Course description

When is it beneficial for one person to speak for many?



When is it beneficial for many to speak as one?



What is a cause we want to speak for, and how can we convince others of its importance?



Course Summary

In this course we will explore how collective and individual voice can create social change. Focusing on visual representations of people working together towards a cause, our class will gain an understanding of the impact art can make in such efforts. Through collage, we will respond to literature addressing various use of voice such as The Jungle and The Color Purple. We will also look to the dynamic work of artists: Jacob Riis, Jacob Lawrence, and The Quilters of Gee's Bend as artistic advocacy. Students can expect to engage in rich literary discussion and practice towards skillfull artistic response. Skills assessed are: reading, oral presentation, and artistic expression.

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Final Collage Proposal Due Tomorrow, Friday January 6th

Final Collage Proposal
  1. What would I like to create social awareness about for social change
  2. What is my connection to this issue?  How can I show this connection?
  3. How will I show the issue and possible solution visually?
  4. What are 2 parameters or rules I will set for making this collage?  How will I show depth and create an interesting composition?
  5. What materials do I plan to use and why?
  6. What are my strengths and weaknesses for collage?  How will I work with them in this piece?
  7. Sketch your piece and create a timeline for how you’ll finish by next Thursday, 1/12/12.

Friday, December 23, 2011

Due Thursday January 5th

*Completed collaged folders (see directions below)
*A sketch for your final collage which addresses the following question:
What would I like to create social awareness about for future social change?


Happy Holidays!!!!!!!




Collage Folder Directions 


Assemble folder out of 2 manilla envelopes with the envelop openings on the inside (so they protect your work from falling out).  Please label one side for “letters” and one side for “collage”.
Each surface of your binder should include a different color palette and approach:
Monochromatic- 
Use one color to show shifts in value (light and dark tones).  
Make as least on value scale (from white to black with the range staying in one color).  
Use the space in a way that creates an interesting composition or overall balance.
Complementary Colors-
Use variations of complementary colors (opposite colors on the color wheel).
Repeat shapes, colors, and textures to show unity in your design.
Use the space in a way that creates an interesting composition or overall balance.
Primary Colors-
Use primary colors (red, blue, and yellow).
Cut out 10 shapes in each color- shapes should vary by color.
Combine shapes into a design or pattern (you can add more colors and shapes, but need at least the primaries).
Use the space in a way that creates an interesting composition or overall balance.
Color Wheel-
Use the 12 basic colors as a guide for collaging your own color wheel (which can be a different shape than a circle).
Create a frame of black and white to show contrast.
Use the space in a way that creates an interesting composition or overall balance.
*********Be sure to seal your work with modge podge so that your folder holds up over time!

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Four Letters in Final Draft Form Due Tomorrow

Hand in all 9 letters with revised letters on top.  Please be prepared to share one letter out loud in class.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

HOMEWORK due on Monday, December 19th

Finish reading The Color Purple!


Write a letter for this section of reading and hand in your last three letters for informal assessment.

*If you have not yet written a letter to Alice Walker you should for this section of reading.  What is Alice Walker's point-of-view and purpose in writing this piece of fiction?  You should still address this section of the book.  Please refer to the reading assessment outline as it it listed in a past post and the handout given in class.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Reading Due on Thursday!

Read The Color Purple through page 262 and write a letter in response.  Consider writing to a character you have not written to yet.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Homework due Monday, November 28th

Read through page 108 and write a letter to a character of your choice.  I will be collecting your first three letters at the beginning of class.

Prompt:  Continuing our conversation about how gender roles vary through out The Color Purple, please reflect on a relationship between characters that either seems to fit or break the norms of the time. 

*Always look to the project description for more ideas on how to expand your letters beyond weekly prompts.

Friday, November 18, 2011

Due Tuesday: Read Through page 62 and Character Letter

Prompt for reading:

In your letter please be aware of voice especially.  Who are new characters we have met up to this point and what are differences in voice?  Please be specific in your letter and draw directly from the text.

Refer to the project description letter below for more letter guidelines.