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Sunday, October 10, 2010

Class Syllabus

A couple of weeks ago, I gave students my course syllabus.

I required that students return the last page signed by a parent or guardian. Few students completed the assignment. I also asked that parents contact me by e-mail.


Some parents may now realize that this assignment is part of your student's grade. Please follow up with me if you have any questions about your child or our class. I have spoken with many parents and I have enjoyed every conversation.


For the students who have lost the syllabus or who missed the assignment, I recommend printing the syllabus from the blog post below and submitting the assignment.

Thank you for the opportunity to work with your child.

bf




San Marin High School
Multi-Media / Video Production
School
Course


Mr. Farley
bfarley@nusd.org
Teacher
Contact Information

Personal Note / Welcome

I also love learning, but I struggled as a student. Letters moved when I read. I was confused by reading comprehension tests. I struggled with linear thinking; I was more analytical and creative. Even now, I think that most educational settings restrict those of us who are creative and visual.

After high school, I discovered visual art. While I might still struggle with reading comprehension, I am fortunate to have excellent visual comprehension. (Often, students who struggle in one area excel in another area.) Through visual art, I have learned to value literacy. After years of practice, I enjoy writing. Now, I spend more time writing than creating visual content -- screenplays, television pilots, magazine article, blogs and journal articles. I am constantly writing.

I will also write a blog for our classes so that families can follow our progress. Sometimes I will also post photos and include sound. I hesitate to reveal too much of my work though, because I want students to find their own voice.

I look forward to teaching this year. I love the challenge. I love the experience. I love how much I learn when I am in the presence of creative people. My students are creative.

Course Goals (from course outline)

This course is an introduction to multi-media and video production; some students may continue to advanced status. The broad goals for these courses are the same.
While learning about multi-media and video production careers, students will learn the "Technical Knowledge and Skills" required for careers in the field.

Because communication skills are important, especially in a creative field, students will learn how to communicate effectively, honestly, and creatively. Students will learn how to communicate in the context of a team and a group as well as an individual artist.

Students will learn higher order thinking skills to create and analyze multi-media art forms. By the end of the year, students will understand and analyze the elements of a specific multimedia art form and respond critically.

The curriculum is based on the California State Standards for Career Technical Education. For access to the full CTE standards, go to http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/ct/sf/documents/ctestandards.pdf

Course Objectives (from course outline)
In groups and as individuals, students will use technology to create a variety of audio, visual, written, and electronic products and presentations. Students may create advertisements, movie posters, animation, music videos, online websites or blogs, videos, PowerPoint presentations and digitally altered imagery (Adobe Photoshop.)

Students will be able to draw conclusions about the historical context of multi-media in the world. Students will use concepts of art, history, language and math to discuss critically their perspectives.

Students will be able to describe the career skills required of the multi-media market place. Students will learn leadership skills and teamwork skills. Students will learn how to exist in collaborative work environments with other team members who are also considered "creatives." Students will explore the challenges and benefits of working in this flexible, demanding, and engaging environment.

Texts (from course outline)
We will reference various technology guides so that students can learn how to use some of the popular computer software programs. Many of our texts are written by the software distributor; other texts are written by users and can be accessed on online forums.

Progress Reporting (from Board Policy)
Grades shall be reported at the end of each progress reporting period for all students.  Progress reports will be mailed home and/or accessible to parents online approximately every five/six weeks.  Whenever a student falls below a C- after the second Progress Report for either semester, the teacher shall arrange a conference with the student’s parent/guardian and/or send a written report.  (Board Policy 5121)

Classroom Policies (Required)

Grading
50% Daily Assignments
20% Group Projects
20% Class Participation
10% Final Exam

Behavior
Students are expected to know and follow all school rules. See the student handbook all students signed at the beginning of the year for guidance.

Since Multi-media / Video Production is a career oriented course, students are also expected to learn appropriate work setting behavior. A student’s Class Participation grade may be affected by a student’s ability to follow rules.

Students will also learn that those who follow rules, usually receive the most fredom. Parents are encouraged to contact me if they want to discuss how we can help their child learn more about this section.

Homework
Students are encouraged to spend time on projects outside of class to further support their learning. Some students will learn how to plan wisely, and may never take work home. However, students who wish to excel will probably work outside of class, during lunch, or after school. For families who do not have computers at home, please contact me.

Parents will be able to monitor progress by using Aeries Homelink. Parents may also contact me via e-mail. (bfarley@nusd.org.)

Classroom Tardies
I will follow San Marin's policy which is found in the Student Handbook.

Supplemental Materials / Media (See Board Policy 6161.11)

Keys to Success

“Good artists know why they break the rules. Great artists create new rules.” Even when a student demonstrates that he or she has become a great artist, I recommend they continue to do the following.

Show up on time ready to work
Encourage others to participate, collaborate and follow the rules
Be creative
Take Risks, while being safe
Respect the creativity of others

Notebooks / Binders / Journals
Students will maintain a private blog which they can share with parents. On the blog, students will regularly answer questions about art, business, media history, music, and other content standard related topics. Maintaining a blog is also a form of multi-media. Parents are encouraged to review student's blogs; students will provide access.

Projects / Special Assignments
Students who have a strong interest in a career subject area will have internship opportunities.

Content
Students will begin studying historical concepts of multi-media and video productions. Students will also learning how beginning concepts of teamwork and leadership. After our class creates a basic understanding that multi-media is created by people for people in a historical and social context, students will begin creating basic projects in teams. Students will create projects focused on their world initially. Once students have learned how to use basic tools and learned basic art terms, student will begin to create larger multi-media projects.
In the second semester, students will be divided by interest level and skill level to create projects for specific audiences. Those students who are especially motivated will find "internships" with professional artists.




Receipt of Syllabus

I am asking that every student have a parent or guardian sign and return. I am also requesting that the parent or guardian send an e-mail. Please include your student's name in the subject line. If you do not have e-mail access, please include your phone number.  I can contact you. If you do not speak English, include your preferred language so that someone can communicate with you directly.

Thank you,

Bryan Farley

Student Name                                              _____________________________________


Parent or Guardian Name                           ______________________________________




Parent or Guardian Signature                     ______________________________________

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