Mid Pacific Institute: Fundamentals of Digital and Visual Art

P2 Arts Pavilion
Instructor: Alison Beste
Email: abeste@midpac.edu

Course Description
The FDVA classes are an introduction to the fundamentals and practice of traditional and digital media. The course is held over two
semesters, with two instructors. It is designed for students who have an interest and/or passion for visual art; drawing, painting,
ceramics, design imaging, multimedia, digital storytelling, digital photography, animation, and print communication. Students are
instructed to utilize the Elements and Principles of Design within traditional and digital tools, learning skills in 2- and 3-dimensional
media, including industry standard computer hardware and software programs. Students are encouraged to explore contemporary
notions of art-making, i.e., expressing meaning, purpose, opinion, or feeling within artwork. This semester class primarily consists of
individualized projects but includes collaborative projects when appropriate. Participation in discussions, presentations, research and
written assignments is expected. Students are responsible for the documentation, completion, and management of artwork. This course
is a prerequisite for all other visual art and digital media art classes.

Class Website, Assignments, and Google Drive

Information on current assignments will be available on our class website at www.msbestephotoclass.weebly.com. The website will be
updated throughout the semester. Students will be responsible for managing a Google Drive folder to house assignments and
document projects. Progress reports (grading continua, self-assessments, teacher feedback) will also be archived in each students
Google Drive folder.

Grading
Assignments will be assessed based on the MPSA Art Departments Performance continua. This assessment document reflects a
continuum of skills achievable in the form of a progress chart and is based on the students conceptual development, growth in
technical ability, and investment in their learning. Students can expect a grade for each category roughly every four weeks. Keep in
mind that throughout each project, students will participate in a wide variety of formative assessments including 1:1 meetings, peer
conversations, group critiques, goal settings, and written reflections. A sample of the Assessment Continuum is attached and can also
be found on myPueo. Please note that the performance continua may be adapted during the year. Any changes made in regards to its
criteria will be promptly communicated with students. The four main assessment categories and their grade percentage include:

Habits of an Artist 25%

Evidence of Conceptual Learning 25%
Design and Craftsmanship 25%
Technical Skills 25%
Behavior Expectation and Acceptable Use Policies
Respect
o For the teacher, peers, classroom space, and equipment.
o Creating and sharing artwork requires risk-taking and often vulnerability. This class will demand respect for one another
and will foster a safe environment for all participants to share their ideas and vision.
Engagement & Self-Advocacy
o Students are expected to take responsibility for their learning. This includes participating in activities, asking questions,
seeking feedback, maximizing class time, and advocating for help as needed.
Attendance
o Since the majority of this course is studio-based, being present and on time is critical to maximizing growth in photography
class. For excused absences due to illness or extracurricular activities, it is the students responsibility to make up any
missed work. Class time missed from excessive tardiness or absences will need to be made up during tutorial periods.
Technology Citizenship
o Each student is expected to follow the Mid Pacific Digital Citizenship protocol.
o All work created in class must be new and original work, created by the student.
o Viewing, downloading, using, and/or creating inappropriate content in class or within or for projects is not tolerated.
*Inappropriate material includes the use or depiction of offensive language, violence, sexual references, drug use, or all
other content identified at the teachers discretion.