Course Overviews

This course provides students with a visual art experience that will take place in a 20-minute class period every six school days. This totals to be 30 class periods per year. However, certain schools may see pre-kindergarten more than once a cycle but not less than. The curriculum with care and effort has been aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards.

Exploration and developing familiarity with art materials is the essence for this age group. Many students come in encountering art supplies for the first time and will be encouraged to discover multiple uses with guidance from the teacher. By the end of the school year, students should be able to know the basic skills on how to create art in the categories of sculpture, collage, painting, drawing, printmaking, and the elements of art. At the same time art making is happening, social growth and cognitive skills are encouraged as students practice basic art studio behavior and routines. Additionally, art critique will be introduced by analyzing past and contemporary artists and responding to simple questions that will help them identify the elements of art.

This course provides students with a visual art experience that will take place in one forty-minute class period every six school days. This totals to be 30 class periods per year. The curriculum with care and effort has been aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards.

Second-grade students will build upon their prior art experiences, by strengthening their use of art materials and procedures. The units include painting, sculpture, ceramics, collage and the elements of art. This aligns closely with the courses offered at the high school level. Additionally, = social growth and cognitive skills are continuing to develop as students practice basic art studio behavior and routines. Within each unit, art history, proper use of materials and critique will be covered. The elements of art will be used to support all units and will not function independently. Through the units of study, students will be introduced to artists and their styles of art from various cultures, career-specific visual art, and diverse historical time periods. The art program enables second graders to develop the skills to visually communicate and verbalize their thinking personal connections. Second grade students will create works of art that are based on observations of the physical world and that illustrate how art is part of everyday life.

This course provides students with a visual art experience that will take place in one forty-minute class period every six school days. This totals to be 30 class periods per year. The curriculum with care and effort has been aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards.

Through the exploration of art materials and styles, students experience the joy and meaning found in the process of being a creative, artistic individual. The units include ceramics, drawing, painting, sculpture and the elements of art. This aligns closely with the courses offered at the high school level. Additionally, social growth and cognitive skills are encouraged as students practice basic art studio behavior and routines. Within each unit, art history, proper use of materials and critique will be covered. The elements of art will be used to support all units and will not function independently. Through the units of study, students will be introduced to artists and their styles of art from various cultures, career-specific visual art, and diverse historical time periods. The art program enables kindergarteners to develop positive attitudes towards themselves, their peers, and the environment through creative experiences.

This course provides students with a visual art experience that will take place in one forty-minute class period every six school days. This totals to be 30 class periods per year. The curriculum with care and effort has been aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards.

Third-grade students will build upon their prior art experiences, by strengthening their use of art materials and procedures. The units include painting, sculpture, ceramics, collage and the elements of art. This aligns closely with the courses offered at the high school level. Additionally, social growth and cognitive skills are continuing to develop as students practice basic art studio behavior and routines. Within each unit, art history, proper use of materials and critique will be covered. The elements of art will be used to support all units and will not function independently. Through the units of study, students will be introduced to artists and their styles of art from various cultures, career-specific visual art, and diverse historical time periods. The art program enables third graders to develop the skills to visually communicate and verbalize their thinking to create personal connections. Through an exploration of varied media including drawing, painting, printmaking, textiles and sculpture, students build on their basic art-making skills learned at the lower elementary level, while developing critical and creative thinking skills.

This course provides students with a visual art experience that will take place in one forty-minute class period every six school days. This totals to be 30 class periods per year. The curriculum with care and effort has been aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards.

First-grade students will build upon their prior art experiences, by strengthening their use of art materials and procedures. The units include ceramics, drawing, painting, sculpture and the elements of art. This aligns closely with the courses offered at the high school level. Additionally, social growth and cognitive skills are continuing to develop as students practice basic art studio behavior and routines. Within each unit, art history, proper use of materials and critique will be covered. The elements of art will be used to support all units and will not function independently. Through the units of study, students will be introduced to artists and their styles of art from various cultures, career-specific visual art, and diverse historical time periods. The art program enables first-graders to develop the skills to visually communicate and verbalize their thinking personal connections.

