Visual Arts

CERAMIC SCULPTURE I

Course # 825

Grades 9-12

Semester - 2.5

Ceramic Sculpture I is an exploration of art in three dimensions. Students will experiment with different ceramic techniques, such as slab building, coil building, wheel throwing, glazing, and finishing to communicate creative ideas. Students will learn about and create both sculptural fine art and functional pottery, and how to successfully build with and express themselves using clay.

CERAMIC SCULPTURE II

Course #828

Grades 9-12

Semester - 2.5

Ceramic Sculpture Two builds off of techniques and ideas explored in Ceramic Sculpture One. Students will refine handbuilding and wheel throwing skills and deepen understanding of clay as a medium while digging into deeper conceptual expression in sculptural and functional ceramic objects. Students will explore advanced finishing and glazing techniques to create a body of finished work.

Prerequisite: Ceramic Sculpture I.

DRAWING AND PAINTING

Course #842

Grades 9-12

Semester - 2.5 credits

The Drawing and Painting curriculum offers students broad exposure to a variety of two dimensional techniques in dry and wet media. Students will sharpen their observational skills through a series of compositional studies to render the illusion of form on a flat surface. Students will examine basic fundamentals of compositional design and consider the contribution of the art elements and principles to a piece of work. Drawing & Painting is one of the foundation courses in Visual Arts Program and is a prerequisite for the subsequent Art Major courses, as well as other art electives.

INTRODUCTION TO ART

Course #820

Grades 9-12

Semester - 2.5 credits

This foundation course provides an introduction to a variety of Visual Arts concepts. Students will explore these concepts through varied techniques and media. Introduction to Art is one of the foundation courses in Visual Arts Program and is a prerequisite for the subsequent Art Major courses, as well as other art electives.

GRAPHIC DESIGN I

Course #823

Grades 9-12

Semester - 2.5 credits

Graphic Design I is an introductory course, designed to acquaint students with digital media programs used in graphic communications. Students will learn fundamental design principles using traditional techniques as well as gaining a strong digital foundation in Adobe’s Creative Suite of software (Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign). Students will understand how to use typography, illustration and layout to practice real-life skills that are necessary to create work which explores graphic design as a visual communication medium.

GRAPHIC DESIGN II (A YEAR 2020-2021)

Course #824

Grades 9-12

Semester - 2.5 credits

Building on the skills and techniques learned in Graphic Design I, this course introduces students to more advanced project-based work. Through more involved assignments, students will learn advanced technique as well as how to critically examine and challenge their conceptual choices. From visualization to final output, the use of the Adobe Creative Suite as an industry-standard tool will be emphasized and students will learn to use the elements of graphic design as a means of visual expression and communication.

Prerequisite: Completion of Graphic Design I.

ILLUSTRATION

Course #826

Grade 9-12

Semester 2.5 credits

Illustration is visual imagery that is used to inform, tell stories, and entertain. This course introduces students to a variety of materials and processes that will be used to communicate their ideas effectively. In exploring illustration, students will be challenged to create works based on short stories, editorials, children’s books, and other sources. A wide variety of media will be introduced, which will include drawing, painting, printmaking, mixed media, and photography, as well as the Adobe Creative Suite. This class will alternate between the art studio and the digital lab to emphasize the synthesis and mobility between traditional and new media.

PHOTOGRAPHY I

Course #839

Grades 9-12

Semester - 2.5 credits

This course is an introduction to a variety of photographic processes that include film and digital image-making techniques. Students will gain an understanding of the aesthetic and historical issues that are specific to photography. As students create, analyze, and discuss photographs, they will gain a more thoughtful and personal approach to image-making. Some 35mm film and digital cameras will be available for loan at the full responsibility of the student.

Prerequisite: Completion of any one foundation art course: Drawing & Painting, Introduction to Art, Printmaking & Design, Graphic Design, or 3-Dimensional Design.

