Digital Art Syllabus
About this course: This is a hands-on introductory course in which you explore many types of digital. We will cover a range of career skills as well as art theory and art history. You will work individually, and in collaborative groups. Self-Reflection and peer critiques will be conclude most projects throughout the course. You will be demonstrating technical understanding and creativity through a variety of projects based on practical applications of the Elements of Art and Principles of Design.
Equipment & Software: The tools used in this course are the same tool professional digital artists use to create their art work. Some of the tools we will be using are Adobe Creative Suite 5, Microsoft Power Point, Microsoft Word, digital Wacom tablets, Nikon digital SLR cameras, mat cutters, X-acto knives, mat board and foam core.
Equipment & Lab Procedures: When arriving in class do not log in to computers until prompted to do so. Each time a student logs into their computer they agree to the VUSD’s acceptable use policy. Violation of the AUP may result in termination of student computer account and withdrawal from course. Students are expected to treat class equipment as a professional. Any intentional damage done must be paid for by student in the amount required to replace or repair damages hardware.
Photo Assignment Pass:
When photographing around campus on assignment, students agree to the following rules.
· No Parking Lots, PE Areas, Fields or Courts, unless you are with the Instructor.
· During ELP, students are required to stay in the V quad and in the main quad - not the PE areas.
· All Photo students need to have proof they are in Photo class. If they do not have a lanyard (or not with the group assigned) they will be considered cutting class and/or be sent to lockout.
· Students are not allowed to take photo of anyone without their permission or of cars in the Faculty lot.
· Do not use the vend machines.
· Do not stop to talk to other non photo students.
· Do not enter or disturb any class at any time.
· Red lanyard with this pass must be worn around neck at ALL times.
· In the case of a fire drill, report back to the classroom immediately. Line up with the rest of the class in the quad.
Violation of the photo assignment rules may result in loss of privileges or withdrawal from course.
Classroom Rules & Policies:
1. Display a positive and professional attitude (see below).
2. Be on-time and physically, mentally, and creatively present.
Attitude: You will be expected to behave in a professional and ethical manner. Be prepared embrace the creative process and to learn from each other and share the studio. A substantial portion of your grade will be determined by your attitude: your effort in learning new material, your desire to help me and fellow students, and your respect for our precious equipment and resources. Understand that rudeness and disrespect will not be tolerated. Be prepared to come to class every day with a positive attitude, showing patience, tolerance, respect, and cooperation.
Attendance: Prompt attendance to class is extremely important, as class begins when the bell rings. This means that you need to be seated in your assigned seats and ready to work, I take attendance when the bell rings.
If you have an absence you will still need to make up that time. Even if your absence is excused, it is still your responsibility to learn the material and make up the work you missed, and often that can only be accomplished outside of class time. Please check ELP hours or schedule a time with me to meet before or after school.
Tardy Policy: The VUSD Tardy policy is as follows: 1st tardy - teacher warning, 2nd tardy – detention & phone call home, 3rd tardy – parent teacher conference, 4th tardy – Referral to Assistant Principal for Saturday school.
As I will begin immediately with an opening assignment for credit each day, it is imperative that you are in your assigned seat on time. If you’re going to be late to school a parent or legal guardian must send a signed note or call the attendance office.
If you are leaving class for a doctor’s appointment, athletic game, etc. in which you need a note from the attendance office, you are required to obtain the note during non-class time. You are not excused to leave during class to get the note.
Cell Phone Policy: Cell Phones and like items (music) may be used in a respectful and professional manner. Students may use devices when working independently, provided it does not detract from quality and pace in which assignments are completed. Consequences of violating this policy are as follows:
1st Offense- Device will be confiscated until the end of class.
2nd Offense- Device with be confiscated until the end of the school day.
3rd Offense- Device will be turned over to administration.
Bathroom Policy: One student is allowed to use the restroom at a time and MUST carry a hall pass. If student does not return within 5 minutes, then bathroom privileges will be restricted.
Grading: 30% of your grade will come from "Practice Work.” Practice work is all the work that you will do in class and at home to gain inspiration, do research, brainstorm ideas, practice techniques, explore concepts and ideas, and write about your art-making process. Most practice work will be completed in your sketchbook.
