Fine Arts
2021-2022 Course Offerings (2.5 credits to graduate)
Visual Arts
Humanities (Summer School only)
This one-semester course will introduce students to viewing and responding to the world around them through the lens of fine arts. Jesuit education historically has encouraged appreciation for and cultivation of the fine arts, both for their own sake and as a manifestation of the creativity present in the world that ultimately comes from God. In this course students will be exposed to: the use of art as a means of universal communication today and throughout history; new forms of expression through art; and varied viewpoints and voices in art.
Mobile Media (Summer School Only)
In Mobile Media the student will learn how harness the power of photography & video on their phone or mobile device. Through the creation of specific videos and photo projects students will learn the importance of composition, exposure, pacing, lighting, & editing in order to craft content that conveys a compelling and meaningful story or message.
Photo Storytelling (Summer School Only)
Photo Storytelling is an online course that teaches the fundamentals of creating and assembling beautiful, storytelling images. Storytelling photography could be anything ranging from photos of food at a restaurant to a multimedia documentary that follows a person through their life. This class will explain how to accomplish either by emphasizing photography basics, like camera techniques and photo editing, and by teaching photojournalistic skills like pitching and planning photo stories, captioning photos and sharing photos with others.
2D Art Digital Photography Elective--One Semester
Students will learn the fundamentals of digital photography, including history, photographic composition, camera operation, techniques, professional applications, printing, and digital editing and manipulation using Adobe Photoshop and similar programs. Students will develop an electronic and printed portfolio of color and black and white photographs. A digital camera with at least four megapixels and an at least 256 megabyte memory card is required for the course.
2D Art –Advanced Photography Elective--One Semester
Prerequisite: 2D Art Digital Photography
Honors Credit. Students will build on their Digital Photography experience and continue developing their photography skills and knowledge through black and white, color, film, digital and multimedia projects along with hands on lab work and photo critiques. Students will add to a portfolio of their own work, which will contain photographs, reflection and research. As an advanced, honors-level course, class expectations will be commensurate with the honors credit students receive. As an advanced, honors-level course, class expectations will be commensurate with the honors credit students receive.
2D Art-Graphic Design Elective--One Semester
The Graphic Design course introduces the use of image manipulation as a means of creating, organizing and communicating ideas and information, generated through word and imagery. It will introduce students to Macromedia Fireworks, Macromedia Freehand, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and other image manipulation and page payout program. Students will study design and layout principles for presentation (video, computer, and exhibition), printed materials, and illustration.
2D Art—Beginning Drawing and Composition Elective--One Semester
Students develop their drawing skills while they begin to learn the vocabulary associated with the study of the arts. Students emulate the great masters' styles, learn depth, shading, texture, and composition as they form a beginning portfolio of their skills and designs. The course is open to any student regardless of talent. Students are encouraged and graded based on improvement of innate talent. Drawing tools and paper are required for the course.
2D Art-Advanced Drawing Elective-One Semester
Prerequisite: Beginning Drawing and Composition
Honors Credit. In this class students will create works in a variety of media based upon their drawings. Drawing skills will be improved while students explore pen and ink, pastel, charcoal wash, colored and watercolor pencil. Artwork produced in Advanced Drawing may be included in AP portfolios. As an advanced, honors-level course, class expectations will be commensurate with the honors credit students receive.
Studio Art-Mixed Media Elective-One Semester
This course will cover techniques and applications from Modern Art movements such as Impressionism, Expressionism, Abstract Expressionism, Surrealism, Minimalism, Pop Art, Action Painting and Street Art. Students will use combinations of traditional and non-traditional 2D and 3D art media and techniques such as painting, canvas, collage, sculpture, drawing, printmaking, and photography as they learn to design, compose and exhibit their own creative, expressive work.
Studio Art-Advanced Mixed Media Elective-One Semester
Prerequisite: Studio Art-Mixed Media
Assigned projects address fundamental technical and conceptual problems suggested by historical and recent artistic practice that were discovered in Mixed Media. After guided assignments, emphasis is on self-directed projects and a group show will be issued at the end of the semester showcasing the students' work.
2D Art-Painting Elective-One Semester
Prerequisite: Beginning Drawing and Composition
Students will learn to paint by trying new materials, tools, subjects and approaches. Students will see and record a variety of subject matter while exploring several techniques. Students will learn to design and compose their work while communicating feelings, thoughts, beliefs and convictions through painting. Paintings produced in Painting I may be included in the AP Portfolios.
