Course Descriptions
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
FOUNDATION ART COURSES
Courses that fulfill the graduation requirement
Studio Art
1 credit
Studio Art is a foundational art course open to all students. Learning is aligned with the NY State Standards for the Arts: Creating, Presenting, Responding and Connecting at the HS1 Level. This course provides an introduction to the elements and principles of design through varied experiences in creative media including use of: color, design, perspective, sculpture, painting, and drawing. In addition, students will be exposed to various art movements and creative careers. Click here for more information. Studio Art fulfills the one credit in the Arts required for NYS Graduation.
Studio in Media Arts (Graphics)
1 credit
Studio in Media Arts is a foundational art course open to all students. Learning is aligned with the NY State Standards for the Arts: Creating, Presenting, Responding and Connecting at the HS1 Level. This course provides an introduction to the elements and principles of design via the use of technological applications such as computer graphics, digital imaging, and photography. In addition, students will be exposed to traditional drawing techniques, a variety of art careers, and artistic movements. Students will use Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator in this course. Click here for more information. Studio in Media Arts fulfills the one credit in the Arts required for NYS Graduation.
Studio Ceramics
1 credit
Studio Ceramics is a foundational art course open to all students. Learning is aligned with the NY State Standards for the Arts: Creating, Presenting, Responding and Connecting at the HS1 Level. This course will study the elements and principles of design using three dimensional materials. Using clay, students will explore fundamental hand building techniques such as coil, modeling, and slab construction. Students will explore creating functional ceramics, abstract art and figurative works while investigating a variety of cultural perspectives and accomplished artists. Click here for more information. Studio Ceramics fulfills the one credit in the Arts required for NYS Graduation.
Studio Fashion/ Interior Design
1 credit
Studio Fashion/Interior Design is a foundational art course open to all students. This class acts as an introduction to the elements and principles of design through the illustration of fashion design as well as interior spaces and decor. Skills will be enhanced through the exploration of fashion and Interior design subject matter with the use of a variety of materials and completion of construction projects. Students will explore artists within the industry and participate in design challenges. Students will be introduced to ideas and images from contemporary art, fashion, and interior design history. Studio Fashion/Interior Design fulfills the one credit in the Arts required for NYS Graduation.
SEMESTER ART ELECTIVES
THAT DO NOT HAVE ART PREREQUISITES
The following semester electives are available to those who never took one of the above foundation level courses and/or who took a different course for their Art/Music graduation requirement. Taking one of these electives can give you access to some of the upper level art courses without having to first go back and take a foundation level art course.
Art History 1
H
0.5 credit
No Studio Prerequisite
This course is a survey of Western art-making traditions, allowing students to place their own creativity within a historical context. The course will expose students to the development of painting, sculpture and architecture from Prehistoric Art through the Middle Ages. Students will look at art critically through slide lectures, videos, presentations, written assignments and project-based activities. Click here for more information.
College Art History 2
H
0 .5 credit
No Studio Prerequisite, Grades 10-12
This course is a survey of Western art-making traditions, allowing students to place their own creativity within a historical context. The course will expose students to the development of painting, sculpture and architecture from the Renaissance through the 21st century. Students will look at art critically through slide lectures, videos, presentations, written assignments and project-based activities. Click here for more information. Optional: College credit through Seton Hall University, fee required (3 credits). Students Must take 1H and 2H to register for college credit through Seton Hall University.
Pottery
0.5 credit
No Studio Prerequisite
Pottery is a semester elective. There are no prerequisites for this course. In this course, students will explore the medium of clay and ceramic industry career techniques including slab building, modeling, wheel throwing, and the use of plaster molds in the creation of functional ceramics. The focus will be on function and form production by creating multiples (or sets) of cups and bowls, as well as large scale serving pieces. Click here for more information.
Sculpture
0.5 credit
No Studio Prerequisite
Sculpture is a semester elective. There are no prerequisites for this course. In this course, students will explore the medium of clay, as well as other 3 dimensional materials (such as cardboard, wood, wire, and found objects) in the creation of a variety of sculptures. Students will explore design principles and how these relate to 3 dimensional forms. Students will explore environmental design problems and current social issues as they create sculptural work that relates to the world around them. Click here for more information.
