Wellesley High School 

Sculpture

 

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Class Syllabus

 

Teacher: Ms. Martell

Email: martellj@wellesleyps.org

Pronouns: She/her 

Office Hours: Before and after class or by appointment as I also teach at WMS

 

COURSE OVERVIEW

This course explores the basics of sculpture and three dimensional art using a variety of materials. Throughout the semester we will experiment with different techniques, processes, and methods of building to solve creative challenges and express ideas. Students will consider all of the stages of three dimensional work from planning and sketching, to building, refining, documenting and display.  

 

COURSE GOALS

Students will:

1. Develop their understanding of three dimensional media (art making materials), which will allow them to be expressive with these media.
2. Interpret and analyze works by various artists from different time periods.
3. Become comfortable with various vocabulary words that relate to art making and art analysis.
4. Use critical thinking skills to assess your artwork.

PROJECTS

 

This is a tentative list of the projects we will be working on this semester. Assignments may change order throughout the semester depending upon your development and interest.

 

• Linear wire sculpture
• Organic paper sculpture
• Cardboard relief 
• Plaster/cast paper sculpture 
• Interior/Exterior Home Sculpture
• Installation Art Group Project

GRADING

 

Your projects will be graded using a Labor Based Grading Contract model. Every assignment is pass/ fail earning you credit once all parameters of the assignment are met and crafted to the best of your ability. If you do not fulfill the assignment, present rushed or poor craftsmanship, or miss the assignment you will not get credit and it will be counted as a failed or missing assignment.  You will have a chance to revise the work if you need to. As long as you work hard and challenge yourself you will succeed in this class. Your grades will appear in Canvas/Powerschool in a timely manner. All students may take one “non-creative day” to use if they need to take a break from making.   

 

Final Grade Breakdown

Range (+/-)	Number of non-participation Days/Unexcused Absences	Number of Late Assignments	Number of Missed Assignments	Number of Missed Critiques or Discussion Days
A	3	0	0	0
A-	3	1	0	1
B	3	2	0	1
C	4	3	1	1
D	5	4	2	2
F	6	5	3	3

 

Late written and studio assignments will not be counted for full credit unless discussed with the teacher. Missed critiques or discussions put a 0 in effort/participation grade for that day

 

Students MUST submit and present work during class critiques in order for their work to be considered on time. 

 

Project Assignments will be evaluated on the following Criteria:

 

Craft: Work should be constructed in a manner that is consistent with achieving the best possible result for that project.  The key word is consistency.  Work should be “neat” and well-constructed; excess smudging, stray marks, creases or wrinkles, and rushed or sloppy work is likely to result in a low grade or request for a revision.

 

Composition: The manner in which you arrange the component parts of your design to form a unified whole; the way in which you deal with the basic relational elements of unity, variety, repetition, balance, pattern, rhythm, emphasis, economy, position and direction; the overall visual impact of your design.

 

Concept: the idea(s) behind your work; what your work/design is “about”, what it is trying to “say,” “do” or “be.”  The idea can be as simple as trying to explore and express basic design issues or as complex as an exploration of your personal beliefs.  Still, it must be original: your work may borrow from past and present artistic and design concepts, but it must be a personalized interpretation or reaction to those ideas.  You may not directly copy another artist’s or designer’s work-- any such copies submitted in response to a class assignment will not count as a completion of the assignment and will not be given credit.  In extreme cases, such submission may be considered plagiarism and will be dealt with severely [failing grade assigned, etc.]

BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS

 

In this classroom, respect for the classroom materials and other students’ work is key. Do not touch or handle others' works. Do not use tools and materials with which you are unfamiliar. Safety is very important in this class and I have very little tolerance for using materials inappropriately. Likewise, clean up is an essential part of this class. You will be given multiple reminders about clean up time at the end of class but ultimately it is your responsibility to give yourself enough time to clean up and store your work. 

How to Succeed in This Class:

 

• Show up and be present. Participating means being here physically and mentally. Phones should be away unless you are photographing your work or listening to music during studio time. 
• Turn your work in on time to Canvas.
• Ask questions.
• Have an open mind and embrace the process.
• There are no right or wrong ideas in this class; there are only interesting ones and uninteresting ones. 
• “The only rule is work. If you work it will lead to something. It's the people who do all of the work all of the time who eventually catch on to things.” -Corita Kent
• Do not be afraid to take risks, make mistakes, or “go with your gut.” If you make a bad decision, make it better! 
• Have fun and take pride in what you are making.

 

Questions or concerns? Email me or check in before or after class.  I look forward to working together this semester! 

-Ms. Martell