2D Art Advanced Painting Elective-One Semester
Prerequisite: 2-D Art Painting
Honors Credit. Advanced Painting is a class for the student desiring an in-depth exploration of oil paint medium and techniques. As an advanced, honors-level course, class expectations will be commensurate with the honors credit students receive.
2D Art Printmaking Elective-One Semester
Prerequisite: Beginning Drawing and Composition
Students will be introduced to a variety of printmaking techniques. Drawing techniques will be adapted to produce works using mono-printing, woodblock prints, gelatin prints, linoleum cuts, and other printing media.
3D Art- Ceramics Elective-One Semester (10TH-12TH GRADES ONLY)
This course functions at an introductory level of the art of ceramics, teaching the fundamental techniques of hand building and wheel throwing. Students must understand and demonstrate their understanding of clay and glaze properties and the firing process in creation of completed works. Emphasis will be placed on works of quality as well as works of expression. Students will be expected to publicly exhibit their work.
3D Art- Advanced Ceramics Elective-One Semester (10TH-12TH GRADES ONLY)
Prerequisites: 3D Art Ceramics and a portfolio review by the instructor.
Honors Credit. Students will extend their learning experience in ceramics by learning advanced techniques that include mold-making, advanced wheel-throwing, large-form abstract and representational sculptural pieces, new firing procedures, and advanced glazing methods. Emphasis will be placed on work of the highest quality, and the course will culminate with a public presentation. As an advanced, honors-level course, class expectations will be commensurate with the honors credit students receive.
3D Art-Sculpture Elective-One Semester (10TH-12TH GRADES ONLY)
Students will create three dimensional works of art using direct carving and building processes in a variety of materials. Clay, wood, plaster and metal are among the materials to be introduced.
3D Industrial Arts Elective-One Semester (10TH-12TH GRADES ONLY)
3D Studio engages students with the hands-on study of craft in the Sculpture Studio and Innovation Commons. This course examines the process in which traditional craftsmanship is transferred to the digital world. Students will have the opportunity to choose from a number of projects ranging from axes to speaker cabinets to 3D steel sculptures in order to gain a deeper understanding of how technology can be used to give shape to the world around them. Students may take more than one semester, as the materials and projects change from semester to semester.
While technology is integrated throughout the course, the end goal is to encourage students to be innovative and recognize their innate creative ability. Growing this awareness allows students to grow and cultivate deeper empathy and appreciation for themselves and the world around them.
Contemporary Cinema Elective-One Semester (10TH-12TH GRADES ONLY)
Contemporary Cinema is a half-credit art elective that explores the human condition, human expression, and human achievement in contemporary cinematic arts. Students will study contemporary films, directors and critics with an emphasis on evaluating film as an art form. In addition, this course investigates contemporary themes most relevant to young adults such as those related to family, friendship, maturation, education, technology, and art itself. The course seeks to understand how art influences and represents the world in which students live. Students discuss films weekly, reflect through writing, make presentations to their classmates, and create art inspired by cinema.
Acting for the Stage Elective-One Semester
The fall semester introduces and examines performance practices from 1950 – present, with an emphasis on American Drama. The course will explore “method” acting techniques and scenes and monologues by modern playwrights (ie. Tennessee Williams, Beth Hanley) and contemporary playwrights (ie. Dominique Morisseau, Rajiv Joseph). Students will learn and practice techniques in acting, directing, and theatre production. The class requires students to keep an artist journal. Supplemental reading and writing assignments will be assigned. There will be opportunities to participate in the Mainstage Play in some capacity, though this course is not a requirement in order to participate as a cast or crew member. The course will culminate in a final project in which students will perform in the Brophy Black Box and submit a reflective essay describing their process and performance. The spring semester introduces and examines performance practices for Classical Theatre with an emphasis on Sophocles, Shakespeare, and Moliere. The course will explore text analysis, diction, and historical context. Students will learn and practice techniques in acting, directing, and theatre production. The class requires students to keep an artist journal. Supplemental reading and writing assignments will be assigned. There will be opportunities to participate in Brophy Shakespeare in the Park in some capacity, though this course is not a requirement in order to participate as a cast or crew member. The course will culminate in a final project in which students will perform outdoors in the Brophy Octagon and submit a reflective essay describing their process and performance. Since the scope and content of each semester is different, students may take more than one semester.
AP Studio Art Elective-Full Year
Requirements:
The AP Studio Art Drawing/Design section requires two upper level Fine Arts classes, Portfolio Review, Teacher Recommendation, AP Application.
