Career and Technical Education
Digital Photography - 00285
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Length: 2 Semesters Credits: 1
Prerequisite: Successful completion of semester 1 is a prerequisite for semester 2.
Description: This course is designed to explore the basic fundamentals of design and the unique process of producing multiple images. Emphasis will be placed on the techniques and characteristics of digital photography as an art form. Students will learn basic photography techniques and film/photo development processes. Students will also learn about the history of photography and art and learn how to critique and analyze their own work as well as other artists' work based on the elements and principles of design. Strong technological skills are required. Students will be utilizing Adobe Photoshop and the Adobe Creative Suite to manipulate and edit photographs. Students will need a digital camera and basic photo/art supplies. Strong organizational and technology skills are encouraged. Lab fee is $50.00. Fee waivers available based on need.
Advanced Photography - 00290
Grades: 10, 11, 12 Length: 2 Semesters Credits: 1
Prerequisite: Successful completion of semester 1 is a prerequisite for semester 2.
Description: Students will strengthen their individual viewpoint and aesthetic as an artist. Students will work on creating photographs and projects that are unified or thematic for individual portfolios. Students will need to have a digital camera and basic photo supplies. Lab fee is $50.00. Fee waivers available based on need.
Graphic Production – 00380 & 00390H
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Length: 2 Semesters Credits: 1
Description: The primary objective of this class is to develop, sell, produce, and distribute the yearbook. While working on the yearbook, staff members will learn the basic skills of concept, design, and journalism. The staff is divided into four different departments, each with different responsibilities: copy department, design department, photo department, and business department. Time outside of class will be required. Consent of the instructor is required. Students must have a strong work ethic and are individually motivated for their department assignments. Students must work well with others and be able to collaborate effectively. Students will be required to photograph AHS events outside of class time. Strong Art and English background will be helpful in this course. One section of this course is honors.
Graphic Principles - 03630
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Length: 1 Semester Credits: 1/2
Description: Discover the secrets of the graphic communications industry in this exploratory class that utilizes computer design and printing techniques. This class focuses on the fundamentals of graphic communications from concept design to finished product. Students are instructed in basic tools, techniques, and equipment specific to the commercial printing and bindery industry. Students will learn to use the Adobe Illustrator software to design and produce their own screen printed t-shirt, dye sublimated phone case, mug or mousepad and produce a notepad using offset lithography. Due to the hands-on nature of this class, students should have good manual dexterity, be able to lift moderate amounts of weight and stand for periods of time. Supply fee is $10.00. Fee waivers available based on need.
Intro to Graphic Communications - 03540
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Length: 1 Semester Credits: 1/2
State Name: Intro to Graphic Communications A (C213)
Description: Art and creativity are used in business and industry daily to communicate new products and ideas. This class inspires students to study various techniques employed in this process. The student will be introduced to drawing, page layout, computer graphics, photography, and many other diverse aspects of the advertising field. They will use Adobe Photoshop software to produce advertising projects including the Alton Halloween Parade Poster and the Alton School District Calendar Cover. The graphic arts industry expects to hire 60,000 employees each year for the next 5-10 years.
Graphic Communications 1 – 0735C
Grades: 10, 11, 12 Length: 2 Semesters Credits: 2
Prerequisites: Must take one of the following courses prior to this course: Intro to Graphic Communications, Graphic Principles or Digital Photography
State Name: Commercial Art 1 & 2 (P305/306)
Description: Fresh ideas, communication skills and an eye for creative design fuel the graphic design field. The graphic designer uses many techniques to glamorize products and services. Students will learn these techniques in a ‘hands on’ environment, achieving proficiency in digital graphic design, typography, illustration, traditional and digital photography, airbrush, screen-printing, and dye sublimation. Students will use professional design software including Adobe Creative Suite and QuarkXPress. The graphic arts industry expects to hire 60,000 employees each year for the next 5-10 years. Experience in visual art and design and computer proficiency would be helpful in this course. Supply fee is $30. Fee waivers available based on need.