Digital Photography
0.5 credit
No Studio Prerequisite
This course will explore digital photography approaches using both mobile and Digital SLR cameras. Students will learn basic principles of shooting as well as post editing, retouching and special effects techniques. Post editing will be completed in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom (mobile and desktop). Process, workflow, file organization and final presentation of work will be a focus throughout the course. This course may be taken either before or after Intro to Photography. Click here for more information.
Digital Animation for Beginners
0.5 credit
No Studio Prerequisite
This design based course is one semester and acts as an introduction to animation principles and the Adobe Creative Cloud animation programs such as Character Animate. No previous drawing skills are necessary. Students will begin with a photograph that they will learn how to turn into moving imagery to tell a story or show an action. Click here for more information.
ART ELECTIVES
After successful completion of one of the Foundation Fine Arts courses, students can elect to continue a sequence in Drawing and Painting, 2-D Design (Computer Graphics and Photography), and 3-D Design.
Mural Painting
0.5 credit
Prerequisite: Any studio-level art class
This is a mural painting course. Unlike other art classes where students are predominantly working on individual projects to be taken home, the majority of this course will be spent on collaborative art pieces that will remain on permanent display. Students will predominantly be working with acrylic paint on the walls, but will be exposed to a variety of tools in the concept development phase, such as the adobe sweet and other digital media software. Students will also discuss mural painting from the business end of things as students learn how artists make a living off of public art installations. Click here for more information. This course will address NYS Key Standards of Creating, Presenting, Responding, and Connecting.
Design and Illustration
1 credit
Prerequisite: Any studio-level art class
Design and Illustration builds on the concepts learned in Studio level-art class. Learning is aligned with the NY State Standards for the Arts: Creating, Presenting, Responding and Connecting. The emphasis is on design concepts, composition and the use of color, as well as on individual problem solving which utilizes varied media and techniques. Students will engage in a variety of projects that relate to the use of art in the commercial industry. Click here for samples of student work.
Painting and Drawing
1 credit
Prerequisite: Design & Illustration
Painting and Drawing is a course intended for the serious art student who is considering establishing a portfolio of artwork. Students will address a variety of observational and imaginative subjects while exploring advanced drawing and painting materials. Students will be encouraged to progress towards both experimental and self-directed works. The course will culminate in the development of a personal portfolio. This skill will have future applications during the college application process, college coursework, and post graduate job applications. Click here for more information.
College Advanced Art 4 H
1 credit
Prerequisite: Painting & Drawing
Advanced Art is open to students with a firm, extensive background in art. Projects are chosen with teacher discussion and advice in drawing, painting, sculpture, design and mixed media. Students will continue the process of preparing a portfolio of work that may be used for college applications. Other activities may include keeping a daily sketchbook and student exhibitions. The course will culminate in the development of a personal portfolio website. This skill will have future applications during the college application process, college coursework, and post graduate job applications. Click here for sample student work. Optional: College credit through Seton Hall University, fee required (3 credits).
AP Drawing
1 credit
Prerequisite: College Art IV
The AP Drawing program is designed for the serious art student who wishes to develop an AP Studio/Drawing portfolio. It is important to note that the majority of the 10-15 works of art needed to complete an AP portfolio will be created during this course. The maintenance of a sketchbook as well as museum visits are among the possible requirements beyond the class period. The program sets a national standard and allows students to earn college credit and/or advanced placement credit. Students submit portfolios at the national level for evaluation. Click here for more information.
IB Visual Arts HL Year 1
1 credit
This is the first half of a two-year course designed for serious art students who wish to develop an art portfolio, and IB candidates who wish to use the visual arts to fulfill their Group 6 requirement. Click here for more information. The class is highly differentiated, student focused and requires high levels of personal dedication and accountability. A significant amount of work will be completed outside of class, including research, writing assignments and self directed trips to museums and galleries. Students must document their creative process and analyze key artists and cultures that have influenced the students’ work. Students are encouraged to work with a variety of traditional 2-D and 3-D techniques as well as new media, including digital imaging, sculpture, animation and video. The grade distribution is as follows: 40% Studio Work, 40% Process Portfolio, 20% Comparative Analysis. The culminating assessment takes place during the second year of the course.
