Art & Design 3

Course Syllabus


Teacher Info
Denny Bales
email: dbales@davincischools.org
school phone: (310) 725-5800
webpage:



Educational
Background
I grew up in the South Bay and graduated from Peninsula High School in 2002. I received a
degree in Studio Art with an emphasis in Painting from Point Loma Nazerene University in 2007.
I received my teaching credential from Long Beach State. Throughout my schooling I worked on
art in various mediums. All the experiences I have had and skills I have learned contribute to my
work as an artist.

Course
Description
Art & Design 3 is a one-year visual arts course of advanced studies that focuses on art as a visual
communication device and prepares students for a college degree and/or a career as a graphic
artist. Students will receive a technical foundation for the traditional arts, primarily drawing and
painting. Our emphasis will be to give students the necessary tools to create a portfolio for use
in the college application process.

Materials





Art is a materials intensive program. We will do our best to provide all of the necessary
materials for the students.

You must supply your own:
-sketchbook, blank pages (minimum 50 pages, minimum size 5 x 8
-drawing pencils 6B, 4B, 2B
-kneaded erasure
-pencil sharpener
-glue stick






Class
Expectations

Do not disrupt the learning process.
Do not lie, cheat or steal
Punctual: Be on time for class.
Prepared: Have all necessary materials including sketchbook, pencils, pens, flash drive,
etc.
Polite: Treat all with respect. Everyones politeness contributes to the success of all.
Productive participation: Students are expected to be curious about everything. Being
an artist is about being curious.
Presentation: Art that is not presented for public display is not really art. Students must
work with the mindset that everything they make will be on display when completed.







Work Load
This course is designed to investigate and be involved in the art world. Students will have
some homework outside of class that will prepare them to create work within the classroom.

Grading
Policy

This year at Da Vinci, we will be using Mastery Based Grading. Students grades will be based
mainly upon their knowledge that correlates to the essential art knowledge and skills (80%),
as well as their usage of the Da Vinci Habits of Mind and Project Design Skills (20%) which will
be given as a grade 1-4 for each.

Each student is responsible to meet all course requirements, including class participation,
homework, quizzes, tests, teamwork, and projects. Several methods of assessment will be
used during all semesters. Students projects will be graded on both an individual and group
basis when applicable.

***Note: Any grade lower than a 2 is considered not passing (incomplete) at Da Vinci. A
student that receives a grade lower than a C- will be responsible for completing summer
school, additional classes or special assignments and work to complete the class for credit.


Late Work
Policy
And
Homework
Incomplete Work will receive no credit. An assignment is either complete or it is not.
Late assignments will lose 20% of the overall grade of the assignment.
The expectation is that students will complete assignments by the due dates. This is a real
world expectation which has consequences.
Homework often will require the use of a computer with an internet connection. There is
ample opportunity to find this on campus before and after school, as well as during lunch.
Planning and preparation are necessary, as you must have a pass to come on campus in the
morning. I will be happy to write you one.

Communication
and E-mail

Students are expected to monitor their @davincischools.org e-mail address. Assignments,
corrections and other such communications will be sent via e-mail only to their
@davincischools.org account.
Parents are also encouraged to have an e-mail address and monitor it regularly. I like to ask for
help and provide community service opportunities via e-mail communication.





By signing I state that I have read through the syllabus with my student, and understand the Art & Design 3
course and the requirements for being successful. I also understand my students success in the class is directly
related to the amount of time given to all assignments in class and outside of class. I also agree to the
expectations and guidelines set forth in this syllabus.
It is my responsibility as the parent/guardian to be involved with what my student is doing in school and will
contact the teacher via phone or e-mail with any concerns I have.
Student Name: ________________________ Signature: ________________________ Date: _____________

Parent/Guardian: ______________________ Signature: ________________________ Date: _____________
CLASS PERIOD: ___________________________________________________
Please sign, date, and return this page to Denny. This syllabus will always be available on my dp for reference.
Returning this syllabus signed, as well as getting items on the supply list, will be the first assignments this year.