Fine, Visual and Performing Arts Courses

This  course exposes students to a variety of methods and materials as they are introduced to basic drawing and design skills, critique methodologies, aesthetic appreciation, critical thinking, and aspects of art history and culture. They experiment with a variety of media including, but not limited to, ceramics, painting, drawing, printmaking, and crafts.

This course allows students to further build their skills and knowledge as they continue to explore a variety of media that employs  the  elements  and  principles  of  art and continue to develop their knowledge of design, critique, and  aesthetics.  The  more  complex assignments allow for greater concentration and personal growth.   

Pre-requisite: Applied Art and Design I

This advanced course encourages craftsmanship and  self-expression.  Visual problem solving is emphasized  and creative solutions of specific assignments are promoted as students   continue   to   develop   original design applications, aesthetic awareness, and learn critique methodologies through innovative application. Experimentation of new media is encouraged.  and technology and the proper handling and safe usage of art materials is incorporated.

Pre-requisite: Applied Art and Design II

This advanced course challenges students to further push their creative potential using the media of their choice. They are encouraged to be independent in the creation of their design pieces and are expected to explain their thought process, methods, and usage of media.  Students develop a concentration in an area of personal interest and create a portfolio which highlights their strengths as artists which can be used for college entrance.

Pre-requisite: Applied Art and Design III / Teacher Recommendation

This is an entry level course for students who are interested in exploring their creative side.  In the art studio, students acquire new skills and build upon existing knowledge through hands-on experiences. Projects are differentiated to address multiple skill and interests. Students learn how to use an array of drawing, painting, 2-dimensional, and 3-dimensional media. They use advanced techniques that allow the creation of sophisticated works, are encouraged to interpret themes in a manner that gives their work a personal voice, and develop original concepts for their subject matter. Utilizing current technology, projects in this course are correlated to relevant contemporary art and art history. Students develop a portfolio of work and gain a strong foundation to prepare them for the challenges of further study.

Students further enhance their skills and build upon existing knowledge through additional differentiated projects that address multiple skills and interests.

Prerequisite:  Fine Arts I

This advanced level course is designed for serious art students and prepares them for AP Art and Design as well as assisting them with creating a pre-admission college portfolio. Students refine existing art skills, develop techniques, and experience a studio environment and execute independent art projects.

This advanced level course is designed for serious art students who are passionate about creating original artwork. It begins with a review of elements of art, principles of design, and observational drawing. Projects examine art history, contemporary art, career opportunities, interpretation of theme, developing a personal voice, and involve observational work such as life drawing from a model, still life, drawing from nature and the environment, portraits, and working from personal images rather than commercial images.

Advanced Painting Honors is a course that will allow students the ability to create, develop and grow their skills in the field of painting.  Students will be able to identify relationships of different color schemes and how they can be incorporated into a unique design and composition, how to mix and apply colors, and be introduced to the expressionist and interpretive use of color.   In this class, students will use the semester to master a skill set and demonstrate growth of painting techniques used by the Great Masters.  It is the first of its kind to resemble a college level course where students will work in a studio atmosphere critiquing and analyzing their own body of work. Students will be exposed in particular to techniques, formats and materials that have not been covered in less advanced classes.  Students will be graded on the sophistication, development and presentation of their work as per a rubric for each project has been designed.

Prerequisite: Fine Arts I or Applied Arts I

Advanced Drawing Honors is an opportunity for Arts Academy students to hone their skills and focus on observational (still life, figure, skeleton, etc.), perspective, and advanced drawing methods. Drawing is the foundation for all art; experience creates confidence which translates to better paintings, prints, murals, etc. In this semester-long course, you will gain a working knowledge of basic principles and techniques of drawing in a studio setting. Drawing technique includes: creating value systems through shading and highlights, linear perspective, proportion, and composition (balance, point of view). Materials include but are not limited to pencil, pastel, Conte, charcoal, and ink. . (Arts Academy Students first preference - offered at HS North only)

Prerequisite: 2 years of Fine Arts (FA 1 & 2) and/or Applied Arts and Design(AAD 1 & 2)  is recommended.

Students develop the skills that artists and designers use, to create a portfolio of work that is assessed to produce their AP score. The portfolio will consist of work that demonstrates inquiry through art and design as well as the development of materials, processes, and ideas. Portfolios must include original and sophisticated drawings, 2D or 3D work that is expressive and unified in composition in the media of their choice. The portfolio must also include process documentation, and written information about the work. In May, students submit portfolios for evaluation in lieu of an exam. The score is based on specific criteria, which include skillful synthesis of materials, processes, and ideas and sustained investigation through practice, experimentation, and revision, guided by questions. As in introductory college courses, students will need to work inside and outside the classroom. Work such as completing pieces started in class, maintaining a sketchbook or visual journal is expected. Constructive, formative critiques happen regularly. Prior experiences learning about and making art and design support student success in AP Art and Design, therefore the prerequisite to this course is a minimum of Fine Arts or Applied Arts and Design I & II and teacher recommendation. Students are encouraged to schedule a consultation with the AP Art & Design teacher before selecting this class for their schedule.

