PORTFOLIO PREP
CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
Portfolio Preparation is designed to help students complete a substantial body of work for their portfolio. Students wishing to finalize their college portfolio in Art may do so in their senior year with Portfolio Preparation.. This course provides the interested student a variety of opportunities to explore a wide range of media at an advanced level. Media may include: pencils, ink, pastel, oil pastel, conte crayon, charcoal, acrylic, watercolor, paper and any combination of the above. 3D media and photography are also available. Students will be exposed to realistic as well as abstract approaches to their work. Self-expression through art is encouraged. Both two dimensional and three dimensional problems will be explored.
In addition to classwork, this course requires students to keep a Research Journal of written and visual entries. The Research Journal assignments are designed to provide an opportunity for students to research concepts and ideas independently. The Research Journal counts 10% of the grade, and must be considered an essential element of the coursework. Artwork should be documented digitally and uploaded to the school Google Drive. The instructor will assist with photographing all artwork, and preparing the student’s materials for college applications
GENERAL COURSE OBJECTIVES
The major objectives of Portfolio Preparation are:
1 Students will be provided advanced learning experiences as vehicles to explore and use a variety of materials and tools.
2 Students will demonstrate the principles of good design, aesthetics and composition as they pursue the creative process.
3 Students will be encouraged to move beyond the concrete to more abstract levels of exploration and self-expression.
4 Students will realize the importance of art history and its effect on their creative endeavors. They will be able to verbalize this throughout the learning process.
5 Students will be exposed to the process of group critiquing so they become conscious of the aesthetic judgments they are making.
6 Students will demonstrate the skills necessary for portfolio preparation and presentation.
GRADING
Students are assessed on their ability to apply concepts and techniques taught with each lesson. Rubrics outlining the standards for a successful project are reviewed with the class for each major assignment before final grading. In addition, a student’s effort is factored into their grade. Because personal growth is an indicator of high effort, each student is judged according to progress. There is a grace period where work may be handed in late without penalty; afterwards work is downgraded two points for each school day.
The components of the each semester grade will be:
80% Class projects
10% Sketchbook/Research Journal
10% Studio Practice
TEXTBOOKS
Although students do not receive individual textbooks, there is a vast array of reference books in the art room. Students are encouraged to use these books for inspiration and reference, and are also encouraged to see as much original artwork as possible in nearby NY museums and galleries. Sketchbook assignments and coursework are largely based on Drawing, A Contemporary Approach by Claudia Betti and Teel Sale. Reference copies are available in the art room. This is the approved text for the Advanced Placement in art by the College Board.
TEACHER AVAILABILITY
Students are free to use the art facility during their blocks of free time during the day, andafter school. The instructor is available each day for extra help after school until 3:00 PM and by appointment during mutually convenient times.Students and parents may contact the instructor through the district telephone line 914-793-6130 x 4310, or via e-mail at rsydlowski@eufsdk12.org