50% of your grade will come from "Presentation Work.” Presentation work is all the "major" projects that you do; Both technical skill and artistic skill will be evaluated in presentation-level work. A self-evaluation component is incorporated into every project.
20% of your grade will be determined by your "Studio Performance." In order to receive an A grade in this course you have to have an A in studio performance. Studio Performance means doing your best job EVERYDAY, displaying professional behavior, the desire to learn and improve, a commitment not to waste valuable studio time, and respect for our precious equipment and resources.
Presentation Work: Presentation work will include the following projects (subject to change): Elements & Principles of Art Peer Presentation, Trimal photo composite and digital drawing, Surreal Photo Composite, Stop Motion PSA, Word Portrait, Vector Self Portrait, Conceptual Mapping and Digital Art Careers Peer Presentation.
Late work and ‘re-grades’: Because you will be presenting your work to the class during critiques, it is vital that you turn in your completed project at the beginning of class on the day that it is due. If you do not, you will lose one grade (10%) per class day that a project is late. Art is a process that can often take many revisions to perfect.
Once you have turned in a "Presentation Work" project and received your grade and feedback on it, you may redo the project for a higher grade if you wish. In order to have a project re-graded, you must make an appointment with me for a “re-grade conference” outside of class time and you must bring your original grading sheet to that conference. You can raise any aspect of your grade except for points lost due to turning in the project late. All re-grades must be completed within ten school days of the posted grade.
Figure and Film Studies: Often during the course sequence of all the visual art courses, the students will be working with visual materials such as famous art works, films of famous artists, charts and diagrams, slides, VHS tapes/video disks, the World Wide Web, and computer programs. This material may contain complete anatomical references, nude model poses and views of artists working from the nude in their studios, as well as scenes from modern films. The material may also mention and discuss the alternative lifestyles sometimes lived by famous artists, and may be expressed in language that might be considered offensive to some people. Current issues, as they relate to art and free expression, are also discussed in art classes. If you have questions, please contact me at lauramckay@vistausd.org
I am looking forward to my students work. I have been amazed not only by the work that they generate but also the students themselves. It’s going to be a great experience for all of us.
I hope to see you at Back To School Night!
Sincerely,
Laura McKay
Equipment & Software: The tools used in this course are the same tool professional digital artists use to create their art work. Some of the tools we will be using are Adobe Creative Suite 5, Microsoft Power Point, Microsoft Word, digital Wacom tablets, Nikon digital SLR cameras, mat cutters, X-acto knives, mat board and foam core.
Equipment & Lab Procedures: When arriving in class do not log in to computers until prompted to do so. Each time a student logs into their computer they agree to the VUSD’s acceptable use policy. Violation of the AUP may result in termination of student computer account and withdrawal from course. Students are expected to treat class equipment as a professional. Any intentional damage done must be paid for by student in the amount required to replace or repair damages hardware.
Photo Assignment Pass:
When photographing around campus on assignment, students agree to the following rules.
· No Parking Lots, PE Areas, Fields or Courts, unless you are with the Instructor.
· During ELP, students are required to stay in the V quad and in the main quad - not the PE areas.
· All Photo students need to have proof they are in Photo class. If they do not have a lanyard (or not with the group assigned) they will be considered cutting class and/or be sent to lockout.
· Students are not allowed to take photo of anyone without their permission or of cars in the Faculty lot.
· Do not use the vend machines.
· Do not stop to talk to other non photo students.
· Do not enter or disturb any class at any time.
· Red lanyard with this pass must be worn around neck at ALL times.
· In the case of a fire drill, report back to the classroom immediately. Line up with the rest of the class in the quad.
Violation of the photo assignment rules may result in loss of privileges or withdrawal from course.
Classroom Rules & Policies:
1. Display a positive and professional attitude (see below).
2. Be on-time and physically, mentally, and creatively present.
Attitude: You will be expected to behave in a professional and ethical manner. Be prepared embrace the creative process and to learn from each other and share the studio. A substantial portion of your grade will be determined by your attitude: your effort in learning new material, your desire to help me and fellow students, and your respect for our precious equipment and resources. Understand that rudeness and disrespect will not be tolerated. Be prepared to come to class every day with a positive attitude, showing patience, tolerance, respect, and cooperation.
