SHANI Higgins                Power Lunches

 
Contact Information: Shani Higgins High Tech High North County Art Teacher shiggins@nc.hightechhigh.org (760) 759-2715 Syllabus  A course on exploration, creation of identity and appreciation for art. Course Description The Fine Arts Class at High Tech High North County will include aspects of art that are important in the general knowledge and understanding of the visual arts. You will be introduced to media, materials, and techniques that are critical to understanding others artwork and the creation of your own artwork. This class will cover drawing, painting, mixed media, color theory, and more, all in varying degrees of depth and difficulty. Through experimentation and growing knowledge of the media, materials and techniques unique to the visual arts, you will begin to feel more comfortable expressing yourself visually. The 9th grade year will specifically focus on identity, visual interpretation and expression of the self. Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through it. This class will present fundamental elements and principles of art in such a way that you will feel comfortable and confident enough to express yourself in unique ways using the knowledge that you have learned. Materials You will need the following items on a daily basis: ☑ Your “visual journal”/ sketchbook for homework and classroom assignments Each student will be provided with a box to keep supplies in, however you will need to purchase the following items: ☑ 9” x 12” Sketchbook ☑ A box of number 2 pencils ☑ A pencil sharpener ☑ An eraser ☑ A set of brushes with a variety of thicknesses and sizes ☑ 2 black sharpies, 1 thin and 1 thick Optional: ☑ Set of color pencils ☑ Set of watercolor pencils ☑ Set of thin markers You can find these items at any art store, Michaels, Aaron Brothers, and usually at places like; Target, Walmart and Office Depot Assignments During your semester in art you will participate in numerous assignments that will aide in your understanding and appreciation of art. This is a process oriented class in which participation and experimentation is valued as much as successful finished works. Although this is a visual art class, you will be expected to write short essays on pieces of artwork, artists, and other topics pertaining to the visual arts. You will also be expected to critique works of art including your own artwork. Homework/ Late Work You can expect homework once sometimes twice a week. These assignments will generally be in your sketchbooks or short written assignments. Homework assignment due dates will be announced in class, on my calendar page of my DP, written on the board, and handouts will usually be given as well. Therefore, missing work or handing work in late is not acceptable. If you go on vacation, I will expect that you do ALL of the work written in your contract. Class Expectations During your time in Art, you will be exploring new materials and ways to express yourself. It is extremely important to have a classroom of respect and encouragement for each other. Each day, students are expected to be in their seat ready to learn when class begins. Art is only one hour long and set up and clean up take time so being ready the minute class starts is extremely important. The following important expectations were set in order to ensure a safe learning environment for everyone. School-wide expectations: ● Cell phones must be turned off during class ● No i-Pods in class, although we will take turns listening to each other's music during class ● Computers are only to be used for classwork and must be signed out even when being used in class ● 
There is no swearing in class or being disrespectful in any way ● No cheating on exams or assignments ● Absolutely no violence allowed! Obviously... Classroom procedures and expectations: ● Always sign out supplies when taking them out of the art room ● Always sign out computers ● Respect materials ● Clean up after yourself ● Use kind language Grades Grading categories are as follows: ·Content = 25% o Presentations o Writing Assignments ·Process = 25% o Art Exercises o Visual Journal Assignments o Daily Participation and Reflection · Product = 50% o Final Quality of Artwork o Portfolio Letter grade and number equivalent for PowerSchool: A+ = 100% A+/A = 98% A = 95% A/A- = 93% A- = 91% A-/B+ = 90% B+ = 88 B+/B = 85% B = 83 B- = 81 Extra Help I am here for extra help when you need me. Ask me before or after class the day before you need to stay so I can plan ahead. Otherwise, I will have office hours on Thursday from 3:30-4:30. ___________________________________________________________________________________ Curriculum Outline for Fall Semester 2008 *For due dates, specific time frames and mini lessons see curriculum outline and monthly calendar 9th grade- Exploring Identity Project 1: Expression Vision Boards Project 2: I AM an Artist! Monochromatic Self-Portraits Project 3: Intro to Color Linoleum Prints Project 4: Drawing Drawing Workshops Project 5: Color Inspirational People Project/Andy Warhol, Mixed Media Project 6: Art History Timeline Learning for our Master's Paintings (Focus on timeframe related to work being done in Humanities) Project 7: Final Project The Cost of Cool- An Integrated Project Curriculum Outline for Spring Semester 2009 *For due dates, specific time frames and mini lessons see curriculum outline and monthly calendars 9th grade- Exploring Identity Project 1: Expression Vision Boards Project 2: I AM an Artist! Monochromatic Self-Portraits Project 3: Intro to Color Linoleum Prints (Focus on Biomimicry/ Zoo Project)- An Integrated Project Project 4: Drawing Drawing Workshops Project 5: Color Inspirational People Project/Andy Warhol, Mixed Media Project 6: Art History Timeline Learning from our Master's Paintings Project 7: Final Project Photo Essay- Where have I been and where am I going?- An Integrated Projectmailto:shiggins@hightechhigh.orgCurriculum.htmlCurriculum.htmlshapeimage_3_link_0shapeimage_3_link_1shapeimage_3_link_2