JEWELRY / METAL ARTS

CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

Students are introduced to the basic techniques necessary for the design and fabrication of jewelry and small three-dimensional metal forms.  This course is the foundation for further exploration into jewelry design and metalsmithing as a vehicle for self-expression.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Students will be able to:

  • Apply basic jewelry fabrication techniques to complete projects.

  • Create design sketches of the objects they plan to fabricate.

  • Acquire knowledge of materials for making jewelry, as well as small functional and non-functional objects.

  • Analyze projects through critiques, oral presentations and discussions.

At the end of the course, students will…

  • Know the basic tools of the metalsmithing field.

  • Be able to create ideas/sketches for possible jewelry projects.

  • Be able to participate in a metalsmithing discourse.

  • Be able to design/create high quality work.

COURSE ENRICHMENT

Enrichment will be provided through guest artists, lecturers and trips to galleries or museums.

COURSE RESOURCE MATERIALS

Students do not receive textbooks in class but there is a great deal of information students will compile during each semester.  Students are expected to keep an archive of this material, as it will become their textbook for the semester.  Some of this material will be provided and other resource materials will be compiled through student research.

COURSE EVALUATION

Students are graded not only on their “talent”, but also on the effort they put into their work and their grasping of the concept(s) being taught. How constructively students use their class time and how carefully they execute assigned class work and homework is the major criteria for grading. However, self-motivation and the desire for artistic growth are equally important. Respect for their workplace and others is also emphasized. Rubrics and student check sheets outlining the requirements for a successful project are reviewed for each major assignment before final grading.  There is a grace period of one week where work may be handed in late without penalty; afterwards work is downgraded two points for each day that it is late.  For homework, students are required to keep a journal that is turned in once a month for evaluation.  There is no grace period for journals and they will be downgraded two points each day they are late.

Students are assessed on both a technical understanding of the medium and aesthetic expression through their jewelry. When they hand in their work, they will include a rubric on which they will assess their work using the following criteria:

1.    Idea Development- How well the students interpret the goals of the project.

2.    Craftsmanship- How effectively students use the tools and materials.

3.    Organization- How well students use the Elements and Principles of Design.

  • Class work accounts for 80% of the grade

  • Class participation and responsibility account for 10% of the grade

  • Final Exam accounts for 10% of the grade

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES 

  • Students are to handle all class equipment, (including computers, machinery, tools and electric tools with care.

  • Cell phones, headphones, I-pods, etc. will not be allowed in class.

  • Food and beverages are not permitted in the classroom at any time.

  • Class lab time is expected to be spent working on assignments.  Students will not be allowed to defer until a later time.

TEACHER AVAILABILITY

The instructor is available each day for extra help after school until 3:00 PM in room 0019 and by appointment during mutually convenient times. Parents can contact the instructor by phone (914) 793-6130 or email:  PPerry@Eastchester.k12.ny.us