Welcome to Graphic Arts
Graphic Arts is a one-term course designed to give the student an introductory look at visual communication. Topics covered include visual literacy, symbolism, digital photography, Photoshop, composition, and storytelling. Group critiques and discussions are an important aspect of this course. Students will find that having access to their own digital camera is very beneficial and is strongly suggested.
Course structure
This course is organized into units. We will begin units as a class and then students will have an opportunity to collaborate with peers or work independently on activities to build knowledge and skills in that topic. All units end with a final independent artwork that relates to the topic of the unit.
Units covered are:
Units covered are:
- Visual Literacy
- Symbolism
- Technology & Art
- Composition & Photography
- Visual Storytelling
Grading information
Units & Learning Objectives (70%): Learning objectives are listed at the beginning of each unit. Objectives will be emphasized in activities throughout the unit. Students will complete an artist statement and reflection document at the end of each unit that also relates to these learning objectives.
Digital Portfolio (20%): Each student is required to keep an up to date digital portfolio of their high school art work. Portfolios must follow a common format but may also be customized for each student’s needs and personality. Only final artworks and artist statements are required to be posted. Portfolios are graded three times per term (beginning, midterm, end of term).
Studio Habits & Skills (10%): This category will include basic habits, mindsets, and skills shown in the art studio. Examples include participation in warm-up and art talks. This grade also includes showing respect and responsibility to peers during critiques and regarding studio clean-up procedures.
Digital Portfolio (20%): Each student is required to keep an up to date digital portfolio of their high school art work. Portfolios must follow a common format but may also be customized for each student’s needs and personality. Only final artworks and artist statements are required to be posted. Portfolios are graded three times per term (beginning, midterm, end of term).
Studio Habits & Skills (10%): This category will include basic habits, mindsets, and skills shown in the art studio. Examples include participation in warm-up and art talks. This grade also includes showing respect and responsibility to peers during critiques and regarding studio clean-up procedures.
Grading Scales
Learning Objectives / Skills
4 = Mastered 3.5 = Proficient 3 = Progressing 2.5 = Attempted/Incomplete 0 = Missing |
Studio Habits
4 = Always 3.5 = Mostly 3 = Sometimes 2.5 = Rarely 0 = Never |
Art Room Expectations
Be Responsible: Be prepared, be thoughtful.
Be Yourself: Don’t try to be someone else because you will always fail.
Be Flexible: You’ll never grow if you don’t try new things.
Be Respectful: Respect people, artwork, the environment, and materials.
Be Productive: Art is about creating - make something!
*ALL school rules and expectations from the Student Handbook will be reinforced in the Art Room.
Be Yourself: Don’t try to be someone else because you will always fail.
Be Flexible: You’ll never grow if you don’t try new things.
Be Respectful: Respect people, artwork, the environment, and materials.
Be Productive: Art is about creating - make something!
*ALL school rules and expectations from the Student Handbook will be reinforced in the Art Room.