2D STUDIO ART 1 -3 [CTE Pathway] Studio Art Info Video
Grades: 9-12
Graduation Requirement: Fine Arts/VAPA
A-G: F
Prerequisite: None for level 1, completion of 1 for level 2, completion of 2 for level 3
2D Studio Art is an exploratory course designed to give the beginning art student an understanding of artistic expression through a variety of media. 2D Studio Art 1 may include drawing with pencil, pen and ink, watercolor and tempera painting technique, and color theory. Instruction moves with assigned projects, each accompanied by a teacher demonstration and examples of previous student works. Individual instruction is given in the development of each student’s project.
After completion of introductory course, students have the opportunity for personalized expression in any area/media explored in 2D Studio Art 1 (and 2D Studio Art 2 for level 3), with the addition of new instruction in acrylic painting. Students will practice critical thinking with artwork critiques, and hone artistic expression through individual sketchbooks.
2D Studio Art 1 is the first, 2D Studio Art 2 is the second, and 2D Studio Art 3 is the third class in the third and final class in the Studio Art CTE Pathway.
AP ART 2D AP Art Video Info
Grades: 10-12
Graduation Requirement: Fine Arts/VAPA
A-G: F
Prerequisite: Studio Art 1, Comm Photo 1, or Comm Ceramics 1 with a grade of "A" or "B" and teacher recommendation
This course is designed for the serious, disciplined art student. The course focuses on exploring and incorporation of the principles and elements of design. Increased advanced application of technical skill is expected. Class critiques and portfolio development will be emphasized throughout the term. This course will have opportunities for intense investigation into art creating techniques in a variety of materials.
Students will produce between 15-20 strong pieces of artwork. AP Art Studio is not assessed by a written examination; rather students must submit a portfolio of art. The completed portfolio will be graded on quality, concentration, breadth, technical skill and expression.
AP ART 3D AP Art Video Info
Grades: 10-12
Graduation Requirement: Fine Arts/VAPA
A-G: F
Prerequisite: Studio Art 1, Comm Photo 1, or Comm Ceramics 1 with a grade of "A" or "B" and teacher recommendation
This course is designed for the serious, disciplined art student. The course focuses on exploring and incorporation of the principles and elements of design. Increased advanced application of technical skill is expected. Class critiques and portfolio development will be emphasized throughout the term. This course will have opportunities for intense investigation into art creating techniques in a variety of materials.
Students will produce between 15-20 strong pieces of artwork. AP Art Studio is not assessed by a written examination; rather students must submit a portfolio of art. The completed portfolio will be graded on quality, concentration, breadth, technical skill and expression.
AP Drawing AP Art Video Info
Grades: 10-12
Graduation Requirement: Fine Arts/VAPA
A-G: F
Prerequisite: Studio Art 1, Comm Photo 1, or Comm Ceramics 1 with a grade of "A" or "B" and teacher recommendation
The AP Drawing course corresponds to the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course in drawing and painting respectively. Students refine and apply drawing skills to ideas they develop throughout the course. Students create a portfolio of work to demonstrate inquiry through art and design and development of materials, processes, and ideas over the course of the class.
Students will produce between 15-20 strong pieces of artwork. AP Drawing is not assessed by a written examination; rather students must submit a portfolio of art. The completed portfolio will be graded on quality, concentration, breadth, technical skill and expression.
COMMERCIAL CERAMICS [CTE Pathway] Ceramics Info Video
Grades: 10-12
Graduation Requirement: Fine Arts/VAPA
A-G: F
Prerequisite: 2D Studio Art 1 [Intro Course]
This is a studio course providing the beginning art student with an in-depth study of three-dimensional artwork in clay. Instruction moves with assigned projects, each accompanied by a teacher demonstration and examples of previous student works. Individual instruction is given in the development of each student’s project. Ceramic forms will include containers, wall pieces, and sculpture. Other sculpture media may be explored during the course. Careers that use ceramic skills will be explored. This is the second class in the CTE pathway.
2D Studio Art 1 is the first class and Commercial Ceramics is the second class in the Ceramics CTE Pathway.
