Course Description

Art 1A is the first semester in a two-semester series that has been created to provide the beginning knowledge and skills necessary to appreciate, evaluate, and create works of art. In Art 1A students explore commentaries, activities, and assignments that involve simple execution of artwork, writing, and reading. These introduce students to some of the significant periods and styles of art, the elements and principles of design of art, the creative thought processes, media, tools, and applications used by past and present-day artists. As part of this course, students are expected to complete sketchpad assignments, written reflections, and produce more formal artworks. 

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) 

UTHS courses are designed in alignment to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) which define the skills and content to be taught in each course and grade level in the state of Texas. 

Semester Topics

• Unit 1: The Impulse Behind Art
• Unit 2: The Elements of Art
• Unit 3: Principles of Design
• Unit 4: Two-Dimensional Art

Course Objectives

Upon completing this course, you will be able to—

• demonstrate basic knowledge of the meaning of and terminology for the principles of art (e.g., emphasis, contrast, pattern, rhythm, balance, proportion, unity) and the relationships among the principles of art; 
• demonstrate basic knowledge of the principles of design (e.g., balance, emphasis, harmony, variety, gradation, movement and rhythm, and proportion) and the relationships among the principles of design; 
• demonstrate basic knowledge of the types of design (e.g., symmetrical design, asymmetrical design, pyramid--or triangular--design, vertical design, and radial design) and the relationships among the types of design; 
• demonstrate basic knowledge of symbolism and how it is used to convey meaning in artwork, and be able to interpret an artwork based on its symbolism; 
• recognize how the elements and principles of art are used in the creation of works of art in various media; 
• analyze art elements and principles and their relationships to each other and within the environment; 
• demonstrate knowledge of the principles of composition and design as applied to works of art in various media; 
• demonstrate basic knowledge of how perception is developed through observation, prior knowledge, beliefs, cognitive processes, and multisensory experiences; 
• analyze how critical thinking and creative problem solving are applied in perceiving artworks.  

Required Course Materials

Please visit the Computer Requirements page to view minimum device, internet, and application requirements for all UT High School courses. Generally, a desktop or laptop device five (5) years or newer with access to an office suite, such as Microsoft Office or Google Workspace, will be adequate to participate in most UTHS courses.  

Unless otherwise noted, students are responsible for purchasing or securing all the following course materials:

• Textbook (eBook Included): Art Talk (4th ed.) by Rosalind Ragans
• Interactive Notebook: A paper or digital composition book is acceptable. For paper composition books, please also have the following items on hand:
  • Pens or Pencils
  • Tape or Glue
• Supply List

Course Organization

Students must complete the course in sequence: You will not be able to access the next unit until all work in the preceding unit is completed. You may take your final exam only after completing all units and submitting all graded assignments.  

• Units: Each unit includes multiple lessons and graded assignments as well as ungraded practice quizzes to help you check your understanding of the material.
  
  
• Summative Assessments: Each course includes two online, virtually proctored summative assessments testing your understanding of the material presented in the preceding 2-3 Units.
  • Format: Online, Multiple-choice
  • Time Allowed: 1 hr 30 min
    
    
• Final Exam: Each course includes an online, virtually proctored final exam testing your knowledge of all material presented in the course.
  • Format: Online, Multiple-choice and free response
  • Time Allowed: 3 hrs 20 min

Course Grade Weighting

Your final course grade is calculated by weighting the three assignment groups displayed in the table below:

Online Proctored Exams

All course exams, including both summative assessments and the final exam, must be completed online. Students must test online with Proctorio and are required to add the Proctorio extension to either their Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome browser—installation instructions are provided in the student's course. Proctorio uses a student's computer, web camera, and microphone to record video of both the student and their desktop during the exam. Then, UTHS instructors review the student's exam video data collected by Proctorio. Only authorized UTHS staff and instructors can view the exam recordings. Student data is not shared with any persons or organizations outside of UTHS and are deleted after one year. We encourage you to visit Proctorio's Data Security and Privacy site pages to learn more about how we protect student date.