This course provides students with a visual art experience that will take place in one forty-minute class period every six school days. This totals to be 30 class periods per year. The curriculum with care and effort has been aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards.

Fourth-grade students will build upon their prior art experiences, by strengthening their use of art materials and procedures. The units include painting, sculpture, ceramics, collage and the elements of art. This aligns closely with the courses offered at the high school level. Additionally, social growth and cognitive skills are continuing to develop as students practice basic art studio behavior and routines. Within each unit, art history, proper use of materials and critique will be covered. The elements of art will be used to support all units and will not function independently. Through the units of study, students will be introduced to artists and their styles of art from various cultures, career-specific visual art, and diverse historical time periods. The art program enables fourth graders to develop the skills to visually communicate and verbalize their thinking to create personal connections. Using the skills and experience with various materials students will create a TAB (Teaching Artistic Behavior)/Choice Based art project. This will cultivate and enhance their individual creativity and expression.

This course provides students with a visual art experience that will take place daily for 45 school days. Each class is 40 minutes long. The curriculum is aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Visual and Performing Arts.

Where appropriate, links to the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics have been included, along with the NJ Student Learning Standards for Comprehensive Health and Physical Education, Science, Social Studies, World Languages, Computer Science Design Thinking, and Career Readiness, Life Literacies, and Key Skills.

Students will continue to be introduced to American, European and Asian artists’ artworks and styles of visual art specific to art movements and various cultural art forms. Students will demonstrate and apply an understanding of arts philosophies, judgment, and analysis to works of visual art in their aesthetic responses and critiques. Practical application and exploration of techniques in diverse media provide students with opportunity for creative expression. The study of the Elements of Art and the Principles of Design, in combination with the exploration of historical and cultural aspects of visual art will provide students with an enduring understanding of visual art as an integral part of human expression.

This course provides students with a visual art experience that will take place in one forty-minute class period for 20 consecutive days. The curriculum with care and effort has been aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards.

Students will continue to be introduced to a variety of Western and Contemporary artists’ works in various styles, techniques, and genres. Through critique of a wide range of artists students will understand as an influential and essential part of the world in which we live. Students will be exposed to various art materials that will be selected to specifically develop the skills stated in the State Standards.

7^th Grade Art Class meets as part of a marking period cycle for approximately 45 days, 40 minutes per class. This course builds upon the skills developed in the K through 6 art programs. The course focuses on three key areas of instruction including drawing, painting and ceramics.

At the culmination of the course, students will exhibit proficiency in line and value drawing, introductory painting concepts, design skills and essential clay techniques. Students in 7th Grade will begin to verbalize and put into writing their responses to artwork following specific guidelines to complete a critique. Enrichment opportunities are available through exhibits and competitions at the county level, state level and through district art show participation.

The New Jersey Student Learning Standards are addressed through activities and projects specifically designed to enhance student skills and understandings within the standards and concepts. All projects introduce and incorporate the Elements of Design: line, shape, form, texture, color, value, space, as well as, the Principles of Design: contrast, harmony, movement, rhythm, balance, dominance, gradation, unity, and proportion. Corresponding cultural and historical perspectives are incorporated.

8^th Grade Art Class meets for one marking period, which is approximately 45 days, 40 minutes per class. This course builds upon the skills developed in the K through 6 art programs, focusing on three key areas of instruction including composition, drawing and painting. All projects incorporate art history, introducing the students to specific periods or movements in art or works of individual artists.

At the culmination of the course, students will exhibit proficiency in composition, value drawing and painting using blended value gradations. Students in 8th Grade will demonstrate competence in critique. Enrichment opportunities are available through exhibits and competitions at the county level, state level and through district art show participation.

The New Jersey Student Learning Standards are addressed through activities and projects specifically designed to enhance student skills and understandings through the creative process. All projects introduce and incorporate the Elements of Art: line, shape, form, texture, color, value and space as well as the Principles of Design: contrast, harmony, movement, rhythm, balance, dominance, gradation, unity, and proportion. Corresponding cultural and historical perspectives are incorporated.

