GRAND VALLEY SCULPTURE SYLLABUS

Marcella Tolnar, Instructor Phone: 440-437-6260

email: Marcella.tolnar@grandvalley.school Office Hours: upon appointment

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Beginning Ceramics and Sculpture is a one year fine arts elective intended for tenth, eleventh
and twelfth grade students who have had little or no prior experience in art. This is a hands-on
course that will teach basic hand-building skills and techniques. In addition, students will have
an opportunity to explore personal creative expression through the use of traditional methods
utilizing clay, plaster, paper mache, found objects, and other 3 D media. The use of the
elements and principles of art will be applied. The analysis, cultural and historical references,
style, and aesthetics of 3D art will be explored.

The objective of Sculpture at Grand Valley High School is to build a strong, practical branch of
visual art focused the techniques and processes of three-dimension art (in the round and relief)
such additive, subtractive, assemblage, and casting sculpture. Students will complete sculptural
projects that show how of the elements and principles of art can create a good design for a
piece of art. They will also be exposed to art history and appreciation through videos,
discussion, written assignments, including reflective writing, research papers, demonstrations,
and critique sessions.

Studio Projects:
In-class studio art projects will be assigned during the quarter that will be based on the
elements and principles of art. Each student is responsible for completing each project by the
due date and keeping that project in his or her portfolio (provided and stored in the art room).
I will assign between 4-5 major pieces this quarter in addition to smaller in-class assignments.

Classroom Expectations:
Course Expectations Students are responsible for in-class studio work, participation during in-
class activities, studio preparation and clean-up, artist/artwork research, writing assignments,
homework and weekly sketchbook assignments. Students are expected to come to class on time
and be prepared for every class. Students are expected to plan artwork, put forth good effort
in creating that work, manage their studio/working time appropriately, complete the
assignment, turn assignment in on time, and complete the written analysis or reflection.
Students are expected to do their own work, unless working on a group activity, and are
responsible for adherence to copyright laws and Grand Valley High School Academic Integrity
Policy.
Grading policy:
Each student is graded on an individual basis. No cross-class comparisons will be made. I grade
on my expectations of you and your growth as an individual. Your projects will be graded with
the following criteria in mind:

Effort- this means always striving for your personal best

Craftsmanship- you have taken your time and done a careful job
Creativity/Originality- you have developed your own idea and not copied someone else's
Following instructions- you have met the criteria outlined for each assignment

A = Excellent, outstanding effort, exceeds expectations; WOW!!!

B = Strong work, very good
C = Fair, adequate, looks finished.
D/F= work does not demonstrate Colorado standards and must be resubmitted

Your total grade will be broken down in the following way:

40% Projects
60% Work Grades (Daily Points)

1st Quarter 45% of final grade

2nd Quarter 45% of final grade
Final Test being 10% of the final grade = 100% for a semester

Classroom Procedures:
The amount of time you will have to complete each project is planned to coincide with the
amount of class time given before the due date. Generally speaking, you should have enough
studio time to complete each project in class. However, it is expected that you also complete
work at home in order to meet the deadlines. The following is our usual class routine.

Start of Class:
Be on Time As soon as you enter the classroom, you should find any projects or materials
needed for the day, be seated and start working. If there is a presentation or demonstration,
sit quietly and take out your sketchbook to take notes.
Studio Time:
If you need clarification or have questions about the days activity, ask questions. Follow
instructions for how the studio time is utilized. Utilize time management. Instructor will be
circulating the room to assist, if not readily available to help you, ask a peer for help.
End of Class:
The last 5 minutes are for cleaning up. Put all materials away. Wash anything that needs it. Put
your project away. Make sure you know about any homework or what is needed to prepare for
the next class. Take project home if needed.
Attendance:
1. Absences & tardiness: interfere with your learning & success. Be here, on time.
2. Excused Absences: Students are responsible for making up missing work outside of class
time within 1 week of the absence.
Absences are excused by a note or phone call from parent to the office. If you are absent,
it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to find out what you missed & make it up ASAP.

As Art III and IV are studio courses, attendance is crucial to success in this class. Excessive
tardiness or absences can negatively affect academic grade. This is an activity based course;
lack of presence in class directly impacts understanding of course content as well as quality of
artwork. If you know in advance that you will be missing class, it is student responsibility to be
aware of and get coursework in advance. Schedule a meeting outside class time to get this
information.

Deadlines: Projects are usually due the next day after the last day we work on it in class.

Open Studio: Check with teacher in advance regarding times and days

Sketchbook Requirements:
The sketchbook is used for every part of the sculpture process. From sketched ideas to
written assignments that range from written reflections/ self-evaluations on studio projects to
short written pieces based on art critiques. Use your sketchbook for everything!

What goes in your sketchbook EVERYTHING!

Materials:
Supplies Needed:
1. 6- #2 pencils (not mechanical)
2. Large Eraser
3. Sketchbook- Spiral Bound no smaller than 9x12
4. Black Sharpie Markers (fine and medium point)
5. Students may purchase their own materials, such as colored pencils and markers, if they wish.
Dear Student & Parents:
I am delighted about your interest in fine arts and about working with you this year. Hopefully, this syllabus has
provided sufficient information regarding curriculum, expectations and grading policy. The keys to success in this
program are regular attendance, a positive attitude and good work habits. If you have questions, please ask. I
read email daily and respond promptly. I try to check my mail box at school daily.

If finances are a problem, please let the office know.

I anticipate that this class will be an exciting, productive experience and look forward to sharing art work with
parents, the school and the community.
Your signature on the tear strip acknowledges that you are aware of and support these expectations for your
student.

Sincerely,

Marcella Tolnar

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I understand the rules, expectations and consequences of this class. I also understand how I am
being evaluated and graded and have read and understand this syllabus and have asked
questions about the procedures and expectations. I will give my best effort toward meeting class
expectations. If I have future questions, I will contact the teacher using the information located
at the top of page one.

Circle class: Art 1 Art II Art III Art IV Sculpture Period:

____

Student (printed): _______________________________________________________

Signature: ______________________________________________________________

Parents/Guardians: Students are asked to show you the course syllabus. Please sign
here to let me know that happened. Thank you. *Return it signed within one week. (10
pts)

Parent/Guardian (printed): ________________________________________________

Signature: _________________________________________________________________

Current home phone: _________________

Parents email address (es): ________________________