PHOTOGRAPHY II

Course #845

Grades 10-12

Semester - 2.5 credits

In this course, students will explore and expand upon the creative and technical concepts learned in Photography I, using digital cameras and software. Students will have the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of digital photography and photo editing, as well as explore the conceptual and aesthetic issues of the photographic medium. Students are encouraged to obtain the use of a digital camera for this course. A limited number of digital compact and digital SLR cameras will be available for loan at the full responsibility of the student.

Prerequisite: Completion of Photography I with a B- or better and approval of the instructor.

VIDEO PRODUCTION

Course #835

Grades 9-12

Semester - 2.5 credits

This course will be an introduction to video project planning, recording and editing. Students will learn to use video as a tool for communication and self-expression. Student will learn the visual vocabulary of cinematography to create works in the genres of narrative, abstract essay, and documentary. Projects will emphasize group work, creative problem solving, and production planning. Instruction will include the technical aspects of lighting, as well as use and care of equipment.

VIDEO PRODUCTION 2 (B YEAR 2019-2020)

Course #837

Grades 9-12

Semester - 2.5 credits

This course is a continuation of the skills and techniques learned in Video Production 1. Through several larger projects, such as fictional narrative, documentary, and experimental films, students will further hone their skills. Emphasis is placed on collaboration and delegation, with students taking on the roles of directing, editing, and screenwriting. Some projects will include working within the community, allowing students to experience video production in a real world scenario.

Prerequisite: Completion of Video Production.

ART I

Course #821

Grades 10-12

Full Year - 5 credits

The curriculum for Art I is grounded in learning to draw from observation. Students will further develop two dimensional media skills in relation to compositional design, rendering techniques, and overall aesthetics. Through the exploration of various materials and subject matter students will evolve a personal style of interpretation. Students will be responsible for keeping a sketchbook and producing a full body of work that reflects a breadth of techniques.

Prerequisite: Completion of any one foundation Art course; Drawing & Painting or Introduction to Art.

ART II

Course #822

Grades 11-12

Full Year - 5 credits

The curriculum for Art II uses observational drawing as a point of departure. Art II will challenge students to translate personal and imaginative concepts in a variety of media. Students will be encouraged to consider experimentation and interpretation, while developing a mastery of skills and techniques. Students will be responsible for keeping a sketchbook and producing a foundation portfolio.

Art II can be split into two semesters with approval of the Art Department Chair.

Prerequisite: Completion of Art I with a B- or better.

HONORS STUDIO ART

Course #840

Grade 12

Full Year - 5 credits

The curriculum for Honors Studio Art will offer an intense experience of students’ personal engagement to the concepts,

techniques & quality of artwork. Students will be challenged to perceive, reflect and react to subject matter in an informed

manner. The exploration of artistic methods and experimentation with a variety of media will be stressed. Students will

be responsible for keeping a sketchbook and preparing a portfolio.

Prerequisite: Completion of Art II with a grade of B- or better, and approval of the instructor.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT ART HISTORY

Course #836

Grades 11-12

Full Year - 5 credits

The Advanced Placement Art History course focuses on developing students’ art history knowledge through the examination & analysis of major forms of artistic expression. Artwork from ancient times to the present period will be examined to consider the social, political and religious contexts in which they were created. By comprehending the significance of great art and architecture in a historical context, students will gain insight on how these works influenced the past & determine the present. This course is equivalent to an introductory college survey and subject to College Board evaluation in early May.

Prerequisites: Approval of the Art Department Chair. Strong reading, writing & communication skills.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT STUDIO ART

Course #838

Grade 12

Full Year - 5 credits

The Advanced Placement Studio Art Program is designed for highly motivated students interested and committed to the study of visual art. Students will be challenged to develop goals and invest in the achievement of their objectives. They will be encouraged to explore multiple solutions in the interpretation of subject matter through a variety of media. Students are required to create a body of work, in the form of three portfolio sections, which show a fundamental competence and a range of understanding in visual concerns and methods. AP Portfolios are submitted to the College Board in early May for evaluation.

Prerequisite: Completion of Art II with a grade of B+ or better, and approval of the instructor