Advanced Placement 2-D Art and Design is a one-year course that offers students the opportunity to pursue college level work in art. It is intended for the highly motivated student interested in inquiry-based thinking and making. This course prepares the student for the AP 2-D Art and Design Studio Exam. The course work is based on the creation of a portfolio of work to demonstrate inquiry through art and design and development of materials, processes, and ideas over the course of a year. Portfolios include works of art and design, process documentation, and written information about the work presented. In May, students submit portfolios based on specific criteria , which include skillful synthesis of materials, processes, and ideas and sustained investigation through practice, experimentation, and revision, guided by questions. Students may choose to submit the AP Portfolio Exam.

The AP 2-D Art and Design course is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course in 2-D art and design. The AP Program works cooperatively with high school teachers and students to complete a college level course and permits colleges to evaluate, acknowledge, and encourage that accomplishment through appropriate credit and placement.

This 5-credit full year course helps fulfill the state graduation requirement for at least 5 credits in Visual and Performing Arts.

The curriculum is aligned to the NJ Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) for Visual and Performing Arts.

In this course, students will work with color and a variety of paint media to explore numerous subject possibilities. Emphasis is on good composition, paint handling, and color theory. Creative approaches to idea and skill development and composition are stressed. Typical areas of study might include watercolors, oils, acrylics, tempera, and mixed media. Since painting skills tend to build upon drawing ones, it is recommended (but not required) that students take Drawing before taking this course.

This 2.5 credit semester course helps fulfill the state graduation requirement contained in N.J.A.C. 6A:8-5.1(a)lvii for “at least 5 credits in Visual and Performing Arts” for all students who entered high school in 2010 or later.

The curriculum is aligned to the NJ Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) for Visual and Performing Arts.

Advanced Placement Art History provides students with a visual arts experience that takes place in one class period every school day for an entire school year. It is open to students in grades 10, 11, and 12 and offers students the opportunity to pursue college level work in art history while still in high school. While this course does not assume prior training, it does require a high degree of commitment and is intended for the highly motivated student interested in the serious study of art. Many colleges and universities offer advanced placement and/or credit to students who perform successfully on the Advanced Placement Art History exam.

In Advanced Placement Art History, students will examine major forms of artistic expression from the ancient world to the present across a wide variety of cultures throughout the world. Students will learn to interpret and analyze works of art within their historical context and articulate what they see or experience in meaningful ways by developing an understanding of how and why works of art communicate visual meaning. This course will help students apply fundamental art and art historical terminology, understand the purpose and function of art, and interpret art and develop an appreciation for the process of making and displaying art. Students will also learn to analyze art in the context of historical evidence and interpret art by examining such issues as politics, religion, patronage, gender and ethnicity. Students will come to understand the cross-cultural and global nature of art and develop the ability to articulate visual and historical concepts in verbal and written forms. This curriculum represents the mandatory changes to the Advanced Placement Art History course content made by the College Board.

This Advanced Placement Art History course has been authorized by the College Board through the Advanced Placement Audit as an authorized course which meets or exceeds the expectations that colleges and universities have for Art History.

This 5-credit semester course helps fulfill the state graduation requirement in the Visual and Performing Arts.

The curriculum is aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Visual and Performing Arts.

This advanced level course may be taken multiple times for credit and improvement of skill levels. This class will build on color and painting techniques learned in the beginning painting course. In addition to watercolor, acrylic, and mixed media, more sophisticated and complicated techniques are introduced (such as monoprint, painting, large and extra-large/life size canvas painting, mural painting, etc.). The emphasis on personal expression to make a statement is stressed. This course enables students to add advanced color work to their portfolios.

This 2.5 credit semester course helps fulfill the state graduation requirement contained in N.J.A.C. 6A:8-5.1(a)lvii for “at least 5 credits in Visual and Performing Arts” for all students who entered high school in 2010 or later.

The curriculum is aligned to the NJ Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) for Visual and Performing Arts.

