The mission of the Lower Dauphin Art Department is to enable students to become 21st century life-long learners who create, present, respond, and connect their artwork to themselves and their community. Our art program strives to nurture the visual acuity and visual problem solving abilities of all Lower Dauphin students. We empower students to develop artistic behaviors through a variety of electives at the high school level, designed to address many interests and skill levels. At our program’s core are the multi-leveled course tracks: Digital Photography, Fine Art, Illustration, and Pottery. Additional artistic learning opportunities are found in AP Art History, Fibers, Multicultural Art, Sculpture, and the Business of Art. Our program fosters student artists who are active in the National Art Honor Society, and have consistently won awards regionally, statewide, and nationally. Many student artists have continued to study art beyond high school.
0311 SCULPTURE
Length of course: Semester
Credit: .5
Grade 9-12
Pathway: Arts & Communication
This half year course will be an exploration of new materials and techniques with an appreciation of sculptural three dimensional forms. Historical and contemporary concepts ranging from representational figures to abstract forms are investigated. Some of the materials used may include: clay, wood, metal, cloth, paper, and plaster. Students will be required to keep a sketchbook; hand drawing is required. Students must pay a materials fee for this elective course.
0315 MULTICULTURAL ART
Length of course: Semester
Credit: .5
Grade 9-12
Pathway: Arts & Communication
This is a hands-on studio course exploring art across the cultures using the universal themes of art. It incorporates an appreciation for art history as well as an opportunity to learn how similar themes are present in art work around the globe. Students will explore a variety of basic art media and techniques in both two dimensional and three dimensional art forms. This course includes textbook work. Students must pay a materials fee for this elective course.
0323 BUSINESS OF ART
Length of course: Semester
Credit: .5
Grade 11-12
Pathway: Arts & Communications; Business, Finance & Information Technology
This half year course is designed for any artist who wishes to explore the business side of art regardless of their chosen medium. Students will work through various aspects such as; writing an artist statement, properly photographing 2D and 3D work, pricing, marketing and curating their work through website design, social media and business cards. The students will also be looking beyond their artwork to understand how to obtain funding through grants, applying to festivals and shows to exhibit, keeping accurate records for accounting and tax purposes, career exploration, and looking at positions that can help supplement their income (non-profit, community, commissions, teaching artist residencies).
0347 FIBERS
Length of course: Semester
Credit: .5
Grade 9-12
Pathway: Arts & Communication
This course will give students an overview introduction of fiber work using natural and man-made materials. Areas of surface design, basketry, felting and embroidery will be explored using techniques such as batik, coiling, knotting, stitchery, and natural eco-dyeing. Many of the techniques can be applicable to wearable art and 3-D forms. Emphasis will be placed on creative design concepts, craftsmanship, and skillful and imaginative use of materials. Students must pay a materials fee for this elective course.
0327 SURVEY OF ART
Length of course: Full Year
Credit: 1.0
Grade 9-12
Pathway: Arts & Communication
This introductory survey course explores two dimensional and three dimensional art making. It offers the student the opportunity to work through some basic vocabulary of art-making while exploring the basic media of drawing, painting, sculpture, and digital art. Any skill level is welcome. Students must pay a materials fee for this elective course.
0326 COMMUNITY MURAL ARTS
Length of course: Full Year
Credit: 1.0
Grade 11-12
Pathway: Arts & Communication
PREREQUSITE: 70% in Illustration I or Fine Art I
Community artwork is made for more than just ourselves. The imagery brings beauty, transformation, unity and a sense of belonging to public spaces. In this class students will work together in a collaborative group atmosphere to design and create work that will be displayed in public spaces. Grant writing, contracts and legal aspects to public art will be explored as well as concepts in design, paint selection, application, and documentation for portfolios. On and off site murals will be created. Evening and weekend hours may be required to complete coursework. Students must pay a materials fee for this elective course.
0313 ILLUSTRATION I
Length of course: Full Year
Credit: 1.0
Grade 9-12
Pathway: Arts & Communication
This course will explore visual storytelling through a variety of mediums, including digital programs such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, as well as traditional art-making mediums. Students will explore illustration techniques through thematic concepts within each unit of study: the illustration studio, symbols, characters, illustration for publication, and presentation/portfolio. Students must pay a materials fee for this elective course.
