River Hill High School Art Department

Art 3: Portfolio Development Honors/AP

Mrs. Jennifer Smith: jennifer_e_smith@hcpss.org
Class Blog: http://www.rhhsart3smith.blogspot.com

2010-2011 Course Syllabus (Retain this packet in your visual journal throughout the semester

Course Description
The portfolio is a vehicle through which students synthesize knowledge they have gained of art
appreciation and media exploration. To that end, Art 3 students will creat work of the highest
possible quality; work that documents a range of technical, formal, and expressive experiences,
and work that begins to focus on a particular interest or problem. Art 3 students are expected to
work beyond scheduled periods, as well as leave the art room to complete certain assignments if
required. Students will maintain a sketchbook/journal throughout the school year, which will be
submitted for grading at the end of each marking period.
Art 3 students registered for Advanced Placement credit are expected to take the A.P. exam in
May. Bear in mind that these students will be required to meet the National Advanced Placement
Board requirements, which may demand additional work beyond the requirements of this course.
It is extremely difficult for an Art 3 student enrolled for one-credit to pass the Advanced
Placement Studio Exam. Students and parents are asked to carefully consider the level that best
suits the student’s academic and artistic goals. Students taking the AP Studio Exam will be
required to create a CD-R with reproductions of their art work, to write an additional artist
statement, and will -at all times throughout the year- demonstrate exceptional commitment to
creating art for this course.

Course Objectives
In this course you will build a portfolio of work that can be used for college admission and for
advanced placement credit.

Art 3 Honors students will:

1. Develop creative responses to given art problems through research, discussion, and
experimentation.
2. Maintain a sketchbook journal that demonstrates personal expression through the use of
visual images, collected materials, and written commentary .
3. Engage in collaboration and continuing critical dialogue with artists, instructor, and peer
mentors.
4. Compose an artist’s statement that reflects aesthetic choices and a personal direction
developed over a period of time.
5. Identify and evaluate how artistic behaviors and problem solving skills are essential
components for success in a variety of career fields.
6. Recognize and apply technical approaches through the use of a variety of media to develop a
repertoire of visual experiences with a sense of quality.
7. Analyze and apply ways contemporary and master artists and cultures use concepts in a
thematic series of personal artwork.
8. Analyze and apply ways contemporary and master artists and cultures approach subject matter
from direct observation.
9. Maintain a sketchbook/journal that incorporates personal expression through visual, collected,
and written commentary to employ as a reference and to generate future ideas.
10. Demonstrate independent pursuit of art making based on guided instruction in the
development of a portfolio.
11. Maintain and refine digital portfolio of personal artworks for the purpose of participating in a
web-based community.

In addition, Art 3 AP students will:

1. Establish criteria to be used in the development of personal artwork and defend artistic
choices using sophisticated vocabulary.
2. Engage in periodic portfolio critiques to assess strengths/needs to develop criteria for further
art works.
3. Recognize, provide, and accept constructive criticism for personal artistic development and
peer mentoring.
4. Demonstrate independent pursuit of art making based on guided instruction in the
development of a portfolio.
5. Analyze, evaluate, and prepare personal portfolios to meet specific criteria for further
educational and career goals (AP, college entrance, work resume).
6. Select and apply materials and techniques to identify their potential in visual statements and
develop mastery in their use.

Requirements for the Portfolio

There are three essentials to every portfolio:
1. The portfolio work will be of the highest possible quality.
2. The portfolio work will document a range of technical, formal, and expressive experiences.
3. The portfolio work will begin to focus on a particular interest, theme, or problem.

In building the best possible portfolio, it will be important for you to interpret your own personal
experiences, primarily through observation and experimentation, to direct your thematic series.
At the end of the term, the work in your portfolio should demonstrate your ability to do the
following:
-Think creatively
-Think critically
-Take risks
-Interpret the world around you
-Experiment with techniques and concepts in a visual journal
-Work in diverse media
-Depict light
-Depict space
-Handle color
-Draw what you see
-Respond to or reinterpret works of master artists and artists from other cultures.
-Develop a series of thematically related works.
*You will be required to maintain a Personal Portfolio Plan, which will be attached to the inside
of your portfolio folder. You will also be required to updated the “Table of Contents” before
submitting your work for a grade at the end of each marking period.