Attendance: Prompt attendance to class is extremely important, as class begins when the bell rings. This means that you need to be seated in your assigned seats and ready to work, I take attendance when the bell rings.
If you have an absence you will still need to make up that time. Even if your absence is excused, it is still your responsibility to learn the material and make up the work you missed, and often that can only be accomplished outside of class time. Please check ELP hours or schedule a time with me to meet before or after school.
Tardy Policy: The VUSD Tardy policy is as follows: 1st tardy - teacher warning, 2nd tardy – detention & phone call home, 3rd tardy – parent teacher conference, 4th tardy – Referral to Assistant Principal for Saturday school.
As I will begin immediately with an opening assignment for credit each day, it is imperative that you are in your assigned seat on time. If you’re going to be late to school a parent or legal guardian must send a signed note or call the attendance office.
If you are leaving class for a doctor’s appointment, athletic game, etc. in which you need a note from the attendance office, you are required to obtain the note during non-class time. You are not excused to leave during class to get the note.
Cell Phone Policy: Cell Phones and like items (music) may be used in a respectful and professional manner. Students may use devices when working independently, provided it does not detract from quality and pace in which assignments are completed. Consequences of violating this policy are as follows:
1st Offense- Device will be confiscated until the end of class.
2nd Offense- Device with be confiscated until the end of the school day.
3rd Offense- Device will be turned over to administration.
Bathroom Policy: One student is allowed to use the restroom at a time and MUST carry a hall pass. If student does not return within 5 minutes, then bathroom privileges will be restricted.
Grading: 30% of your grade will come from "Practice Work.” Practice work is all the work that you will do in class and at home to gain inspiration, do research, brainstorm ideas, practice techniques, explore concepts and ideas, and write about your art-making process. Most practice work will be completed in your sketchbook.
50% of your grade will come from "Presentation Work.” Presentation work is all the "major" projects that you do; Both technical skill and artistic skill will be evaluated in presentation-level work. A self-evaluation component is incorporated into every project.
20% of your grade will be determined by your "Studio Performance." In order to receive an A grade in this course you have to have an A in studio performance. Studio Performance means doing your best job EVERYDAY, displaying professional behavior, the desire to learn and improve, a commitment not to waste valuable studio time, and respect for our precious equipment and resources.
Presentation Work: Presentation work will include the following projects (subject to change): Elements & Principles of Art Peer Presentation, Trimal photo composite and digital drawing, Surreal Photo Composite, Stop Motion PSA, Word Portrait, Vector Self Portrait, Conceptual Mapping and Digital Art Careers Peer Presentation.
Late work and ‘re-grades’: Because you will be presenting your work to the class during critiques, it is vital that you turn in your completed project at the beginning of class on the day that it is due. If you do not, you will lose one grade (10%) per class day that a project is late. Art is a process that can often take many revisions to perfect.
Once you have turned in a "Presentation Work" project and received your grade and feedback on it, you may redo the project for a higher grade if you wish. In order to have a project re-graded, you must make an appointment with me for a “re-grade conference” outside of class time and you must bring your original grading sheet to that conference. You can raise any aspect of your grade except for points lost due to turning in the project late. All re-grades must be completed within ten school days of the posted grade.
Figure and Film Studies: Often during the course sequence of all the visual art courses, the students will be working with visual materials such as famous art works, films of famous artists, charts and diagrams, slides, VHS tapes/video disks, the World Wide Web, and computer programs. This material may contain complete anatomical references, nude model poses and views of artists working from the nude in their studios, as well as scenes from modern films. The material may also mention and discuss the alternative lifestyles sometimes lived by famous artists, and may be expressed in language that might be considered offensive to some people. Current issues, as they relate to art and free expression, are also discussed in art classes. If you have questions, please contact me at lauramckay@vistausd.org
I am looking forward to my students work. I have been amazed not only by the work that they generate but also the students themselves. It’s going to be a great experience for all of us.
I hope to see you at Back To School Night!
Sincerely,
Laura McKay