IB Visual Arts HL Year 2
1 credit
This is the second half of a two-year course designed for serious art students who wish to develop an art portfolio and IB Diploma candidates who wish to use the visual arts to fulfill their Group 6 requirement. Click here for more information. A significant amount of work will be completed outside of class, including writing assignments and self-directed trips to museums and galleries. The course is closely aligned with AP Drawing, with a few additions. Students are encouraged to work with a variety of traditional 2-D and 3-D techniques as well as new media, including digital imaging, sculpture, animation and video. For the culminating assessment, students will exhibit 11 works of art, along with supporting text (40%). They will also submit a Process Portfolio (40%) and Comparative Study (20%), which analyzes how other artists and cultures have influenced each student’s own work. The course will culminate in the development of a personal portfolio website. This skill will have future applications during the college application process, college coursework, and post graduate job applications.
Intermediate Clay
1 credit
Prerequisite: Studio Ceramics or Pottery
This course will focus on an in-depth exploration of basic clay building techniques. Students will build on previously learned knowledge of skills and ceramic industry career techniques. Experimental surface treatments and wheel throwing will be introduced via the investigation of cultural perspectives and accomplished artists. The course will culminate in the development of a personal portfolio website. This skill will have future applications during the college application process, college coursework, and post graduate job applications. Click here for more information.
College Advanced Clay H
1 credit
Prerequisite: Pottery or Intermediate Clay
This course will continue to build on previously learned knowledge of clay skills and ceramic industry career techniques. Students will research and explore ergonomic design problems and solutions while looking at function and form. Students will explore sculptural techniques including the creation of a human bust through a surrealist lens. Students will also have the opportunity to research a social justice issue, create a storyboard campaign and create a proposal for a public installation. Final works will be proposed in a mock presentation. The course will culminate in the development of a personal portfolio website. This skill will have future applications during the college application process, college coursework, and post graduate job applications. Click here for more information. Optional: College credit through Seton Hall University, fee required (3 credits).
AP 3-D Design
1 credit
Prerequisite: College Advanced Clay
The AP 3-D program is designed for the serious art student who wishes to develop an AP 3-D Design portfolio. This course will culminate in a portfolio of 10-15 3-D works that will be submitted to the AP College Board. The maintenance of a sketchbook, as well as museum visits, are among the possible requirements beyond the class period. The program sets a national standard and allows students to earn college credit and/or advanced placement credit. Students submit portfolios for evaluation at the national level. Click here for more information.
Computer Graphics
1 credit
Prerequisite: Any studio-level art class
Students will be introduced to the computer as a tool for visual design. The projects throughout the year will focus on visual communication of ideas and concepts along with the strengthening of design principles and composition.
Students will work on a series of visual assignments that will build career ready skills such as design book, movie poster design and magazine cover design, children's book. Students will become proficient in industry standards of graphic design layout, photo editing, presentation skills and web design. Students will work in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Click here for more information.
College Advanced Computer Graphics H
1 credit
Prerequisite: Computer Graphics
This advanced visual communication course is designed for the serious art student. Advanced assignments using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign will push the visual possibilities with all aspects of transforming information and ideas into visual form. Visual solutions will utilize graphic design, computer graphics, and typography. Click here for more information. Optional: College credit through Seton Hall University, fee required (3 credits).
College Intro to Photography H
0.5 credit
Prerequisite: Any studio-level art class, 11th and 12th graders
This is an introductory black and white film photography course in 35mm camera use, film developing and darkroom techniques. Students will explore photographic design skills and industry career techniques including photo retouching, product photography and portraiture. Click here for more information. Optional: College credit through Seton Hall University, fee required (3 credits).
College Advanced Photography H
0.5 credit
Prerequisite: College Intro to Photography, 11th and 12th graders
This course continues the experience started in camera use and darkroom techniques, as well as digital photography experiences and post editing on the computer. Photographic career skills will be explored through studio shoots and exploration of lighting. Advanced experimental techniques will be stressed. The course will culminate in the development of a personal portfolio website. This skill will have future applications during the college application process, college coursework, and post graduate job applications. Click here for more information. Optional: College credit through Seton Hall University, fee required (3 credits).
AP 2D Design and Photography
1 credi
Prerequisite: College Advanced Computer Graphics or College Photo
This course is for the serious art student who wishes to develop a 2-D Design Portfolio. Students will create the 10-15 works necessary for the AP exam. Projects will explore traditional digital and film photography as well as application of photographs in 2-D studio assignments. Because students need access to the darkroom to complete homework assignments, it is highly recommended that students have a free period in their schedule to complete the coursework. Additional course requirements include student run 3-person exhibits in the school gallery and quarterly independent museum visits. Click here for more information.