Graphic Communications 2 – 0736C
Grades: 11, 12 Length: 2 Semesters Credits: 2
Prerequisites: Graphic Communications 1
State Name: Commercial Art 3 & 4
Description: Graphic Communications 2 is a continuation of the first year program with extended study and skill development in areas of student interest and proficiency. The student will work independently to develop skills in the three major graphic design programs: Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and In Design. The graphic arts industry expects to hire 60,000 employees each year for the next 5-10 years. Supply fee is $30. Fee waivers available based on need.
Basic Agricultural Science - 04930
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Length: 2 Semesters Credits: 1
Description: In this class, we begin with an introduction to Agriculture Unit Major units of instruction include agricultural research, soil science, advanced plant science, biotechnology, advanced animal science. Applied science skills and concepts will be stressed throughout the course as they relate to each area. Improving computer and workplace skills will be focused. Participation in FFA student organization activities (if applicable) and supervised agricultural experience projects is an integral course component for leadership development, career exploration and reinforcement of academic concepts. It is recommended to have a high interest in the agricultural/horticultural sciences, in taking advanced agricultural courses, and earning State and National FFA membership.
Agriculture Mechanization and Technology - 04935
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Length: 2 Semesters Credits: 1
Description: In this course, we begin with an Introduction to Agriculture Unit. Theory and hands-on experiences provide opportunities for students to develop basic knowledge and skills in agricultural mechanics. Instructional areas include the basic fundamentals of maintaining and repairing small gasoline engines, basic electricity, surveying, hydraulics and pneumatics, agriculture technologies, operating agricultural equipment safely, and employability skills. Improving workplace and computer skills will be a focus. Participation in FFA student organization activities and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects is an integral course component for leadership development, career exploration and reinforcement of academic concepts. It is recommended to have a high interest in agricultural and mechanical studies, in taking advanced agricultural courses, and earning State and National FFA membership.
Horticultural Production and Management Greenhouse Production and Floral Design - 04940
Grades: 11, 12 Length: 2 Semesters Credits: 1
Prerequisite: Must pass Basic Agricultural Science or another introductory agriculture course
Description: Focus on the greenhouse management, floral design and related segments of the horticulture industry. Major units of study include floriculture plant identification, greenhouse structures, and the culture of greenhouse crops. Also included are care and handling of cut flowers, principles of art applied to floral design, and the mechanics of floral design. Agribusiness units will be introduced in merchandising, advertising, sales, and operating a retail floral business.
The second part of instruction will be in both the greenhouse production and landscape areas of horticulture. Units of study include plant identification, greenhouse management, growing greenhouse crops, landscape design, installation, and maintenance, horticulture mechanics, nursery management, and turf production. Agribusiness units will cover operating a horticultural business, pricing work, advertising, and sales. Improving computer and workplace skills will be a focus. Participation in FFA student organization activities and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects is an integral course component for leadership development, career exploration and reinforcement of academic concepts. It is recommended to have a high interest in plant sciences and production, and in remaining in good standing as a State and National FFA member.
Agricultural Business Management - 04945
Grades: 11, 12 Length: 2 Semesters Credits: 1
Prerequisite: Must successfully complete Basic Agricultural Science or another introductory agriculture course.
Description: This course will provide students with the basic knowledge and skills necessary to manage personal finances and develop into a successful entrepreneur and/or businessperson. Through the topics covered in class, students will simulate the start-up of a business. Instructional units include: business ownership types, starting an agribusiness, managing and operating an agribusiness, financing an agribusiness, managing personal finances, record keeping and financial management of an agribusiness, local, state, and federal taxes, sales and marketing, economic principles, and developing employability skills. Student skills will be enhanced in math, reading comprehension, and writing through agribusiness applications. Improving computer and workplace skills will be a focus. Participation in FFA student organization activities and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects is an integral course component for leadership development, career exploration and reinforcement of academic concepts. It is recommended to have a high interest in business operations and management, fulfilling consumer education credit while also taking agricultural classes, and in remaining in good standing as a State and National FFA member.