Art - Junior

Foundation Courses

VISUAL ARTS I

Grades 9-12:  Level 2 (568)

(Semester) .50 credits

NO PREREQUISITE


Visual Arts I is an introductory, initial course designed to provide an entry level, comprehensive class for 8-10 graders prior to proceeding to a primary art elective option. This course offers students the experience of exploring various traditional and digital based assignments to help prepare for the upper level art courses.  

Students must pass this course before taking Visual Arts II.

MIXED-MEDIA I

Grades 9-10:  Level 2 (572)
(Semester) .50 credits

NO PREREQUISITE


Mixed-Media I is an entry level, comprehensive art course for 8-10 graders prior to specializing in other art electives. This course focuses on combining mediums in both Two-Dimensional (2-D) and Three-Dimensional (3-D) with the intent to offer students various entry level assignments based on the upper level art electives. Completion of this course is highly encouraged for all 8-12 graders before electing to take primary courses in the Visual Arts Department

DIGITAL ART PHOTOGRAPHY (534) 

Grades 9-12:  Level 2 

(Semester) .50 credits 

NO PREREQUISITE


Digital Art Photography is an introduction to Digital Art Photography and the suggested compositional guidelines. Focus is on digital photography based art and the process of creating, editing and exhibiting original artwork. Smartphones, Ipads and digital cameras are optional, but encouraged (will provide device as needed). Adobe Photoshop®, and other successful applications are primary resources for computer/lab work. Students will explore diverse visual learning strategies, content language, self-expression, and creative problem-solving.

Primary Courses

Students must complete foundation requirements before enrolling in a primary course.
(see individual Primary Course requirements).

VISUAL ARTS II (535)
Grades 9-12:  Level 2 

(Semester) .50 credits 

*Prerequisite: Successful completion of VA I or, Mixed-Media I

Visual Arts II is a continuation and expansion of the fundamentals covered in Visual Arts I. This course is designed for motivated students interested in improving their art skills and enhancing their artwork. Completion of this course is highly encouraged for all 8-10 graders before electing to take advanced courses in the Visual Arts.

MIXED-MEDIA II (572)
Grades 10-12:  Level 2
(Semester) .50 credits

*Prerequisite: Successful completion of VA I or, Mixed-Media I


Mixed-Media II is an art course for 9-12 graders interested in exploring various art processes and techniques. This course focuses on combining mediums in both Two-Dimensional (2-D) and Three-Dimensional (3-D) art  with the intent to offer students hands-on assignments based on the upper level art electives. Completion of this course is highly encouraged for all 9-12 graders before electing to take primary courses in the Visual Arts Department. 

*Prerequisite: Successful completion of VA I or, Mixed-Media I

DRAWING I  (553)
Grades 9-12: Level 2
(Semester) .50 credits 

*Prerequisite: Successful completion of at least 2 foundation courses

Drawing I is an advanced course that provides students who are interested in further developing their drawing skills with the opportunity to explore and create individual 2-D works of art. Assignments focus on exploring compositional possibilities with an emphasis on connecting, creating, presenting and responding with an assortment of drawing materials. A variety of formative assessments are integrated in an effort to encourage students to find their own style of drawing while applying creative problem solving skills

DRAWING II (499)
Grades 9-12: Level 2
(Semester) .50 credits 

*Prerequisite: Successful completion of Drawing I

Drawing II is a continuation of Drawing I for students who are interested in further developing their advanced drawing skills and optional preparation for AP classes. Assignments focus on perspective, subject matter,  genre, and individual style. A variety of formative assessments are integrated in an effort to encourage students to prepare for advancement in various mediums.

DARKROOM PHOTOGRAPHY (536)
Grades 10-12: Level 2
(Semester) .50 credits 

*Prerequisite: Successful completion of Digital Photography if in 10th grade-

No prerequisite for Juniors/Seniors

Darkroom Photography is designed for students interested in traditional photography as a means of visual communication and explores the traditional techniques and applications for developing negatives and printing the positives in the chemical darkroom. The course will include the mechanics and use of a 35 mm traditional-film (analog) camera, basic developing and printing processes of black and white film and light sensitive papers, special photographic techniques and the successful presentation of a final portfolio. Students will be required to present, assess, and critique their own work and the work of their peers using content based language, vocabulary, and rubrics.

PRINTMAKING (554)
Grades 10-12: Level 2
(Semester) .50 credits 

*Prerequisite: Successful completion of at least 2 foundation courses

Printmaking provides students with the opportunity to employ critical thinking skills, while investigating and developing multiple relief printing processes of increasing skill levels. Several types of linoleum and carving tools will be used while practicing safe carving processes and techniques. Upper level art students are encouraged to take this course and experiment with a unique and exciting art medium.

PAINTING (552)
Grades 9-12: Level 2
(Semester) .50 credits 

*Prerequisite: Successful completion of at least 2 foundation courses

Painting provides students an opportunity to learn and practice the basic concepts of design, color theory and painting applications. Students will explore the painting medium while applying creative problem solving skills in the development of design through a variety of formative assignments. The courses final summative assignments give students the opportunity to demonstrate their growth and progress of painting and design skills.