College Credit may be earned from Seton Hall University.

Prerequisite:  Fine Arts I & II and teacher recommendation

*Summer packets are provided to students by the teacher and will be available on the school website so that students may prepare for the course. The intent is for all students to take the Advanced Placement exam.

*Based on enrollment, AP courses may only be offered at one high school. Transportation will be provided.

This cross-cultural course is designed for students who have a passion for interpreting art and learning about its origins. Concept mapping, thematic instruction, and summative assessment are utilized as students study basic art history terminology and tools, recognize/appreciate artistic process, and develop understanding of the purpose and function of art throughout history.

Summer packets are provided to students by the teacher and will be available on the school website so that students may prepare for the course. The intent is for all students to take the Advanced Placement exam.

*Summer packets are provided to students by the teacher and will be available on the school website so that students may prepare for the course. The intent is for all students to take the Advanced Placement exam.

*Based on enrollment, AP courses may only be offered at one high school. Transportation will be provided.

*All novice students are welcome in this course. 

*This would also be a proper placement for a theatre student looking for a full year of isolated technical dance training

 This course is designed for the novice/recreational dancer and provides an introductory level of dance instruction. A novice/recreational dancer is defined as a student with minimal - little to no dance experience but demonstrates an interest and passion for embracing the study of dance. The course will explore the development of dance techniques in various dance genres, such as Jazz, Contemporary, Modern & Ballet. Students will participate in physical class activities as a dance ensemble and are challenged to strive toward self improvement, comfort and confidence. Students at this level will develop self-discipline and teamwork through group movement studies and repetition and are exposed to dance history and terminology. The student’s course experience will range from introductory techniques involving finding comfort in physical body range and motion, as well as, adapting to rhythmic movement and motion, adjusting to the physical environment of the stage, and creating connections to choreographed pieces. 

Major Goals for the course:

• To develop the students ability in dance technique and genres

• To foster the student’s ability to gain and use knowledge and skills of dance forms, acting, singing, speaking, listening, reading and writing.

• To further develop the student’s skill in creative expression and effective communication both verbally and non-verbally

• To enable the student to work both individually and collaboratively with peers toward effective completion  of a creative project

• To help foster technical dance studies for the aspiring theatre student

• To help students build confidence and positive self image

This course is for the experienced/advanced student of dance/performance/competitive dancer and provides an accelerated and comprehensive study of bodily kinesthetic skills training, performance and choreographic design principles. Students at this level are expected to be proficient in the technical skills associated with varied genres as the course places a greater emphasis on the development of dance technique in various dance disciplines. Students are expected to strive toward a higher proficiency in dance technique that may be showcased in a multitude of performance opportunities in and outside of the classroom setting throughout the course of study. Students will develop self discipline and teamwork through independent and ensemble studies as well as repetition and exploration in technique, skills and creative design. This course further enhances knowledge, skills, and experience in dance arts as well as a greater focus on the growth and development of the individual dancer through technique study, performance, and choreography experience including individual performance pieces and ensemble direction. Content studies focus in the areas of terminology, acquisition of technique and flexibility, movement sequences through combinations and routines, teacher choreography, student choreography, performance opportunities, social, cultural and historical dance connections, aesthetics and critical analysis of artistic performances and dance applications to life. All concepts and techniques developed are showcased in a culminating performance work.

*Students interested in this advanced level may be asked to submit a performing arts; dance studies profile and participate in an evaluation class 

Dance is the art of transforming images, ideas, and feelings into movement. It is a balance of skills, technique, mindsets; all culminating to promote functional fitness. Dance enhances self-esteem development, health and wellness through core fitness competencies. The course is designed similar to a physical dance workout class to promote appreciation and interest in health, fitness, mindfulness and personal well-being through dance; establishing a personal health centered lifestyle. Shifting the focus of dance from a performance based to a personal growth and development course affords students the opportunity to explore the facets of dance arts studies in a new light. Concentrations include but are not limited to:

·         Healthy Habits

·         Physical Fitness

·         Mindfulness

·         Body Strength

·         Core Strength

·         Flexibility

·         Agility/Coordination

·         Endurance

·         Balance

·         Improved Posture

·         Higher Self-Esteem

·         Confidence

·         Social Activity

Prerequisite - none

The course is designed to give the musical theatre performer the opportunity to be immersed in a more focused bodily kinesthetic concentrated experience where the vocal and theatrical skills blend more proficiently with basic physical dance techniques through proper training in a variety of dance disciplines. Students will experience the blended structure behind stage choreography and insight into showmanship and performance through choreography. Students will explore a number of dance genres/disciplines integral to stage performance that propose the ability to blend characterization and vocalization with physical movement. 

Prerequisite - none