0314 ILLUSTRATION II
Length of course: Full Year
Credit: 1.0
Grade 10-12
Pathway: Arts & Communication
PREREQUSITE: 70% in Illustration I
This course will continue to explore visual storytelling through a variety of mediums, including digital programs such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, as well as traditional art-making mediums. Students will explore illustration through thematic concepts within storybooks, illustration in motion, meaningful materials, and portfolio/presentation. Students must pay a materials fee for this elective course.
0316 ILLUSTRATION III
Length of course: Full Year
Credit: 1.0
Grade 11-12
Pathway: Arts & Communication
PREREQUSITE: 80% in Illustration II
This course will continue to explore visual storytelling through a variety of mediums, including digital programs such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, as well as traditional art-making mediums. Students will explore illustration through thematic concepts within some of the various roles of an illustrator: the reporter, the designer, and the artist. Students must pay a materials fee for this elective course.
0317 ILLUSTRATION IV
Length of course: Full Year
Credit: 1.0
Grade 12
Pathway: Arts & Communication
PREREQUSITE: 80% in Illustration III
Utilizing the design process model, students will work independently to develop a course of study that expresses their visual voice through illustration. Students are expected to exhibit work throughout the year and in a culminating portfolio show. Students must pay a materials fee for this elective course
0318 PHOTOGRAPHY I
Length of course: Full year
Credit: 1.0
Grade 9-12
Pathway: Arts & Communications; Business, Finance & Information Technology
An introductory digital photography course that utilizes digital editing programs on district provided student laptops. Programs covered include Adobe Creative Suite and basic photograph editing software. Students will explore art using digital still cameras to produce original photographically based artwork through the units of the history & introduction to the camera, refining photographs through camera settings, photographic genres, and presentation/portfolio. This course requires a basic knowledge of computer skills and access to a digital camera (cell phones are acceptable, but not preferred). Students must pay a materials fee for this elective course.
0328 PHOTOGRAPHY II
Length of course: Full year
Credit: 1.0
Grade 10-12
Pathway: Arts & Communications; Business, Finance & Information Technology
PREREQUSITE: 70% Average in Digital Photography I
This course continues to develop digital photography skills learned in Digital Photography I, driven by theme-based assignments, digital editing and production, mixed media, and creating photographs for magazine publication. This course requires access to a digital camera. Students must pay a materials fee for this elective course.
0329 PHOTOGRAPHY III
Length of course: Full year
Credit: 1.0
Grade 11-12
Pathway: Arts & Communications; Business, Finance & Information Technology
PREREQUISITE: 80% Average in Digital Photography II
This course continues to develop digital photography skills learned in Digital Photography I and II, for fine art and commercial applications. The curriculum driven by theme-based assignments units of study including relationships, stories, modernism, commercial photography, and portfolio/presentation. This course requires access to a digital camera. Students must pay a materials fee for this elective course.
0330 PHOTOGRAPHY IV
Length of course: Full year
Credit: 1.0
Grade 12
Pathway: Arts & Communications; Business, Finance & Information Technology
PREREQUISITE: 80% Average in Digital Photography III
Utilizing the design process model, students will work independently to develop a course of study that expresses their visual voice through photographs. Students are expected to exhibit work throughout the year and in a culminating portfolio show. Students must have access to a camera and pay a materials fee for this elective course.
0324 POTTERY I
Length of course: Full Year
Credit: 1.0
Grade 9-12
Pathway: Arts & Communication
Understanding and utilizing traditional skills in sculpting and hand building, students will develop an awareness of three dimensional forms and its expressive potential in the medium of clay. Through demonstrations, group discussion, self–critique, and study of professional work, students will develop aesthetic awareness of this art form. Students must pay a materials fee for this elective course.
0334 POTTERY II
Length of course: Full Year
Credit: 1.0
Grade 10-12
Pathway: Arts & Communication
PREREQUISITE: 70% average in Pottery I
Through further development of traditional skills in sculpting, hand-building and wheel-throwing, students will continue their development of aesthetic awareness with clay. Students are expected to have an above average skill level and be able to show the ability to solve problems in 3D art form. Through group discussion, self-critique, study of professional work and exhibition, the potter will continue their expressive growth in this art form. Students must pay a material fee for this elective course.