ADVANCED COMMERCIAL CERAMICS [CTE Pathway] Ceramics Info Video
Grades: 10-12
Graduation Requirement: Fine Arts/VAPA
A-G: F
Prerequisite: Commercial Ceramics
This course is designed for students with the basic ceramic skills moving towards advanced individualized creative expression in clay. The focus will be in developing creative thinking, self-evaluation and individual style. The students have the opportunity for personalized expression in clay and mixed media. Emphasis is placed on contemporary ceramic art movement and the Northern California influence and Careers that might use ceramic skills. This is the Capstone or final course in the Ceramics CTE Pathway.
Advanced Commercial Ceramics is the third and final class in the Ceramics CTE Pathway.
GRAPHIC DESIGN 1 Graphic Design Informational Video
AAD 70. INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL DESIGN
Units: 3
Hours: 72 (36 lecture, 36 activity)
Grades: 11-12
Graduation Requirement: Technology or Fine Arts/VAPA
A-G: F
Prerequisite: None
Graphic Design is a one term course that will have students creating, designing, and developing products using graphic arts tools and techniques. The units in this course build on each other to give students a real-world experience of planning and creating digital media using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere, and InDesign. This course is designed to teach Graphic Design from the bottom up, with the assumption that students have never used these applications before in any version or have limited experience with any other Graphic design programs. Introduction to fundamental concepts and techniques of art and design on the computer. Includes basic computer skills, digital image capture, image manipulation, drawing, page layout, and preparation of images for print, web or multimedia. Students develop creative projects using current graphics software. (C-ID ARTS 250) (CSU, UC)
Dual Enrollment: While enrolled in Graphic Design 1 at Placer, students have the opportunity to dual enroll in AAD 70. Introduction to Digital Design at Sierra College. When the course is completed students will have earned 3 college units that are transferable to a CSU or UC.
INTRO to VIDEO PRODUCTION AND BROADCASTING [CTE Pathway]
Grades: 9
Graduation Requirement: Technology or Fine Arts/VAPA
A-G: F
Prerequisite: None
In Introduction to Video Production and Broadcasting, students develop a working knowledge of both the history and production of film. The course will include two critical written elements involving film reviews and film theory. Class Projects revolve around the filmmaking process, including screenwriting, storyboarding, shooting scripts, cinematography, storytelling, and editing. Students will master planning, pacing and post-production techniques using cloud-based editing software and Adobe Premiere or its equivalent. Most work is contained within the school day, and all projects are group based.
Intro to Video is the first class in the Video Production CTE Pathway.
VIDEO PRODUCTION [Dual Enrollment & CTE Pathway] Video DE Info Video DE Spanish Version
AAD 79. INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL FILMMAKING (Also known as COMM 31A)
Units: 3
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Grades: 9-12 (10-12 if DE credit is Desired)
Graduation Requirement: Technology or Fine Arts/VAPA
A-G: F
Prerequisite: None
Use of digital cameras for producing short form video projects. Introduction to principles, techniques and the terminology of video production and digital filmmaking. Guided classroom exercises and projects, including pre-production planning, video and audio recording techniques, on-location set-ups and studio set-ups, lighting for filmmaking, and basic video editing and output. (CSU)
Dual Enrollment: While enrolled in Video Production at Placer, students have the opportunity to dual enroll in AAD 79. Introduction to Digital Filmmaking at Sierra College. When the course is completed students will have earned 3 college units that are transferable to CSU.
Video Production is the second class in the Video Production CTE Pathway.
ADVANCED VIDEO PRODUCTION [CTE Pathway]
Grades: 10-12
Graduation Requirement: Technology or Fine Arts/VAPA
A-G: F
Prerequisite: Video Production
This course is based on the course AAD0082 (Intermediate Digital Filmmaking) at Sierra College. This intermediate-level course allows students to build upon the skills and knowledge learned in the Video Production course. Students will learn more advanced levels of video editing (Adobe Premiere), will be introduced to Adobe After Effects, and will learn more advanced filmmaking concepts. Students will use the entire filmmaking process to produce a short film (12 to 20 minutes). The curriculum will focus heavily on Project Management.
Advanced Video is the third and final class in the Video Production CTE Pathway.
