FINE ARTS (510.A0) STUDENT MANUAL 2011 - Dawson College

At more advanced levels the basic method of teaching is through demonstrationsand critiques. Practical criticism is applicable to a discussion of any kind of creativeproduction. Quite simply it is talking about an artwork and decidingwhether it is good or weak. As your abilities evolve, the critique becomes thedominant assessment tool.Most art teachers conduct critique sessions where they establish specific criteriato describe, analyze, interpret and judge artwork. Your teacher uses experienceand training to establish a means of understanding the relationship between thequality of the work and the message of its content. Quite simply, does your workdo what it is supposed to do? Through generalization, the teacher can also makean evaluation of a specific work beneficial to everyone in the group. In critiques,you learn how to express yourself clearly when discussing your own work or thework of others.In the studio, evaluation is an on-going process integrated with instruction.Effective assessment measures personal progress and achievement rather thancomparing your performance with the performance of others. For this reasonyour personal learning goals are especially important in this program and this iswhy your teacher insists that you are vocal about your work.Remember that the most aesthetically pleasing work is not necessarily the work thatbest reflects your achievement. It is important to be patient. Through practice andexperience your technical and intellectual skills increase and there will be a naturalprogression towards finer craftsmanship.19. Department Policy on Student AttendanceAttendance is compulsory and will be taken in every class. Arriving late or leavingearly is considered an absence. After two absences, the teacher will notify thestudent of his or her precarious state in the course. Three absences will significantlyimpact your final grade as this represents a loss of 20% of class time andcourse work. It is at the teacher's discretion to require documentation forabsences. Note: When absent from class, students are responsible for inquiringabout missed information and assigned homework. Students who are absent formore than one class must contact the instructor. Students may refer to the“Institutional Student Evaluation Policy” in the Dawson College Calendar forfurther information regarding student responsibilities to the course(section II.D.).20