0335 POTTERY III
Length of course: Full Year
Credit: 1.0
Grade 11-12
Pathway: Arts & Communication
PREREQUISITE: 80% average in Pottery II
This course is designed to allow the artist the opportunity to expand on the skills and techniques learned in previous pottery courses. Students will have more opportunities to expand on their ideas and designs with each project. Requirements include class and group discussions, self-critique, study of professional work and individual exhibition to help expand the students’ expressive growth. Students must pay a material fee for this elective course
0340 POTTERY IV
Length of course: Full Year
Credit: 1.0 OR 2.0 (double period)
Grade 12
Pathway: Arts & Communication
PREREQUISITE: 85% average in Pottery III
This course allows the serious potter to develop further their skills by selecting a theme and developing a body of work. Each student will be challenged to create a body of work that demonstrates a strong knowledge of techniques as well as be able to talk about their work through discussion, self and group critiques. Professional work ethic and self-motivation are critically necessary for this course
0336 WHEEL THROWING
Length of course: Full Year
Credit: 1.0
Grade 11-12
Pathway: Arts & Communication
PREREQUISITE: 80% average in Pottery II
This is an exclusive all wheel-throwing course that will give the students an opportunity to further develop their skills on the potter’s wheel. Through various demonstrations, self-critiques and group critiques, students will explore every aspect of the potter’s wheel and will learn to make a variety of forms. A strong motivation and professional work ethic are necessary for success in this course. Students must pay a material fee for this elective course.
0332 FINE ART I
Length of course: Full year
Credit: 1.0
Grade 9-12
Pathway: Arts & Communications; Business, Finance & Information Technology
This course allows students to develop their skills in two dimensional art production. Students will explore a variety of drawing and painting media while developing individual solutions to artistic problems. Students must pay a materials fee for this elective course.
0342 FINE ART II
Length of course: Full year
Credit: 1.0
Grade 10-12
Pathway: Arts & Communications; Business, Finance & Information Technology
PREREQUISITE: 70% average in Fine Art I
This course is for the art student who is ready to deepen their understanding of art making techniques in drawing and painting. Art skills at this level are assumed to be above average, as students will solve complex conceptual problems in certain areas of two-dimensional art forms. Works will be completed in various themes while advancing technical proficiency. Students must pay a materials fee for this elective course.
0343 FINE ART III
Length of course: Full year
Credit: 1.0
Grade 11-12
Pathway: Arts & Communications; Business, Finance & Information Technology
PREREQUISITE: 80% average in Fine Art II
This course is for the art student who is ready to explore advanced techniques in drawing and painting. Art skills at this level are assumed to be well above average, as students will solve complex conceptual problems in all areas of two-dimensional art forms. Works will be completed in various themes while experimenting with traditional and non-traditional media and advancing technical proficiency. Students will begin the development of a portfolio worthy of college entrance requirements. Students must pay a materials fee for this elective course.
0348 FINE ART IV
Length of course: Full year
Credit: 2.0 (double period)
Grade 12
Pathway: Arts & Communications; Business, Finance & Information Technology
PREREQUISITE: 80% average in Fine Art III
Serious art students with proven artistic abilities will be challenged in this in-depth exploration of a personal concentration. A strong work ethic and intrinsic motivation are required to be successful in this rigorous curriculum. Professional quality work is expected. Time outside of class may be necessary for satisfactory completion of projects at this level. Students will develop a portfolio worthy of college entrance requirements. Students must pay a materials fee for this elective course.
0632 YEARBOOK
Length of course: Full year
Credit: 1.0
Grade 10-12
Pathway: Arts & Communications; Business, Finance & Information Technology
This course is a practical application of the theory and techniques of yearbook production. Students will learn and develop photography, layout, design, journalism, and team-building skills as they create a unique yearbook. This is a pass/fail course with a focus on making an affordable, accurate, and inclusive yearbook. Although most of the work is performed in class, there are numerous after school events that need to be covered. This course relies on FotoFusion which is a web-based layout and publishing program. There are leadership opportunities available and applicants should be able to demonstrate school pride, people skills, creativity, and a commitment to excellence. Interested students must complete an application and participate in an interview with the advisor prior to official registration for the class.
0339 INDEPENDENT STUDY ART
Students must pay a materials fee for this elective course.
Independent Study is offered to provide individual students with the opportunity to explore special talents or interests. Students will work with a classroom teacher to set personal learning goals and to determine the type of project or learning experience they would like to pursue. The classroom teacher and student will agree upon and determine the credit value (.5, 1.0) and how a grade will be determined (percentage grade or Pass/Fail). Independent study is designed to supplement a student’s educational pathway but cannot exempt a student from Board approved core graduation requirements. Students must complete Independent Study paperwork and be approved for the course by a building administrator.