TABLETOP GAME DESIGN [CTE Pathway] Table Top Game Design Info Video
Grades: 9-12
Graduation Requirement: Visual and Performing Arts
A-G: F
Prerequisite: None
This course is an introduction in tabletop game design principles and aesthetics. Students will start by playing and critiquing a variety of card and board games that are examples of successful/award-winning titles in the current industry. Following this, students will brainstorm and pitch game design concepts to each other, responding with constructive feedback to everyone’s ideas. Finally, students will take their game ideas through prototype, playtesting, artistic design, and blind-playtesting phases, before creating final portfolios. The course will also include information on the publishing side of the industry (including selling games through crowd-funding and/or online/brick-and-mortar merchants).
Tabletop Game Design is the first class in the Tabletop Game Design CTE Pathway.
INTERMEDIATE TABLETOP GAME DESIGN [CTE Pathway] Table Top Game Design Info Video
Grades: 9-12
Graduation Requirement: Visual and Performing Arts
A-G: F
Prerequisite: None
In the intermediate/concentrator course, students will continue the practice of playing and critiquing multiple card and board games in the current industry. Students wil also develop their original game design concepts they outlined in the introductory course. They will play one another's prototype games, providing and responding to constructive feedback. Finally, students will revamp their prototypes, including artistic design and game mechanic phases. This intermediate course will also include further information on the publishing side of the industry (with a focus on crowd-funding and game conventions).
Tabletop Game Design is the second class in the Tabletop Game Design CTE Pathway.
ADVANCED TABLETOP GAME DESIGN [CTE Pathway] Table Top Game Design Info Video
Grades: 9-12
Graduation Requirement: Visual and Performing Arts
A-G: F
Prerequisite: None
Students will have previously designed a game portfolio in the intermediate/concentrator course, and in the advanced/capstone course, they will continue to playtest and develop their design idea(s). Further building on industry concepts introduced in the first two courses, students will take their designs to final prototype status and they will blind playtest their games with members of the public (locally and via online game forums). Finally, students will polish their prototypes and create a business plan, based on research in the tabletop gaming industry. This course will continue to prepare students for a career in the tabletop game design industry, including card games, board games, and/or RPG (role-playing) games.
Tabletop Game Design is the third and final class in the Tabletop Game Design CTE Pathway.
CONCERT CHOIR Choir Info Video
Grades: 9-12
Graduation Requirement: Fine Arts/VAPA
A-G: F
Prerequisite: None
Concert Choir is open to singers who wish to improve their knowledge of proper singing techniques, music reading and broaden their knowledge of music through public performance. All performances are required and include: Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring Concerts and Spring Music Festival (usually on a Saturday).
CHAMBER CHOIR Choir Info Video
Grades: 9-12
Graduation Requirement: Fine Arts/VAPA
A-G: F
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor
Chamber Choir is open to singers of advanced ability. The ensemble is small with a limited number of voices per part. The Chamber Choir gives a variety of performances for the community, school, and civic groups. All performances are required including Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring Concerts and Spring Music Festival (usually on a Saturday).
CONCERT BAND/MARCHING BAND Band Info Video 2nd Band Info Video
Grades: 9-12
Graduation Requirement: Fine Arts/VAPA
A-G: F
Prerequisite: Prior musical experience
The Golden Hillmen Band is the major instrumental performing ensemble on campus. Students will develop technique on their instrument and musicianship in general. All students will be involved in many area of performance: Marching Band, Pep Band, and Concert Band with the majority of time spent on concert music. Required performances include: Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring concerts, civic and school parades, all home football games, 6-8 home basketball games, and music festivals.
ADVANCED CONCERT BAND (WIND ENSEMBLE)/ADVANCED MARCHING BAND
Grades: 10-12
Graduation Requirement: Fine Arts/VAPA
A-G: F
Prerequisite: Audition and consent of instructor
This group is for advanced students who have achieved a high level of competence on their musical instrument. Admission to the class is based on an audition and prior experience. Preference will be given to seniors. All students will be involved in many area of performance: Marching Band, Pep Band, and Concert Band with the majority of time spent on concert music. Students are required to participate in all activities that are scheduled during the term. The highest standards of musicianship and responsibility are expected from all members.
ADVANCED JAZZ BAND Jazz Band Info Video
Grades: 9-12
Graduation Requirement: Fine Arts/VAPA
A-G: F
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and concurrent enrollment in Golden Hillmen Band
The Jazz Band is an adjunct to the Golden Hillmen Band. The course includes the study of jazz and contemporary music styles, improvisation and provides the opportunity to perform separately. All performances are required. Players of instruments not found in band are not required to be enrolled concurrently in Golden Hillmen band. However, preference will be given to students who are concurrently enrolled.