Art 1A is an adapted semester course for students with special needs that offers students the opportunity to explore a wide range of “hands on” activities. Typical areas of study may include drawing, painting, color theory, collage, sculpture, and video/film. The instructor will help students not only to strive to produce quality finished products but also attempt to inspire diversified, creative thinking. In addition to learning the basic developmental skills and techniques in each area, this course will expose students to the works of famous artists and stress the art elements and design principles of good composition.

This 2.5 credit semester course helps fulfill the state graduation requirement contained in N.J.A.C. 6A:8-5.1(a)lvii for “at least 5 credits in Visual and Performing Arts” for all students who entered high school in 2010 or later.

The curriculum is aligned to the NJ Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) for Visual and Performing Arts.

This is a course designed to emphasize black and white photography as an art form. It stresses the Elements and Principles of Art and Design, the study of famous photographers and their works, and the history of photography and the camera. Working in the photography studio, students are prepared to use 35mm cameras and various darkroom equipment/techniques to prepare photograms, pinhole photographs, photographic negatives and enlargements.

This 2.5 credit semester course helps fulfill the state graduation requirement in the Visual and Performing Arts.

The curriculum is aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards and National Core Arts Standards for Visual and Performing Arts.

Art 1 is a full year course that offers students the opportunity to explore a wide range of "hands on" activities. Typical areas of study may include drawing, painting, ceramics, printmaking, graphic design, and sculpture. The instructor will help students not only to strive to produce quality finished products but also attempt to inspire diversified, creative thinking. In addition to learning the basic developmental skills and techniques in each area, this course will expose students to the works of famous artists and stress the art elements and design principles of good composition. This course will prepare the student for advanced art courses.

This 5 credit full year course helps fulfill the state graduation requirement contained in N.J.A.C. 6A:8-5.1(a)lvii for “at least 5 credits in Visual and Performing Arts” for all students who entered high school in 2010 or later.

The curriculum is aligned to the NJ Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) for Visual and Performing Arts.

This course is designed to further student understanding of photographic design and help promote creative problem solving while exploring applications of black and white photography on an advanced level. Topics covered include traditional and alternative photographic processes. Students explore abstract photography, research the masters of photography, experiment with mixed-media techniques, and practice advanced darkroom techniques such as solarization and creating positive images from pinhole photographs. Students are responsible for developing a professional portfolio for college or a possible career in a photography related field.

This 2.5 credit semester course helps fulfills the state graduation requirement in the Visual and Performing Arts.

The curriculum is aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards and National Core Arts Standards for Visual and Performing Arts.

In Art II, students continue exploration in the areas of drawing, printmaking, painting, and three dimensional construction as well as crafts, graphic art and art history. Emphasis is placed on color and more advanced techniques and materials. Students will develop greater observational skills while creating a portrait. Students will also explore creative problem solving and abstraction. Typical areas of study may include: drawing and rendering, pen and ink, painting on stretched canvas, advanced printmaking, sculpture, wheel throwing, and graphic design.

This 5 credit full year course helps fulfill the state graduation requirement contained in N.J.A.C. 6A:8-5.1(a)lvii for “at least 5 credits in Visual and Performing Arts” for all students who entered high school in 2010 or later.

The curriculum is aligned to the NJ Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) for Visual and Performing Arts.

This is an advanced semester art course for the student who intends to go to a specific art school, take art in college, or make a career in the world of art. Further development of the skills already acquired in other art courses is stressed. Since creating a portfolio requires careful planning with an overall strategy, upon entry to the class, the student’s existing portfolio of collected artwork is reviewed. Each student is then guided to enhance the portfolio with diverse works to fulfill college and art school requirements. A variety of media, styles, techniques and subject matter is covered. College and school selection and the interview process are explored.

This 2.5 credit semester course helps fulfill the state graduation requirements for at least 5 credits in Visual and Performing Arts.

The curriculum is aligned to the NJ Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) for Visual and Performing Arts.