The AP Studio Art Photography section requires Digital Photography, Advanced Photography, Portfolio Review, Teacher Recommendation and AP Application. In the 2021-22 school year, the AP Studio Art Photography course will be taught in an online, asynchronous format. **
In AP Studio Art classes, students develop one of two portfolio types to submit for evaluation by an AP committee at the end of the school year. These classes are designed for students who are seriously interested in the practical experience of art. Students will need to work outside the classroom as well as in it. It is recommended that AP students have previous training in art and be seriously interested in the study of art.
The Drawing Portfolio consists of 5 actual works, 12 works organized around a compelling mark making visual concentration, and 12 works demonstrating a breadth of mark making concepts, media, and approaches.
The 2-D Design Portfolio consists of 5 actual works, 12 works organized around a compelling design visual concentration, and 12 works demonstrating a breadth of design concepts, media, and approaches.
**Brophy is conducting a pilot program with a few asynchronous, online-only classes for juniors and seniors during the 2021-22 school year. The courses will not take place during the school day, but will be taught asynchronously by Brophy faculty members using Canvas as the primary communication tool. Though the courses will not meet at a regularly scheduled time each day, there will be required synchronous teacher-student meetings or small group work during the course of the semester. Teachers will work with students to plan those synchronous meetings around students' co-curricular schedules. Finally, students who do take an asynchronous course must also take five on-campus courses, and may not take more than one asynchronous course at a time.
2D Art-Advanced Video Production Elective-One Semester
Prerequisites: Mobile Media or Digital Photo
Honors credit. Advance principles and techniques of video production will be utilized/explored. Advanced video aesthetics and narrative design, working with performers, and directing various formats will be the core of study. Advanced camera operation/videography, editing and digital video effects are also explored. The majority of projects will take place in the field (i.e. 30 second commercial spot, documentaries, live stand-up, film shorts, etc.). As an advanced, honors-level course, class expectations will be commensurate with the honors credit students receive.
2D Art-Digital Storytelling Elective-One Semester
Prerequisites: Adv. Video Production
Honors Credit. Brophy’s Digital Storytelling class enables students to discover and develop stories through the use of digital media. Students will be presented with an overview of storytelling composition and presentation. This includes elements of a visual story, the power of a story, and the variety of ways one can present a story to an audience. Students will understand the importance of voice, place, and culture when telling a story. They will be able to apply this knowledge through the creation of specific videos incorporating artistic composition and editing. Advanced principles and techniques of composition, camera operation, editing style and structure, and digital content will also be explored. (i.e. the use of advanced photo/video software and equipment to create unique and original content) Projects will range from documentary and archival video to digital animation and kinetic typography. As an advanced, honors-level course, class expectations will be commensurate with the honors credit students receive.
Photojournalism Elective-Full Year
Prerequisite: Students should have successfully completed Journalism and have a positive recommendation from the instructor.
Honors Credit. This course explores the visual and ethical dynamics of print, online and multimedia journalism/photojournalism. These students form the leadership of Brophy’s Roundup publication. Students will work as editors in assigning articles and photographs, design newspaper and online spreads using computer pagination, and produce multimedia projects using still photographs, video and audio files. Students will edit work from Journalism I and fellow Photojournalism students, as well as be responsible for creating their own work. As an advanced, honors-level course, class expectations will be commensurate with the honors credit students receive.
Musical Arts
Band course normal progression:
Concert Band (Beginning Band) Elective-Full Year
Prerequisites: Prior study of a band instrument (woodwind, brass, percussion) is beneficial, but not required for this novice/intermediate-level band class. Students with no musical instrument experience can join this class.
This course is designed for freshmen instrumental students (woodwind, brass and percussion) from novice through intermediate level, who wish to either begin or continue fundamental instruction on a band instrument. This course is also appropriate for advanced high school students who wish to learn a secondary instrument, while still playing their primary instrument in another band class. Concert Band will provide sequential instruction in music reading, instrumental technique, and developing individual responsibility as it relates to being a valuable contributing member of musical performing group. Elements of music theory will also be included.
Through active participation in class and regular practice at home students will acquire and/or develop: correct embouchure and characteristic tone; proper fundamental playing technique; ability to discern and adjust intonation; awareness of ensemble balance and blend; and an understanding and appreciation of music from the perspective of the performing artist. Required public performances will include quarterly band concerts, Brophy community and civic events, and selected Brophy athletic events, as well as Fall, Winter, and Spring adjudicated band festivals/contests.
Students will receive a SmartMusic subscription to support their study/practicing outside of class. Students will supply their own instrument/accessories, and will purchase required uniform components (students experiencing financial need can receive assistance from Brophy for these items).