Homework
As this is a Honors/Advanced Placement course, a minimum of three to four hours of work is to
be completed outside of class each week. Each marking period will often contain three
assignments, each taking nine or more hours to complete. As the long-term homework
assignment allows for the greatest individual interpretation and creative problem solving, the
expectation is substantial. Significantly, these are also the works that colleges tend to be the
MOST interested in because the homework problems have the greatest latitude for personal
interpretation. Therefore, these works are primarily responsible for getting you into the college-
level art program of your choice. The homework is given more weight than individual
classwork assignments, therefore, any student not submitting homework -or submitting hastily
prepared homework- will be unlikely to pass that particular marking period.

Assessment and Grading

Studio Guidelines:
All students are expected to observe and adhere to all policies defined in the Student Handbook
regarding lateness and conduct. Lateness will not be tolerated. As a studio class, attendance and
promptness are critical to the success of the Art 3 student. Students are expected to maintain the
studio, and are responsible to be where they are assigned during class periods. Students are
expected to participate in all class discussions, critiques, and activities.

Portfolio, Assessment, and Grading:

Each student will compile a portfolio that consists of work done in class or at home, worksheets,
sketchbook/journal, and written assignments. Portfolio reviews will be scheduled between the
instructor and the student periodically throughout the school year.
We will assess each art problem while it is in progress and/or when it is complete. This may take
the form of written reflections, individual critiques, peer commentary, or (most often) group
critiques. Intelligent, thoughtful, and open-minded participation in the assessment process is
mandatory, and will affect your marking period grade. At the end of every marking period, you
will assess your own progress by reflecting on your finished works, your processes, and your
participation. After completing the grade assessment, you will submit your entire portfolio, your
visual journal, and your self-assessment to me for a letter grade. Submitted work must be in
pristine condition. Make sure your work is not smeared, creased, or torn, and is in chronological
order.

Final works of art will be evaluated based upon the following components:
1. Objectives-Meeting the criteria or objectives for the specific assignment. Ex. An assignment
may include specific preparation/brainstorming.
2. Studio Skills-Proper handling of materials, responsible use of time, respect for others and
their work, clean-up, class participation (including critiques).
3. Craftsmanship / Presentation-Neatness and respect for your work should be evident in the
appearance of a completed assignment.
4. Design-Thoughtfulness to the composition and its relationship to personal ideas.
This system will allow the teacher and the student to evaluate specific strengths and identify
areas in need of improvement.

Grades will be based upon the following percentages:

A=90-100%, B=80-89%, C=70-79%, D=60-69%, E=0-59%

Homework:
Out of class work will consist of 40% of the grade for the course. Class work will count for
60% of the final grade for the course. Home time will be used for journal assignments, some
preparation and brainstorming, reviewing information, and for completing major assignments.
Most assignments will require students to complete work out-of-class. It is in the student’s best
interest to use their regular class time wisely to complete assignments. If class time is not used
responsibly, more out-of-class work may result. It is the student’s las to check the class blog
regularly for assignments so that they meet all posted deadlines.

Deadlines and Missed Work

Assignment deadlines are set at the discretion of the instructor when the assignment is given. It
is the student’s responsibility to make up any missed work due to excused absences, and to
collect daily objectives, handouts, notes, assignments, etc. Students are also responsible for
scheduling appointments with the teacher to discuss make-up work. If the student is
absent the day an assignment is due, the assignment should be handed in the following day.
Late work will not be given full credit.

Field Trips
Students are expected to attend at least one field trip offered by the Art Department this year.
Two field trips will be arranged, one in the fall, the second in the spring. Students will be given
6-8 weeks prior notice of field trip dates to arrange for missed classes occurring that day, /or to
request leave from after-school jobs or obligations. We usually return to school during 6th
period, however, if an extended day field trip is arranged, you will be notified. Extended day
field trips usually return by 4:30 p.m.. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of seeing art
beyond River Hill High School! As a member of the Art 3/4 class, you are declaring your
passion for art, and with that you have a responsibility to educate yourself about art in the world.
Therefore, you should view these field trips as the opportunity for a profound educational
experience.

