EL SEGUNDO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT




EL SEGUNDO HIGH SCHOOL




 





COURSE OF STUDY




 





Course Title: Sculpture 1 A/B 
Department: Fine Art 
Grade Level: 9-12





 
COURSE DESCRIPTION




 
 This course consists of a discipline-based art curriculum that focuses on art history, aesthetics, art appreciation and studio production. The students will study major historical movements in the history of sculpture and ceramics as well as the significant three-dimensional artistic contributions of specific world cultures. Philosophies of sculptural art will be examined and applied to student works and the art of the masters




through description, analysis, interpretation and evaluation of these works. A variety of sculptural techniques and processes will be explored as students learn how to effectively express their imagination and strengthen creative problem solving skills. 




 
 The objectives of this course include the ability to demonstrate a working knowledge of sculpture vocabulary, artistic media, art history/world cultures, and three-dimensional techniques through adequate completion of at least 70% of all studio projects, tests/quizzes, in-class assignments, homework and a final examination. Emphasis is on the development of technical aptitude, an expanded expression of student’s imagination and an increase in critical viewing response skills that indicate both verbal and expository writing abilities. 
 
Length: One Year
Prerequisite for Enrollment: none 
Recommendation for enrollment: Interest in art history, art appreciation and studio practices.
Type of Course: College preparatory (UC/CSU); elective









I. COURSE OUTLINE 

Based on the California Art Standards

A. Art History:





1. The sculpture and pottery of ancient cultures as well as the art and architecture of the Middle Ages will be introduced to the students. A survey of the sculpture of the European Renaissance on through to modern times will include an examination of sculptural forms encompassing artistic styles such as Gothic, Baroque, Neoclassicism, Realism, Surrealism, Pop and Op art styles. (Integration of Core Knowledge) 
2. Crucial three-dimensional artistic contributions of African, 




European, Asian, North American (Native American) and South American cultures will be spotlighted. (Integration of Core Knowledge, Personal/Social Development) 




 
 B. Art Appreciation:
 
 1. Through in-depth analysis of both their own art and the art of others, students will engage in close observation of formal, technical and expressive properties. (Personal/Social Development, Critical Thinking/Problem Solving)
 




2. Students will also learn to describe and interpret works of sculpture
 and ceramics through consideration of art elements and principles and then evaluate these works in terms of aesthetic merit and significance. (Personal/Social Development, Critical Thinking/Problem Solving)
 
 C. Aesthetics:





1. The students will examine philosophies of art and will apply these philosophies to their own perceptions of the aesthetic value in three-dimensional art works. (Critical Thinking/Problem Solving)
 
 D. Studio Production:
 




1. Utilizing the styles and techniques of historical periods and cultural dimensions, students will design and create their own unique art forms—both functional and nonfunctional.  (Critical Thinking/Problem Solving, Effective Communication)





2. Students will construct plaster relief and balsa carvings, mobiles,
soft sculptures, wire sculptures, paper mache masks and assemblage sculptures utilizing a variety of materials. Students will also work extensively in the art of ceramics with the option of working on the potter’s wheel. (Critical Thinking/Problem Solving, Effective Communication)
 
II. INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS
 
 A. In-Class Work:
 Instructional activities include silent and oral reading, group discussion, observation of art demonstrations by instructor and guest speakers, cooperative group activities, art appreciation exercises, creative and analytical writings, field trips, computer programs, slide and video presentations and a varied display of books and art examples which mirror each unit of study. (Critical Thinking/Problem Solving, Effective Communication, Integration of Core Knowledge, Personal/Social Development)
 
 
B. Outside Class Work:
 Report research and writing will target art career opportunities as well as investigate the lives and works of specific sculptors. Homework will incorporate critical thinking essay writing, analytical reading, the study of in-class notes and vocabulary, along with sculptural exercises.  . (Critical Thinking/Problem Solving, Effective Communication, Integration of Core Knowledge, Personal/Social Development)
 
III. EVALUATION/GRADING OF STUDENT WORK
 
A. To earn an ‘A’ grade, students must demonstrate insightful mastery of the subject matter with exceptional quality in 90% or more of the assigned work. A grade of ‘B’ reflects strong competence in 80% or more of the assigned work, while a ‘C’ grade denotes 70% or more of the assigned work completed with minimal acceptable proficiency. 




 
B. Sixty percent of this grade will encompass major studio art production projects as well as in-class group work and individual reading and writing assignments—students will be asked to analyze art historical and world cultural contributions (both orally and in writing) as well as to evaluate both peer and professional art works for aesthetic content.




 
C. Twenty percent of this grade will reflect weekly homework assignments.
 
D. Twenty percent of this grade will be comprised of tests/quiz grades.




Quizzes and tests will focus on recall and application of art terminology, techniques and processes. 




 
IV. INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS




 
 A. A textbook will be determined by the adoption process. 




 
B. A variety of computer programs, slide and video presentations and a




classroom art library of both art books and art prints will reinforce each unit of study.