Symphonic Band (Intermediate Band) Elective-Full Year
Prerequisites: One to two years of prior study of a band instrument (woodwind, brass, percussion), Concert Band and/or a placement audition is required for this proficient-level band class.
This course is designed for instrumental students at a proficient level who wish to pursue advancing instruction on a band instrument. Symphonic Band can also serve as a refresher course for high school students who wish to rejoin band after one or more semesters of non-enrollment. Symphonic Band will provide sequential instruction in music reading, instrumental technique, and fulfilling individual responsibility as it relates to being a valuable contributing member of musical performing group. Elements of music theory and music history will also be included.
Through active participation in class and regular practice at home students will further develop: characteristic tone; proper technique; ability to discern and adjust intonation; facility in maintaining balance and blend; and will also deepen their understanding and appreciation of music from the perspective of the performing artist. Required public performances will include quarterly band concerts, Brophy community and civic events, and selected Brophy athletic events, as well as Fall, Winter, and Spring adjudicated band festivals/contests.
Students will receive a SmartMusic subscription to support their study/practicing outside of class. Students will supply their own instrument/accessories, and will purchase required uniform components (students experiencing financial need can receive assistance from Brophy for these items).
Honors Wind Ensemble Elective-Full Year
Prerequisites: Two to four years of prior study of a band instrument (woodwind, brass, percussion), Concert Band, Symphonic Band and/or a placement audition is required for this advanced-level band class.
Honors Jazz Band Elective-Full Year
Prerequisites: One to two years of prior study of a jazz band instrument (Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Guitar, Piano, Bass, Drumset) and/or a placement audition is required for this proficient-level band class.
Orchestra Elective-Full Year
Prerequisites: audition process
This course provides an opportunity for string players to perform with a new musical organization on campus. A wide range of musical forms and styles will be studied and performed throughout the year. Solo and small ensemble performance will be encouraged. More advanced students will be required to audition for Regional and All State events.
Honor Orchestra Elective-Full Year
Prerequisites: audition and teacher recommendation
This course is for advanced students, includes more formal auditions at the regional and state levels, and builds on the foundation of the regular class.
Freshman Choir Elective--One semester
This freshman class teaches musicianship through ensemble singing. The course will emphasize fundamentals of good musicianship, performance etiquette, music reading and music history. Choral music in a variety of styles and genres will be studied. Students will perform in at least one concert per semester and are encouraged to sing for liturgies and other campus events. Advanced students have the opportunity to participate in state music festivals. Participation in this ensemble will satisfy 1.0 credit of Fine Arts.
Sophomore Choir Elective--Full Year; one semester with instructor approval
This choir class is available to any sophomore. The ensemble presents a wide variety of styles and genres within the body of choral repertoire. The course will emphasize fundamentals of good musicianship, performance etiquette, music reading and vocal technique. Students will perform in at least one concert per semester. In addition there will also be off campus appearances and participation at choral festivals. Students not meeting effort and performance expectations may be asked to leave the class at the semester.
Honor Chorale Elective--By Audition only. Full Year; one semester with instructor approval.
This chorale class is available to any Sophomore, Junior or Senior by audition only, and receives honors credit. The expectations are similar to the Concert Choir but students will be called to the highest level of performance. The class will work with more sophisticated pieces of music, and there will be more focus on true musical discipline. As an honors-level course, class expectations will be commensurate with the honors credit students receive. Students not meeting effort and performance expectations may be asked to leave the class at the semester.
Beginning Guitar Elective-One Semester
This is a one-semester course designed for beginners only; no previous guitar playing experience is required. The emphasis of the class is on proper playing technique and music reading. Students will be exposed to a variety of music styles, including rock, jazz, blues, folk and classical. Each student must have their own guitar for this class.
Advanced Guitar Elective-One Semester
This course is designed for students who either have taken Beginning Guitar or who have had much experience with music reading and technique. Students will build on prior knowledge and skills to improve their performance.
Piano and Keyboard Elective-One Semester
This class will teach beginning piano and keyboard skills along with the basic musical elements of note names, rhythmic notation, harmonic function and composition. Once the student has completed the initial requirements and proficiencies, he/she will transition to the electronic keyboard where introductory recording software will be taught and practiced.
Advanced Piano and Keyboard Elective-One Semester
This course is designed for students who either have taken Piano and Keyboard or who have prior experience with piano or keyboard playing. Students will build on prior knowledge and skills to improve their performance.