National Art Honor Society

The National Art Honor Society encourages and supports outstanding artistic scholarship, service
to the school and community, artistic endeavors, and good citizenship. Student members of this
organization exemplify these standards, and work to promote an awareness of art and to support
the education process at River Hill High School and in the community. Membership is open to
all students who have completed an arts course at River Hill with a 3.0 average. Past NAHS
activities have included mural painting for teachers in the school, gallery and painting trips,
public sculpture projects, elementary art days, coffeehouses, postcard exchanges, t-shirt screen
printing, paper-making, and helping those in need around the winter holidays. NAHS members
are eligible for scholarships at many art colleges and universities. The first meeting open to
interested students will be in mid-September. An announcement will be made in class about the
meeting.

Advanced Placement
Juniors and seniors interested in advanced placement credit will send a portfolio of their work to
the College Board early in May. Students may apply in three areas: 2-D Design, Drawing/
Painting, 3-D Design. These students are required to submit 24 digital images and five original
pieces (no larger than 18 x 24-inches); you must submit a duplicate set of 24 digital images to the
RHHS Art Department for our permanent files. (3-D requirements vary slightly.) If planning to
attend college and to study art, advanced placement credit can enable you to place out of
introductory courses and enter directly into upper level studio courses. Only students planning
to submit their portfolio to the AP Board (the “exam”) may register for AP credit for this
class. While I recommend that everyone take the AP exam, you must be aware that if you do not
give 100% in this course for the entire year, you are unlikely to earn a “4” on the exam - the
minimum score necessary to place out of college-level studio art courses. If you earn an “A”
average for the Art 3 and Art 4 courses, statistics show that you will likely earn a “4” or better on
your AP exam.

Digital Images
Students applying to the College Board, to college art programs, and to organizations offering art
scholarships will need to present reproductions of their artwork - usually twenty works in digital
form. The instructors in the art department will be happy to assist in photographing your work,
but you will need to provide digital storage or CDs. This year, you must make arrangements
with me in advance to assist in photographing your work during class time. Only on rare
occasions will you be able to photograph your work after school. Therefore, plan ahead. Allow
ample time for photographing, processing, labeling, and mailing your photo documentation.
While I wish that everyone succeeds, I will not assist with your photo documentation if you have
waited until the “last minute”.

Letters of Recommendation
If you have an “A”-average in my art classes, I will be more than willing to write letters of
recommendation for you, provided you have followed the protocol outlined by the guidance
office. (If you have consistently submitted work late, or have not submitted quality work due to
a lack of effort, keep in mind that all of these facts will be mentioned in my written letter for
you). Make sure you ask me for a recommendation well in advance of your application dead-
lines.

