Mini-Course front page template

From KNILT

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This is a template that you can use to set up your own curse intro/front page. You can click the Edit tab of this page, select all, and copy/paste to the page you've started for your mini-course. DO NOT ADD YOUR CONTENT IN THIS PAGE. 

This course introduction/front page shows what information should be provided about each mini-course. This is only an example. Feel free to modify/adapt as you'd like. I want our mini-courses to be creative, instead of only uniformed.

Overview and Purpose

My mini-course is designed to teach young artists with the knowledge and skills of the building blocks of art known as the elements of art. Within four different sections, student will learn about the first steps of creating art. Students will also learn how to create fair and impactful assessments of each others work, understand fine details and terms in art, discover methods for providing meaningful feedback and critiques, and finally, explore creativity and imagination by integrating the key aspects of art into their work and build an appreciation of the visual arts. Students will leave this course with a new outlook on the arts and a hopeful strong passion for the expression of art.

The fundamental purpose of this mini-course is to provide students with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of art, with a specific focus on understanding the elements of art and developing the ability to critique artwork effectively. By delving into the core principles of art and honing their critical thinking skills, students will not only enhance their own artistic abilities but also gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry of others. This knowledge will empower them to communicate and express themselves visually while engaging in meaningful artistic discourse.

Needs Assessment

The challenge or opportunity we're addressing is making sure that art education goes beyond just teaching techniques and tools. We want it to be an exciting and enriching experience for students, where they truly understand the basics of art—things like lines, shapes, colors, and more. The goal is to not just teach how to make art but to help students express themselves better through it. In this class, we have students with different levels of experience, all eager to learn and improve. Our aim is to give them a solid foundation in art, whether they're beginners or more advanced, so they can create art that truly means something to them.

This course is intended for younger aged artists, between the grades 3 to 5. These learners may have diverse characteristics that could affect what is taught and how it is taught in this course:

  • Technique Proficiency: Learners may have varying levels of proficiency in the techniques we use. Same will have better ways of understanding the art mediums or techniques as we move forward.
  • Technical Skills: Evaluate the learner's proficiency in using various art mediums such as pencils, paints, or digital tools. Assess their control, precision, and ability to create desired visual effects.
  • Teaching Experience: The learners may include different learners who have created many pieces of art or have a like or passion for art, while others may not.
  • Creativity and Imagination: Observe the learner's creativity in generating original ideas, concepts, and artistic interpretations. Consider their ability to think outside the box and bring unique perspectives to their art.
  • Visual Communication: Analyze how effectively the learner conveys emotions, stories, or messages through their artwork. Consider the use of color, composition, and visual elements in expressing ideas.
  • Time Constraints: Learners may have limited time available for professional development.

Performance Objectives

  • After completing this mini-course, learners will be able to
      1. Observational Skills: To enhance students' ability to observe and represent the visual world accurately through techniques such as still life drawing, figure drawing, and landscape drawing.
      2. Elements and Principles of Design: To introduce students to the basic elements of art (line, shape, form, color, value, texture, space) and principles of design (balance, contrast, unity, movement, pattern, emphasis) that are the building blocks of visual composition.
      3. Color Theory: To teach students about the color wheel, color mixing, and how to effectively use color to convey mood and meaning in their artwork.
      4. Drawing Techniques: To provide instruction on various drawing techniques, such as contour drawing, cross-hatching, stippling, and shading, to help students achieve greater precision and expressiveness in their drawings.
      5. Painting Skills: To develop students' proficiency in using different painting mediums like watercolors, acrylics, and oils, as well as techniques like blending, layering, and brushwork.
      6. Art History and Art Movements: To introduce students to the history of art, famous artists, and various art movements that have influenced the world of visual art.
      7. Critique and Analysis: To enable students to critically analyze and discuss their own artwork and that of their peers, fostering a deeper understanding of art and constructive feedback.
      8. Creative Expression: To encourage students to develop their unique artistic voice and explore personal themes and concepts in their artwork.
      9. Craftsmanship and Presentation: To emphasize the importance of attention to detail, craftsmanship, and proper presentation of artwork, including matting, framing, and exhibition. These objectives aim to provide a solid foundation for students to appreciate, create, and engage with art, and they lay the groundwork for further exploration and specialization in the field of visual arts.

Course Units

Extended Resources

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