Do not stop thinking of life as an adventure. You have no ...

Art and the Environment Syllabus 2014-15
Ms. Niki Lederer | [email protected] | SDN 11

“Do not stop thinking of life as an adventure. You have no security unless you can live bravely, excitingly,
imaginatively; unless you can choose a challenge instead of a competence.”

~Eleanor Roosevelt
Overview
Art and the Environment is a course that will provide an in-depth introduction to the emerging field of Eco Art
as well as a basic introduction to environmentalism. Throughout the year we will explore different aspects of
the environment and art techniques to help students express their ideas in a variety of visual art media, sourced
from re-purposed and recycled materials. Through a series of individual and group projects students will gain a
greater understanding and advance their own technical skill and ability. The course culminates in a final
exhibition with an opening reception for the entire ElRo community.

Objectives
Upon completion of the course students will be able to:

• Describe and understand the emerging field of Eco Art
• Employ a variety of repurposed materials and methods to create artwork that demonstrates

personal expression and student voice
• Look at, interpret, read about, discuss and critique artwork
• Challenge preconceived notions about the environment
• Examine how land, sea and air help us understand our environment and help us create art

Essential Questions
• How do ethics guide our behavior?
• What is environmentalism?
• What is art?
• How does art help you understand and interpret the world?

Class Protocol
• Attendance and punctuality is mandatory. The pace of the class is quick and a missed class
results in missed studio time and time to exchange ideas with peers. Poor attendance will
negatively impact your grade.
• In addition to the artworks students complete in class, sourcing materials for art projects will
have to occur outside of class time. Many materials used in class will be recycled household
items and will be collected as homework for class projects.
• Field trips will occur from time to time so students may experience, firsthand, art and the
environment outside of the classroom. Students are responsible for making up any class work
missed in other subject areas.

• All artwork created in class must be original as per academic integrity policy. Pre-existing
artwork cannot be used as a basis for personal artwork unless significant alteration to the artwork

is made and student voice is evident.

• Student artwork and projects will be displayed during the year and in a year-end exhibit.
Attendance at the final exhibition on Thursday, May 28th is required.

Safety Protocol

• Studio tools are to be used only after demonstrated by the instructor and power tools are only
to be used under direct supervision of the instructor; safety goggles must be worn.

• Loud voices and disruptive behavior are prohibited in class; a calm demeanor is essential to
the safety of everyone in class.

Materials

Most project materials will be student sourced. Paper, paint, glue, plaster and clay will be

provided, but students should expect to collect materials (recyclables) and bring these

materials to class to create their work. Found objects and recycled material use is a major

component of the course.

Assessment

Grades will be based on the following:

Artwork Completed 50%

Homework assignments 25% based on idea content, technique, effort

Critique 15% demonstrated, use of media, etc.

Participation/Attitude 10%

Total 100%

Artwork Completed (50%)

Students are expected to actively listen to and incorporate feedback from the instructor and peers.
The review and revision process is not optional; each student is expected to continually revise,
improve and change his or her artwork.

Digital Portfolio Process
Students will use Google Docs to create an online portfolio, beginning in September and maintained
throughout the duration of the course. This online portfolio helps students build the skills of observation,
description, self-evaluation and digital photo documentation and will be used by the instructor to grade the
completed work. All images need to be labeled with dimensions (height x width x depth) and materials used.

Homework assignments (25%)

• Students will complete all of their homework assignments in their Google Doc online portfolio.
This document should function as a “concept workshop” for each student in the class. It will
include photos, notes, sketches, clippings, and any other items that show the thought process
behind each student’s artwork. The Google Doc online portfolio will be reviewed during
different intervals throughout the school year. The work you create must have written notes,
sketches and concept planning included in the Google Doc online.

Art and the Environment Syllabus 2014-15 2

Critiques (15%)
• Critique and class discussion are integral to the studio art learning process—students must be
prepared to speak up and be active participants in class discussions.
• Students will need to discuss and talk about their own artwork while providing valuable
feedback to peers in a constructive way.
• Post-critique, students should revisit their artwork and adjust as they see appropriate with the
understanding that making art is an ongoing process.

Participation/Attitude (10%)
• Respect is expected 100%.: specifically, demonstrate respect for personal artwork, respect for
other people’s artwork, respect for the classroom and materials, and most of all respect for ideas,
opinions, and feelings.
• Students must be prepared for class by arriving to class on time with their materials, and use the
class time to its fullest extent.
• Attendance. Students must email teacher to explain ANY missed class. Failure to do so will
affect your grade. No exceptions.

Resources
Print

Michel, Karen., Green Guide for Artists: Nontoxic Recipes, Green Art Ideas, & Resources for the Eco-
Conscious Artist, Beverly, Massachusetts: Quarry Books, 2009.s

Steffen, Alex., Worldchanging: A Users Guide for the 21st Century: New York: Abrams, Harry N., Inc., 2006.
Atwood, Margaret., Year of the Flood, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2009.
Multimedia
School and course websites www.erhsnyc.org and www.erhsnyc.net

Art and the Environment Syllabus 2014-15 3

Art and the Environment Contract 2014-15
PLEASE COMPLETE, SIGN, DATE, & RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION OF THIS PAGE

KEEP THE SYLLABUS FOR YOUR REFERENCE

Please return this page with your signature and your parent/guardian’s signature, stating that you understand
the expectations of this class.

ü I understand the syllabus.
ü I understand that I am expected to be in Art and the Environment class on

time, ready to embrace this experience and do my best work.
ü I understand that I am expected to complete ALL assignments to my best

ability and make up ALL missed work due to absence.
ü I understand that I am expected to email the teacher to explain any/all

absences.
ü I understand that I will try new techniques and concepts as suggested by the

instructor.
ü I understand that in class I will demonstrate a willingness to consider

changes proposed by peers to edit and change my artwork to improve.

_____ #______"_______#______"________ #______"_______#______"_________

Student’s Name: _________________________ Advisor: ________________________

Student’s Cell phone # ____________________________________________________

Student’s signature ________________________________ Date ____________

Parent/Guardian’s Name ___________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian’s email ____________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian’s Telephone number: _________________________________________

Parent/Guardian signature __________________________ Date ____________

Niki Lederer, Instructor
Art & Environment

Art and the Environment Syllabus 2014-15 4