Introduction to Visual Art

Ms. LoGrasso
Email: hlograsso@lsps.org
Phone: 586-285-8867
Fall Trimester 2014/Winter Trimester 2015/Spring Trimester 2015
Course Syllabus
I. Course Description
(From course catalog) Introduction to Visual Art introduces drawing, design and
color skills necessary for further art classes. Instruction is given in line drawing and
shaded forms from still life objects, human figures, perspective views, lettering and
applied design. Students will experiment in using varied drawings and painting media
including graphite (pencil), ink, charcoal, pastels, and tempera paint; ceramics and
sculpture may also be offered. A sketchbook will be required for class work and
homework.
II. Text, Materials and Supplies
Edwards, Betty. Drawing from the Right Side of the Brain
Various Art Media
Scholastic Art Magazine
Various Art History slides, posters and magazine articles
It is recommended that the student supply a bound sketchbook for short daily
assignments, ideas, sketches, and notes. A pencil is required for class every
day.
III. Course Content
Introduction to Visual Art introduces and reviews necessary art techniques and
skills so students can further advance to other classes in the department.
IV. Outcomes
Demonstrate abilities using a variety of media
Create original artwork
Be able to identify and demonstrate understanding of works of art from
different cultural periods
Analyze how art affects us in our society
Question and reflect on the arts of today.
V. Student Expectations
Students are expected to:
Follow the rules and expectations they have agreed to in the Lake Shore High
School Handbook.
Express their thoughts and opinions in a respectful manner.
Treat materials carefully and maintain a clean and safe work environment.
Ask for help when they need it.
Take ownership for own learning.
Deal with personal business during their personal time, not during class.
Produce quality work.
Take responsibility for the choices that they make.
Have the necessary materials for class (pencil and sketchbook).
VI. Grading
Grading will based on teacher evaluations, student critiques, self-evaluations,
participation and sketchbook assignments. Craftsmanship and effort will be taken into

consideration when determining grades. Student will be expected to keep a sketchbook

of work throughout the semester to help track their process.
Each assignment will have a rubric with the criteria that each student will be expected to
meet for that particular assignment. Craftsmanship, Effort, and material use (including
clean up) will be a part of each assignment grade. Projects are worth the majority of the
classs grade. Turning in late, unfinished or missing art projects will result in a
significantly lower grade.
Sketchbooks
You will be expected to have a sketchbook and a pencil at the beginning of every
session. THIS IS REQUIRED. Sketchbooks should be unlined and spiral bound (not
glue). The students should be at least 8.5X11 in size. They can be purchased at
Borders, Michaels, or any art supply store. You may also purchase a sketchbook
through the class for $5. There will be sketchbook assignments daily. Therefore,
sketchbook assignments account for a significant part of a students grade. Some of
these sketchbook assignments may involve writing out your ideas. If for any reason you
choose not to buy a sketchbook the student can choose to make one with copy paper.
Assignments
Most final assignments will include an artistic process incorporating sketches, thoughtful
discussion, art production and critique. It is very important that you are in class and on
time because the time is for your artwork. This is a lab class and it is very hard to
make-up lost time due to tardiness, absence or suspension. Discussions, lectures and
critiques cannot be made-up at home. Be ready to take home work if you miss multiple
school days.
Homework
Homework will consist of bringing in pictures to use for class projects. If the student does
not have a printer for pictures, the documents are to be emailed to me for credit. I
CANNOT find pictures for 30 students on the day they are due. It is the students
responsibility to be ready for the projects. Students will be given at least 3 days prior
notice to find their images. Unless the student does use time wisely in class or was
absent, students are not required to take projects home. Enough time will be given to
finish all work in class, use it appropriately!
Participation Points (20pts)
Some students are naturally talented and dont need to put in much effort to have a nice
product. Some students have to work very hard to produce something that is
aesthetically pleasing. To compensate for this, students will receive an effort grade or a
daily participation grade. If a student is on task for the whole session, the student will
earn 20 points toward his/her projects. If a student is off task, sleeping, not working, on
cell phone, etc. the student will not earn full participation points. This also includes clean
up participation.
Make-up Work
It is the students responsibility to check in with the teacher to make-up assignments if
they have an excused absence. There will be no participation points or make-up work
for an unexcused absence. If a student is suspended, all suspension work is due
on the day back from suspension. Special arrangements will be made for extended
illness or extended absences.

Materials:
Students must bring a pencil every day to class!!!! All materials will be provided in class
for projects and class work. If for any reason the student wants or needs to take home
class work, students may sign out materials. The sign out list is located by the window
behind teachers desk. Students name, date and type of materials must be listed. By
signing out materials students agree to use materials as intended and return in a
reasonable time. If materials are not returned, the student may be responsible for
replacing the materials or a fee.
All assignments are due on the due date, unless special arrangements have been
made with the instructor, regardless of absences.
Tardiness
Class will start when the bell rings. You are expected to get sketchbook out and be
working on bell work by the last tone of the bell. If you are tardy, please take your
seat as quietly as possible. Please do not interrupt my instruction and others learning
time. If teacher is talking wait to move around the room. It is your responsibility to be in
the class on time. Failure to be on time may result in the student not earning full
participation points for that session in addition to the consequences listed in the student
handbook. If you leave class at any time without proper consent you will be mark
ABSENT, no exceptions.
Leaving class: Students are given one pass that may be used 3 times. This pass is
worth 30 extra credit points. Every time the student chooses to leave for any
reason bathroom, locker, wonder the halls, 10 points is deducted from this pass.
Students must have pass at end of Trimester in order to receive extra credit.
Bell Work
Each day there will be a short 5-10 minute assignment that students are to finish as
soon as the bell rings. These assignments include small sketches, opinion writings, or
note taking and are to be done in the students sketchbook. It is the students
responsibility to date each assignment for full credit. If absent student is to write
this next to the date and it will be verified.
Cell Phones:
Students are allowed to listen to Ipods in class during work time only. No ear buds
are to be in when teacher is talking, PERIOD. If a student is caught using their cell
phone at any time in any manner during class (without permission), they will be
given a warning the first time. After that the cell phone is confiscated. A parent
may pick up the phone in the office at the end of the day.

Working Agreement
Time:
Listening

Decision Making:

Participation:
Expectations:
Grades: Grades may be checked through the Parent Portal Page using our schools grading program
Power School. Each parent was given a username and a password. If you do not have a username or
password, please check with the schools main office. The website to check grades is:
http://www.lakeshoreschools.org/powerschool_parent.htm

Fall Trimester 2014/Winter Trimester 2015/Spring Trimester 2015

Instructor: H. Lo Grasso

I have read and I understand the expectations for Introduction to

Visual Art. I agree to follow working agreement and cell phone rules.
________________________
Print Student name

__________________________
Student Signature

I have read this over with my son/daughter and understand the

expectations for my child.
Parent signature _______________________________
Parent Phone: ______________________________________________

Please provide your number !!!!

Thank you,
Ms. H. Lo Grasso