NOTE: This is a zero period class that meets everyday from 7:00-7:45 AM.
PROFESSIONAL THEATER 1 (Drama) [CTE Pathway] Theater Program Info Video
Grades: 9-12
Grades: 9-12
Graduation Requirement: Fine Arts/VAPA
A-G: F
Prerequisite: None
Professional Theater 1 is based on the existing Drama 1 class that has been modified to put greater emphasis on developing industry-standard skills based on the CTE Arts Media Standards for the Performing Arts Pathway (specifically Performing Arts Standards B3.0, B6.0, B7.0, B8.0 and B9.0). This course would teach students to develop strong foundational professional acting skills by exploring the major theories and techniques of acting, including improvisation, physical expressiveness, voice production, character portrayal, and scene work.
Pro Theater 1 is the first class in the Theater CTE Pathway.
PROFESSIONAL THEATER 2 [CTE Pathway] Theater Program Info Video
Graduation Requirement: Fine Arts/VAPA
A-G: F
Prerequisite: Pro Theater 1; Audition/Interview Required with Teacher
This course is the concentrator (second course) in a series of three courses that provide professional theater training in the rehearsal and performance of stage plays and/or musical theater. It is designed for students who have previously taken Professional Theater 1. Students audition with the director for participation in a stage play or musical. This course may include acting, singing, and/or dancing, and requires technical/dress rehearsals and preparation.
Pro Theater 2 is the second class in the Theater CTE Pathway.
PROFESSIONAL THEATER 3 [CTE Pathway] Theater Program Info Video
Grades: 10-12
Graduation Requirement: Fine Arts/VAPA
A-G: F
Prerequisite: Pro Theater 2; Audition/Interview Required with Teacher
This course is the capstone (final course) in a series of three courses that provide professional theater training in the rehearsal and performance of stage plays and/or musical theater. It is designed for students who have previously taken Professional Theater 1 and 2. Students audition with the director for participation in a stage play or musical. This course may include acting, singing, and/or dancing, and requires technical/dress rehearsals and preparation. The course culminates in a capstone project, which includes performing in a production and completing an acting portfolio (with resume, actor bio, and headshot, as well as a professional audition package).
Pro Theater 3 is the third and final class in the Theater CTE Pathway.
STAGE TECHNOLOGY 1 [CTE Pathway] Theater Program Info Video
Grades: 9-12
Graduation Requirement: Fine Arts/VAPA
A-G: F
Prerequisite: None
Stage Technology 1 introduces the techniques and processes involved in stage management, prop construction, lighting, the setup and operation of sound systems, and the operation of projection equipment. The course develops basic construction techniques for stage property and scenery; affords practice in stage crew work, which includes the erection and striking of scenery; and provides an overview of related occupations in theater.
Stage Tech 1 is the first class in the Stage Tech CTE Pathway.
STAGE TECHNOLOGY 2 [CTE Pathway] Theater Program Info Video
Grades: 9-12
Graduation Requirement: Fine Arts/VAPA
A-G: F
Prerequisite: Stage Tech 1
Stage Technology 2 will further train students in the use and management of the various elements of technical production during a theatrical performance. These elements include the rigging and movement of sets, scenery, and lighting equipment, the use of computerized switching systems for lighting and sound, the management and distribution of stage properties, etc. Students will also be taught to manage the complex support tasks that are involved in a performance.
Stage Tech 2 is the second class in the Stage Tech CTE Pathway.
STAGE TECHNOLOGY 3 [CTE Pathway] Theater Program Info Video
Grades: 9-12
Graduation Requirement: Fine Arts/VAPA
A-G: F
Prerequisite: Stage Tech 2
Stage Technology 3 will build on foundation skills in Stage Technology 1 and 2 to include design in a theatrical production. Students will use analytical skills to interpret literary material to create a design concept. Students will be familiar with design elements, drafting techniques, computer software, and modeling skills necessary to prepare designs and models of theatrical sets, lighting plots, and/or sound design. They will also become familiar with the diverse array of production materials and techniques used to augment live theatrical productions. Finally, students will explore apprenticeship, higher education options, career training, and professional placement.
Stage Tech 3 is the third and final class in the Stage Tech CTE Pathway.