
AP-Course Audit Teacher Resources
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Advanced Placement 3-D Art
and Design Sample Syllabus #3
Course Description
This course is designed for the highly motivated student artist looking to define their own
personal style while developing an exemplary portfolio for presentation. Collaborating
with the art teacher and with the help of their peers, students will complete a variety of
sketchbook journal activities, design challenges, and research investigations that will
help to inform their thinking and inspire their decision making. With studio practice
using a range of materials, processes, and ideas, students will create a body of work that
demonstrates the successful development of three-dimensional ideas, concepts, forms,
and structures that apply a variety of design concepts. Through the exploration of a core
question in a sustained investigation, students will also develop an in-depth series of
works that show evidence of a high level of thought, concept, and skill. With the help of
guided questions, students will document the processes involved in the creation of their
sustained investigation work by developing written explanations of their decision making,
providing evidence of the successful synthesis of their ideas, concept, experimentation,
and revision in their three-dimensional art.
Instructional Goals
Students in this course will expand their three-dimensional methods, forms, and
techniques while advancing their visual communication skills by exploring a variety
of design processes that integrate several 3-D compositional and aesthetic concepts.
Students will utilize the elements of art and principles of design, specific art mediums,
art techniques, and content/concepts, students will complete a variety of inquiry-based
sketchbook (in two and three dimensions) and studio practice project assignments
to demonstrate their abilities in three-dimensional problem. Through the successful
completion of these activities, students will develop mastery in development and
exploration of concept, composition, execution, and evaluation of 3-D work.
3-D design issues to consider may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Principles of Design/Art: unity, variety, rhythm, movement, proportion, scale,
balance, emphasis, contrast, repetition, connection, juxtaposition, hierarchy
Elements of Art: point, line, shape, plane, layer, form, volume, mass, occupied/
unoccupied space, texture, color, value, opacity, transparency, time
These goals are achieved through a variety of 3-D art and design projects that may
include: figurative/nonfigurative sculpture, architectural models, industrial design,
metalwork, ceramics, glasswork, installation, assemblage, jewelry, mask-making,
basketry, and fiber arts..
The final product of this course is a two-part digital portfolio that will be presented to the
College Board in May. This portfolio will include the following components as described
by the AP Art and Design Course and Exam Description:
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