Art - Sophomore
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 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.