In this course, students explore cartooning and animation as an art form and career path stressing the development of artistic expression using traditional techniques and digital technology. The influence of cartooning and animation throughout history and across cultures is explored. Students begin by learning about composition and how a viewer's emotions can be manipulated using the Elements and Principles of Design. They learn the correct proportions to draw the human head, and how to distort those proportions in order to draw a caricature. Emphasis is placed on linear perspective and other methods of creating depth in artwork. Students learn how to letter artwork properly and how to present their art work upon completion. Basic ideas regarding panel composition, color theory, and panel/page layout are explored, along with various animation techniques, including: stop motion, cel, and computer animation. Discussion of aesthetics and critiquing help students demonstrate and apply learned understandings.

This 2.5 credit semester course helps fulfill the state graduation requirements for at least 5 credits in Visual and Performing Arts.

The curriculum is aligned to the NJ Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) for Visual and Performing Arts.

Concentration in this course is on three-dimensional art. Students work on a wide range of sculptural techniques both additive (clay, wire, papier Mache) and subtractive (plaster, wood, stone, carving) as well as assemblage (using found objects to create sculpture).

This course also provides instruction and experience in the techniques of hand-built and wheel thrown pottery with decorating and glazing experiments to enhance the finished piece.

This 2.5 credit semester course helps fulfill the state graduation requirements for at least 5 credits in Visual and Performing Arts.

The curriculum is aligned to the NJ Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) for Visual and Performing Arts.

This course is designed to encourage experimentation while developing an appreciation for and understanding of quality craft techniques. Emphasis will be placed on creative design, function of product, personal interpretation, potential of materials and good craftsmanship. Areas of exploration may include fiber arts, fabric decoration, paper crafts, and ceramics. The elements and principles of design will serve as a lens through which craft is addressed.

This 2.5 credit semester course helps fulfills the state graduation requirement in the Visual and Performing Arts.

The curriculum is aligned to the NJ Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) for Visual and Performing Arts.

This course is designed to further student understanding of three-dimensional art. Students continue to work on a wide range of sculptural techniques both additive (clay, modeling) and subtractive (carving, plaster, wood, stone).

This course also provides an increased level of instruction and experience in the techniques of hand-built and wheel thrown pottery with decorating and glazing experiments to enhance the finished piece.

This 2.5 credit semester course helps fulfill the state graduation requirements for at least 5 credits in Visual and Performing Arts.

The curriculum is aligned to the NJ Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) for Visual and Performing Arts.

This course is designed to emphasize digital Digital Art Design through the eye of an artist. By using traditional techniques and digital technology, creative artwork is produced for such things as advertising, printing and promotion. Drawing and computer skills are expanded to create high quality original layouts, illustrations and Digital Art Designs. Typical areas of study include package design, corporate identity, print and media advertising, etc.

This 2.5 credit semester course helps fulfill the state graduation requirement in the Visual and Performing Arts.

The curriculum is aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards and National Core Arts Standards for Visual and Performing Arts.

This course provides students with a visual art experience that will take place in one forty-eight minute class period every school day for one semester. This course provides both a practical and theoretical knowledge of film study and video production that can be used as a basis for more advanced work, career preparation, or enhancement of personal skills. Students will learn about the history of film by viewing early films and animation devices. They will formally analyze film clips by learning about the tools of the director (camera, editing, lighting, and mise en scene). They will learn about the thematic implications of various camera and editing techniques and will learn to execute those techniques themselves by using the relevant tools. They will learn about the processes of pre-production, production, and post production by writing their own screenplays in groups, using the camera to shoot those screenplay pages, and using non-linear editing software to edit their footage into a finished film. Since they will be working in groups on their movie projects, students will also understand that filmmaking is a truly collaborative art. Ultimately they will learn to become astute critical viewers by participating in group critiques of historic and contemporary films as well as each other's video work.

This 2.5 credit semester course helps fulfill the state graduation requirements for at least 5 credits in Visual and Performing Arts.

The curriculum is aligned to the NJ Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) for Visual and Performing Arts.

