Design Fundamentals

Teachers: Ms. Gunter – gunterm@fultonschools.org; Room 301 and 303; 404.847.1980, ext. 235
Mr. Marstall – marstall@fultonschools.org; Room 301; 404.847.1980, ext.
Ms. Munson – munsond@fultonschools.org; Room 410; 404.847.1980 ext. 272
(blog: munson-designfundamentals.blogspot.com)

Design Fundamentals extends the standards and foundation that were established in the Introduction to Art course. Content
focuses on the arrangement of visual elements in space. Students will explore visual art as it relates to visual elements in space
including, but not limited to, art as personal communication, drawing, painting, three dimensional design, aesthetics, art criticism and
art history.
Objectives:

1. Develop an understanding of the processes and approaches to multiple aspects of art making
2. Learn about the elements of art and principles of design.
3. Learn how to talk about art and how other artists evaluate artwork and to apply art criticism techniques when evaluating
art.
4. Learn how to use a variety of tools and media to create your own kinds of visual expression.
5. To connect the influences of art history from past cultures to the present
6. Learn about the various art-related careers in our society.

Requirements:
1. Visual Verbal Journal – Students will keep a sketchbook that will be used as a visual verbal journal. This will be used in class
for notes and examples of the theories of design and composition as well as periodic assignments outside of class given by
the teacher. These assignments will help reinforce work done in class and will also introduce new media. In addition to
assignments, students are encouraged to sketch everyday.
2. Class Assignments, classroom discussions, and activities – students will complete all class work and participate in class
discussions and activities. You are expected to be present for class, participate in discussions, and to make use of class time.
3. Notebook – Students will keep a notebook containing all tests, handouts, and notes taken on reading assignments, lectures,
films and demonstrations.
4. Work Environment – Be responsible for tools, supplies, and studio work area.

Textbook – The textbook for this class will be Art Talk, Ragans, Glencoe Publishing, 2005.
It will be kept at school, however student should not hesitate to take the book home to complete assignments or on days prior to
tests. The book will be returned in good condition at the end of the semester or fines will be assessed. Replacement cost: $51.99.

Grading Criteria: Students will be given specific objectives and grading criteria for each assignment. Handouts and specific
criteria/rubrics for each assignment should be kept in a binder. Students are expected to complete each assignment to the best of
his/her ability.

The total semester grade will be an average of the following parts:

50% Studio Assignments completed in class.
15% Mini-labs, Classwork, and Homework
15% Visual Journal assignments
10% Final Exam
10% Tests, and Quizzes
Fulton County uses the following grading scale: 90-100 = A 80-89 = B 70-79 = C 69-Below = F

ASSIGNMENT COMPLETION AND DUE DATES: Students will be given time to complete each studio assignment and will be given
advance notice of due dates for both homework and class work. Studio assignments not turned in on the due date will
receive a 10% deduction each day the assignment is late. Late work turned in 5 days or more after the assigned due date
will receive a 50% deduction. Unfinished work will receive only partial credit, 50% or less of the total points possible.
Written assignments not turned in on the due date will have a 10% deduction if submitted by the following class. Beyond that point
assignments will be accepted for 1 more class with a 50% deduction.
Notebooks will only be accepted late one class period after the due date for a 50% deduction.

Parents will be notified by phone or email after 2 zeroes are recorded and/or when the student is in danger of failing. Please consult
the Student Handbook for the recovery policy.
Studio Time/Teacher Office Hours: The studio is open at 8am every morning for students needing extra time to work on
assignments. The teacher is available at that time, but appointments are encouraged if the student knows he/she will need the
teacher’s help. You can also set up additional time in the afternoons by a pre-arranged appoint with at least one day’s notice.
Design Fundamentals is broken down into five units of study. Within each unit you can expect:
• MINI-LABS: short lessons that introduce one or two of the main objectives of the unit and wil prepare you for creating the
final project for each unit.
• VISUAL VERBAL JOURNALS: one to two assignments that reinforce the objectives of each unit. Journal day is always a
Friday unless there is a special circumstance. If the journal assignment is not completed in class, it should be considered
homework and completed on your own time.
• STUDIO PROJECT: cumulative art project for each unit of study where you will demonstrate the art techniques and
concepts taught for each unit.
• TEST/QUIZ: with each unit of study, you will have a test and/or an art application test.

1. What is design?
Design 2. Design Space and Focal Emphasis
Fundamentals 3. Rhythmic patterns and repetition of motifs
Units of Study: 4. From 2-D to 3-D
5. Pulling it all together

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