Digital/Fine Arts Conservatory

Level 1 Digital/Fine Arts Conservatory Class Description

In their first year in the program (typically their sophomore year at CCA), students accepted in Envision must take the appropriate Level 1 course in their area of expertise. The Level 1 course is a highly advanced class involving in-depth hands on experiences with working artists from one or more of our many partners. The Level 1 course will also cover a breadth of curriculum not found in regular "during-the-school-day" elective courses.

The Level 1 course includes an intensive 3-week Interdisciplinary Projects unit in January. Interdisciplinary Projects will consist of student teams working together on pre-approved projects that culminate in a performance, publication, production, exhibit, etc. An example might be a film maker, musician, actor, and digital artists who team up to make a short indie-style film.

The Level 1 course also includes an intensive 3-week Extradisciplinary Electives unit at the end of the school year. The Extradisciplinary Electives unit is designed to give students the opportunity to study an art form outside of their area of expertise, for instance a dancer might choose to take a painting elective or a digital/fine artist might choose to take an acting elective.

Envision Digital/Fine Arts Conservatory Rules and Class Expectations 2005-2006

Introduction

This document is meant to explain what it will take for you to be successful in the Digital/Fine Arts Conservatory program (after you have applied and been admitted).

In addition to this document, which is specific to the Digital/Fine Arts discipline, you will need to sign an Envision Conservatory Discipline Guidelines and Code of Conduct document that is consistent across all the Envision Conservatory disciplines.

The Rules

1. Follow the Discipline Guidelines and Code of Conduct outlined in the Envision Conservatory Discipline Guidelines and Code of Conduct document.
   
2. Display the correct attitude (see below under “Attitude”).
3. Be on-time and present (physically, mentally, and creatively). As this is a class given for academic credit, Envision Conservatory attendance policies must be strictly upheld. It is your responsibility to keep up with the Envision Digital/Fine Arts Conservatory schedule at www.cca-envision.org
4. Snacks will often be provided to you by our wonderful parent volunteers, but please remember that there is NO Food or Drink allowed in the computer lab!!!
5. Behave appropriately and professionally at all times inside and outside our classrooms. As a Envision Conservatory student, you are a leader and role model and are expected to demonstrate that behavior when representing CCA and the Envision program.

Attitude

Be prepared to learn from each other and share the tools. A substantial portion of your grade will be determined by your attitude: your effort in learning new material, your desire to help me and fellow students, and your respect for our precious (and expensive) resources. You will also be expected to behave in a professional and ethical manner.

You need to understand that rudeness and disrespect will not be tolerated. Be prepared to come to class every day with a positive attitude, showing me, our teaching artists, and your classmates patience, tolerance, and cooperation.

Figure and Film Studies

Often during the course sequence of all the visual art courses, the student will be working with visual materials such as famous art works, films of famous artists, charts and diagrams, slides, VHS tapes/video disks, the World Wide Web, and computer programs. This material may contain complete anatomical references, nude model poses and views of artists working from the nude in their studios, as well as scenes from modern films. The material may also mention and discuss the alternative lifestyles sometimes lived by famous artists, and may be expressed in language that might be considered offensive to some people. Current issues, as they relate to art and free expression, are also discussed in the art classes. If you have questions, please contact me at amanda.dahlgren@sduhsd.net.

Grading

Envision Digital/Fine Arts Conservatory is a Pass/Fail course. You will be graded in the following areas:

Participation: You must attend class and participate fully each day. Excessive absences, tardies, and/or non-participation may result in a failing grade.

Desire to Improve: You will meet with me at the beginning of each term to discuss your strengths and weaknesses, goals for the term, long-term goals, and how best to use Envision time to help you get there. During the term, you will need to demonstrate that you are working toward your goals in order to pass the class.

Portfolio Review: At the end of each term, you will meet with me to evaluate your growth over the term, which will include a review of the portfolio of work you have completed in Envision Conservatory. Failure to complete a portfolio or participate in the Portfolio Review may result in a failing grade.