CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

Communication Design 3-D is a one-semester art elective that has been developed for those students working towards a competitive, growing artist portfolio in design.  Design principles are explored through a variety of industry related projects: package design, product design, environmental and/or architectural design, relief and/or pop-up design, and promotional display. Students will apply design principles as they investigate three-dimensional form and function.  To accomplish this, students will develop techniques for three- dimensional creative problem solving with stress on personal interpretation and concept originality.

Prerequisite:  Studio in Art.

Upon completion students will have a better understanding of three-dimensional concepts, the responsibilities of the designer, materials and production needs, marketing and promotional selling, presentation of an idea, and current industry trends.

Assignments are approached as an “art problem”.  Art problems presented are designed to meet the requirements of the new State Learning Standards for the Visual Arts.  Students must use their knowledge of the design elements (line, space, shape and form, value or tone, color, texture, pattern or repetition) and the design principles (rhythm, balance, emphasis, variety, and unity) to investigate three-dimensional problem solving.  The concept of ’Form vs. Function’ is explored in various three-dimensional avenues.  Students will work both individually and in-group settings as a design team to solve creative problems.

As the year progresses, students will be encouraged to start developing their own artistic style and a personal portfolio of their work. Attention will be given to art related career choices in the field of design.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

The major objectives of Communication Design 3-D include the following:

• Students will explore and use a wide variety of materials, tools, and more techniques as they demonstrate the application of the principles of good design to successful three-dimensional problem solving.

• Students will demonstrate respect and responsibility for their workspace and equipment.

• Students will demonstrate an awareness of the aesthetic principles and skills involved in three-dimensional design. They will apply these principles to their creative efforts and will see that design is an important aspect of their everyday life.

• Students will demonstrate creativity with original ideas and approaches to subject matter based on an increased understanding of industry-based design and trends.

• Students will be exposed to the process of group critiquing which will provide students with the opportunity to develop value and aesthetic judgments of diverse form and scope as it relates to their work and the work of others.

COURSE ENRICHMENT

Enrichment will be provided through guest artists, lecturers and trips to galleries or museums.

COURSE RESOURCE MATERIALS

Students do not receive textbooks in class but there is a great deal of information students will compile during each semester.  Students are expected to keep an archive of this material, as it will become their textbook for the semester.  Some of this material will be provided and other resource materials will be compiled through student research.

COURSE EVALUATION

Students are graded not only on their “talent”, but also on the effort they put into their work and their grasping of the concept(s) being taught. How constructively students use their class time and how carefully they execute assigned class work and homework is the major criteria for grading. However, self-motivation and the desire for artistic growth are equally important. Respect for their workplace and others is also emphasized. Rubrics and student check sheets outlining the requirements for a successful project are reviewed for each major assignment before final grading.  There is a grace period of one week where work may be handed in late without penalty; afterwards work is downgraded two points for each day that it is late.  For homework, students are required to keep a journal that is turned in once a month for evaluation.  There is no grace period for journals and they will be downgraded two points each day they are late. 

• Class work accounts for 80% of the grade

• Class participation and responsibility account for 10% of the grade

• Homework/Journals accounts for 10% of the grade

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

• Students are expected to arrive on time, check in with the instructor, and immediately get to work on their projects.  Students will be given a written referral and given a teacher detention once they have had arrived late to class a total of 3 times.

• Students are expected to make maximum use of class time.  If they need additional time to complete work they can come in during lunch, after school, or can take work home to complete.

• Students are expected to participate in course-based field trips as they are part of the curriculum.

• Students must respect their work environment and the work of others.  Cleanup and proper storage of supplies and work is imperative.

• Students are to complete all required work to the best of their ability.  If students finish required work before the next project has been introduced, they can work on journal assignments.

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

• Art Club:  Open to all students

• Arts Festival:  Open to all students

• Photo Club:  Open to all students, photo background preferred

• National Art Honor Society:  Open to students who have successfully completed 3 semesters of visual art with an average of 92% or higher and who have demonstrated a commitment to the visual arts through school or community service.  Students must submit a written application and teacher recommendation(s) for membership consideration.

TEACHER AVAILABILITY

The instructor is available each day for extra help after school until 3:00 PM in room 0019 and by appointment during mutually convenient times. Parents can contact the instructor by phone (914) 793-6130 or email:  PPerry@Eastchester.k12.ny.us.