Scholarship Opportunities
Many opportunities for scholarships come up during the school year. Make it your habit to
check the “Art Announcements Board” by the entrance of the classroom, where I will post these
competitions. You are encouraged to take advantage of any opportunity that is presented. I will
make all of the pertinent application information available to you, but it is up to you to take the
initiative to follow up on it. Any additional digital images, recommendations, or input you might
need from me for these applications will be available upon request, as long as it is requesting in a
timely manner and not at the “last minute”. I am always happy to help excellent students pursue
their goals!
Materials
All materials are highly recommended:
-A hardbound sketchbook is necessary to meet all course requirements. Having a sketchbook
on-hand for idea generation and preliminary brainstorming/sketching is a major component of
building a strong college level portfolio. Choose the size that feels right for you since there are a
great deal of sizes and shapes. It is highly recommended that you purchase a 5 x 7- inch or 9 x
12-inch hardbound (preferred) or spiral bound sketchbook of good quality. Tablet bound
sketchbooks (bound by a strip of tape, only) are discouraged, as they tend to quickly fall apart,
causing you to lose important assignments and ideas.
Should you choose to not purchase a sketchbook, there will be opportunities at the beginning
of the school year to learn how to make one on your own. Again, whether you purchase a
sketchbook, adapt/find/appropriate a second-hand book, or make one yourself, it is a
necessary component of this course and will supplement your portfolio.
-During the first week you will be given an individual supply of pencils, eraser, charcoal, etc.
that you are required to keep safe in your possession for class-work and homework. Consider
finding a container to hold your materials. Examples of possible containers will be shown during
the first week. Should you lose your supply of materials, you are responsible for replenishing or
replacing them. Materials that are simply used up in the process of art-making will be
replenished through the art department.
-You are required to maintain a sturdy portfolio. During the second or third week of school, you
will be provided with a cardboard portfolio. If you have a stronger portfolio at home that you
wish you use, you may, as long as it is at least 30 x 40 inches. Your portfolio must be clearly
labeled with your name, level of art, and the class period. You will also be assigned a personal
portfolio slot within the classroom. Storage of artwork should be kept in your personal slots so
that you always know exactly where it is! This is a prized possession that can get you into good
schools! Guard it as such!
-Watercolors, pastels, Prismacolors, or other materials that you may need in large quantities must
always be purchased and supplied by YOU for homework and independent assignments. For
instance, if your independent project will be almost exclusively oil pastel, you should purchase
your own set, which you will, no doubt, need to frequently replenish.
-I will provide paint for our first oil painting. If you think that you are going to continue painting
for more independent problems, I would suggest purchasing a set of basic colors: Cadmium
Yellow, Cadmium Red, Permanent Alizarin Crimson, French Ultramarine (blue), Viridian
(green), Yellow Ochre, Titanium White (largest tube available). Art 4 students who decide to do
their Independent Study in painting are highly encouraged to use traditional oil paints. Water-
soluble oil paints are a little more pricey, but do not need paint thinner or Turpenoid.
-The art department will provide you with one new 1-inch long-handled brush for your personal
use, but you are welcome to purchase your own, higher quality brushes. (There is also a plentiful
class supply of used brushes of various sizes - in various states of decay. Theses must be
returned to the sink storage, whereas your new 1-inch brush is your persnal brush, and must be
stored with your materials).
-You will need a coffee can or two or three (for storing brush cleaner for your paint brushes with
a tightly sealed lid as well as old t-shirts to use as painting rags.
-The art department will provide paper, cardboard, and/or other painting supports. If you wish to
paint on more than one stretched canvas, see! I’ll point you in the right direction for purchasing
supplies. On occasion, you may be asked to collect found materials or to bring in objects. This
should not incur any additional funds. The art department will supply the rest of your materials
for the year. It may, however, be the case that you wish to purchase your own materials for use
at home. If so, take your student I.D. (for 10%-20% discounts) and check out any of the
following retailers for art supplies:
Michael’s Arts and Crafts (Columbia)
443-285-0808
Michael’s Arts and Crafts (Ellicott City)
410-480-8140
Utrecht Baltimore (www.utrecht.com)
1-800-223-9132
Pla-za Baltimore
410-625-2276
Pla-za Towson
410-823-6406
Maryland Institute College of Art Store
410-225-2276

Instructor’s Schedule
Throughout this year, you may begin to formulate a number of questions and concerns regarding
your future and how you would like art to play a role in it. Not only am I your instructor, but I
willingly and happily also take on the role of being your advisor. For this reason, I am including
my teaching schedule and email address so that you can contact me when these questions arise.
Should you need to reach me during the school day, please make every attempt to see me during
my planning periods, and ONLY after you have received permission from your instructor for
which ever course you will be missing. In addition, I am available most days after school until at
least 4:00 p.m.. If you need to stay after school to continue working on your art, or if you need
to meet with me, please notify me at least one day in advance so that I can check my after-school
schedule.

Email address: jennifer_e_smith@hcpss.org

Teaching Schedule:
1st pd- Art 3/4 - Room 216
2nd pd- Art 3/4 - Room 216
3rd pd - Art 1 - Room 215
4A - Art 2 - Room 216
4B - Art 2 Room 216
5 - Planning (art room office)
6 - Planning (art room office)