This course is designed for students to learn basic digital photographic concepts. Working extensively with photo imaging software, students will create and manipulate digital images for their portfolio. Students will learn composition techniques, emphasizing work using The Principles of Design and Elements of Art, while creating such things as portraits, landscapes, montages, collages, etc., all done with the computer. Students will also learn about the functions of the digital camera.

This 2.5 credit semester course helps fulfill the state graduation requirement in the Visual and Performing Arts.

The curriculum is aligned to the New Jersey Student Standards and National Core Arts Standards for Visual and Performing Arts.

This course provides students with a visual art experience that will take place in one forty-eight-minute class period every school day for the entire year.

Starting from the strong theoretical and practical base begun in Video and Film, students will further their understanding of video production and film study. Stressing film and video as an art form, students will develop sensitivity to the nuances of movement, further understand light and exposure, and master the basic tenets of good composition in the moving image. The advanced students will continue to use a prosumer camera to script, direct, light, shoot and produce short films. Emphasis will be placed on the non-linear editing of footage from classroom and other shoots. The language of film continues to be a focus as historic and contemporary films are viewed and discussed. This advanced level course may be taken multiple times for credit and improvement of skill levels.

The curriculum is aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Visual and Performing Arts, including:

• Anchor Standard 1: Generating and conceptualizing ideas.

• Anchor Standard 2: Organizing and developing ideas.

• Anchor Standard 3: Refining and completing products.

• Anchor Standard 4: Selecting, analyzing, and interpreting work.

• Anchor Standard 5: Developing and refining techniques and models or steps needed to create products.

• Anchor Standard 6: Conveying meaning through art.

• Anchor Standard 7: Perceiving and analyzing products.

• Anchor Standard 8: Interpreting intent and meaning.

• Anchor Standard 9: Applying criteria to evaluate products.

• Anchor Standard 10: Synthesizing and relating knowledge and personal experiences to create products.

• Anchor Standard 11: Relating artistic ideas and works within societal, cultural and historical contexts to deepen understanding.

The interdisciplinary and experiential nature of the Arts (where rigorous academic concepts are coupled with real-world hands-on lessons) allows connections to many NJ standard areas. As such, where applicable, integrations to other New Jersey Student Learning Standards have been noted (including the NJ Student Learning areas of Comprehensive Health and Physical Education, Science, Social Studies, World Languages, Computer Science & Design Thinking along with integrations to Career Readiness, Life Literacies, & Key Skills), nd with integrations to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics.

This 5.0 credit full year course helps fulfill the state mandate contained in N.J.A.C. 6A:8-5.1(a)1vii for “at least 5 credits in Visual and Performing Arts” for all students who entered high school in 2010 or later.

To be able to express one’s vision and ideas through drawing is one of the most important skills an artist can have. Students are taught strategies and techniques to heighten powers of observation and eye-hand coordination resulting in realistic line, shade, perspective and color drawings. Drawing styles, such as blind and modified contour, are explored using materials such as pencil, conte, pen & ink, pastel, colored pencil, and mixed media. Taking this course first provides a strong base for taking other departmental selections.

This 2.5 credit semester course helps fulfill the state graduation requirement contained in N.J.A.C. 6A:8-5.1(a)lvii for “at least 5 credits in Visual and Performing Arts” for all students who entered high school in 2010 or later.

The curriculum is aligned to the NJ Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) for Visual and Performing Arts.

To be able to express one’s vision and ideas through drawing is one of the most important skills an artist can have. Students are taught strategies and techniques to heighten powers of observation and eye-hand coordination resulting in realistic line, shade, perspective and color drawings. Drawing styles, such as blind and modified contour, are explored using materials such as pencil, conte, pen & ink, pastel, colored pencil, and mixed media. Taking this course first provides a strong base for taking other departmental selections.

This 2.5 credit semester course helps fulfill the state graduation requirement contained in N.J.A.C. 6A:8-5.1(a)lvii for “at least 5 credits in Visual and Performing Arts” for all students who entered high school in 2010 or later.

The curriculum is aligned to the NJ Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) for Visual and Performing Arts.