CERAMICS (547)
Grades 9-12: Level 2 

(Semester) .50 credits 

NO PREREQUISITE


Ceramics exposes students to the art of ceramics through participation in a studio atmosphere. The course and grading procedures are designed to nurture certain values inherent to the Elements of Art and Principles of design. The class is often divided into two groups. While one group receives instruction on the pottery wheel, the other group works on previously instructed hand building techniques. Studio etiquette, proper material handling and individual clean-up is expected and highly enforced. Dedication, maturity and a sense of pride in one's work and craftsmanship is highly encouraged.

SCULPTURE (546)
Grades 9-12: Level 2
(Semester) .50 credits 

NO PREREQUISITE


Sculpture provides students with the knowledge and opportunity to explore and create individual 3-D works of art. This course focuses on the concepts of shape, form, texture, and unity using found objects, paper, wood, metals, textiles, etc. Individualized instruction, demonstration, group and self-critiques, along with ongoing studio work will be continually offered and assessed. Critical thinking and creative problem solving through the development of original ideas and unique works of art are highly encouraged.

Advanced Courses

HONORS PORTFOLIO (562)
Grades 10-12: Level Honors
(Semester)  .75
*Prerequisite: Successful completion of at least three of the primary or advanced art courses

Portfolio is intended for the student intent on a career and/or future focused in the visual arts and one who has, ideally, taken and succeeded in most of the other studio arts classes. The preparation of the students’ portfolio is the major course objective. Assignments will be focused on demonstrating the ability to think creatively and critically. Honors work will require a comprehensive career plan including advanced education intentions, reports on college research (or visits) and practice essays. All Honors students will create an on-line portfolio. The work will be displayed with an accompanying artist statement and preliminary sketches illustrating the process as well as the results.

ADVANCED PAINTING (545)
Grades 10–12: Level 2
(Semester) .50 credits 

*Prerequisite: Successful completion of Painting and Drawing I

Advanced Painting applies color theory and painting techniques acquired in the prerequisite course while obtaining an increased understanding and use of the painting medium through creating and conveying visual meaning. Students electing this course should possess a sincere interest in the visual arts and the desire to develop a personal style of painting. The philosophy of this course is based on the standards of connecting, creating, responding and presenting. Topics of study are based on observation and may include: the still-life, landscape, portraiture and conceptual art.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT DRAWING  (513)
Grades 11-12: AP
(Year) 1.50 credits 

Prerequisite: Required meeting for summer work and receipt of parent/student contracts.

Advanced Placement Drawing is a college level course and is intended for highly motivated students seriously interested in careers in the visual arts or those with a deep passion for making art. Considerable out of class time is required, including summer assignments prior to taking the class. Units of study are defined by the College Board and are intended to satisfy the required sections of the exam. Students will be expected to produce 20 new works from summer to late April. All work is submitted the first week in May during the A.P. Exam period and includes artwork and supporting artist statements. Regular critique and one-on-one guidance are designed to assist the student in achieving this highly personal and complex portfolio.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT 3D Art & Design (548)

Grades 11-12: Level A.P.
(Year) 1.50 credits 

*Prerequisite: Successful completion of Advanced Sculpture and/or Advanced Ceramics (both preferred).  Recommendation from Sculpture/ Ceramics Instructor required as well as a meeting regarding summer work and parent/student contracts

Advanced Placement 3D Art is a college level course and is intended for highly motivated students seriously interested in careers in the 3D Visual Arts or those with a deep passion for making art. Considerable out of class time is required, including summer assignments prior to taking the class. Units of study are defined by the College Board and are intended to satisfy the three required sections of the exam: Breadth, Quality, and Concentration. Students will be expected to produce 20-25 new works from the summer prior to the class until late April. All work is submitted the first week in May during the AP Exam period and includes written support as well as artwork. Regular critique and one on one guidance are designed to assist the student in achieving this highly personal and complex portfolio. 

Please Note: This is a class especially designed for students considering careers in the 3-D Visual Arts (including figurative and non-figurative sculpture, architectural models, metal work, ceramics, 3-D fiber arts/fashion, jewelry and body adornment, and time-based media). It is expected that all students prepare a portfolio in accordance with instructor directions.

ADVANCED CERAMICS (550)
Grades 11-12: Level 2
(Semester) .50 credits 

*Prerequisite: Successful completion of Ceramics

Advanced Ceramics applies the three hand-building and basic throwing techniques learned in Ceramics to achieve a more advanced understanding and appreciation of the medium. Students will enhance problem-solving skills and incorporate a continued use of Art elements & Principles in their work. Individuals taking this course practice mature, independent and respectful attitudes and practices while taking serious pride in their work and character.

ADVANCED SCULPTURE (512)
Grades 10-12: Level 2
(Semester) .50 credits 

*Prerequisite: Successful completion of Sculpture.

Advanced Sculpture applies techniques and skills acquired in Sculpture to continue the exploration  and creation of individual 3-D works of art. Students electing this course possess a sincere interest in the Visual Arts and the desire to develop a personal style. The philosophy of this course is based on promoting an increased personal awareness while using past historical references.

ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHY (556)

Grades 10-12:  Level 2

(Semester) .50 credits

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Introduction to Darkroom Photography and/or Digital Art & Photography

Advance Art Photography is based on the process of creating, editing and exhibiting original artwork using digital or darkroom photography as the medium. Smartphones, Ipads, digital and analog cameras are the primary tools used in this class. Students will explore diverse visual learning strategies, content language, self-expression, and creative problem-solving. Creating, presenting, responding and connection are the Core Art standards that outline the work in this advanced and personally individualized course.