, video/film, or on our public website without written student and
guardian consent.
Disability Statement
If you have a disability or condition that may affect your ability to succeed in this course,
please contact your teacher. It’s important that you discuss the problem with him or her
so accommodations may be made to give you every opportunity to perform well. Your
teacher and virtual school program coordinators are committed to helping students with
disabilities succeed, and every request will be treated with respect and confidentiality.
©2011 Advanced Academics, Inc. All Rights Reserved.