Arts (Visual)

IB MYP Drawing 1 (9-12)

7600

Students learn how to look at and draw in this course. They are challenged to use the “right side” of their brain as they learn to draw from observation. Recognition and implementation of the elements of art (line, space, shape, form, value, texture, & color) and principles of design (balance, unity, movement, emphasis, pattern, contrast, & rhythm) are strongly emphasized both in and out of class. Drawing abilities are developed through projects, use of a process journal (a hybrid of a written journal and sketchbook), experimental practices, and use of a variety of materials. The primary goal of this course is to help students develop resiliency, divergency, and creativity by acknowledging that FAIL is a First Attempt In Learning. This provides them with fundamental artistic knowledge that will help them succeed in higher level art courses and beyond.

IB MYP Drawing 2 (9-12)

7652

Prerequisite: IB MYP Drawing 1

In this course, students continue to expand upon their understanding of drawing from observation. Throughout the course, students are challenged to work more independently both in and out of the classroom through still lifes, portraiture, outdoor/indoor drawings, and mixed media drawings. Students continue to use the process journal (a hybrid of a written journal and sketchbook) to document their artistic learning and prepare them for advancement to the IB Diploma Level art courses.

IB MYP Painting 1 (9-12)

7650

Do you know what colors combine to make green? Can you identify what emotions are connected to certain colors? In this course, students learn how to answer these questions when they learn to master color theory, as well as how to continue to use the elements of art and principles of design when painting. They learn to identify past painters to contemporary painters in order to help them gain insight into the growth of art over the years. Painting abilities are developed through investigational practices, use of a process journal (a hybrid of a written journal and sketchbook) entries, and various projects within the class. Finally, using a variety of paints, students gain a fundamental artistic knowledge that will help them succeed in higher level art courses.

IB MYP Painting 2 (9-12)

7651

Prerequisite: IB MYP Painting 1

During this course, students complete advanced study in painting that provides intensive focus on experimentation, process, content/thematic focus, and numerous painting strategies. Because it is a more independent class, students are encouraged to explore various approaches to painting and the use of media, apply and expand their level of technical skill, consider alternative painting methods, and use the processes as a vehicle of personal expression, thought, and creative discourse, all the while documenting their learning and artistic growth in their process journal (a hybrid of a written journal and sketchbook).

IB Art (SL) (11-12)

7851/7852

IB Art (HL) (11-12)

7853/7854

Prerequisite: Completion of Art SL required to take Art HL

This college-level studio course encourages students to challenge their own creative and cultural expectations and boundaries. Throughout the course, students work on the development of their ability to create solutions when confronted with problems, increase their ability to think divergently, all the while working towards mastery of their artistic skills. In addition to exploring and comparing visual arts from different perspectives and in different contexts, students are expected to engage in, experiment with and critically reflect upon a wide range of contemporary practices and media. Students are expected to do a lot of independent art making both in class and at home. Students complete all IB assessments in this course. This IB course gives students the opportunity to earn potential college credit via internal and external IB assessments.

IB MYP Photography 1 (9-12)

7717

Phone with camera capabilities (or small digital camera) is REQUIRED for coursework. This course is designed to teach students the fundamentals of artistic photography. Students learn how to use and manage a digital camera (usually on their cell phone), set up a successful composition, experience how lighting can affect a photograph, and use basic photo editing software. Students are expected to capture photographs for assignments outside of the class period; most class time is reserved for editing, critiquing, and learning new concepts. Students interpret and analyze photography both academically and aesthetically. Students learn about photographers both past and present and document their artistic learning through Schoology assignments.

Photography 2 (9-12)

7718

Prerequisite: Photography 1

Phone with camera capabilities (or small digital camera) is REQUIRED for coursework. This course is designed to be a more independent course in which students shoot and print independent work that reflects a commitment to developing a thematic body of work. During the semester, students are expected to photograph assignments out of class and school hours. Students continue to interpret and analyze their photography, and refine their craft to use photography as a method of visual communication with an audience. Students learn about other photographers, and document their artistic learning through continued use of their process journal (a hybrid of a written journal and sketchbook).

IB MYP Media Arts 1 (9-12)

7758

Completed Drawing 1 is suggested but not required.

This course is designed to give students access to relevant digital art media which will engage them to learn, while also building on the standards and objectives set in current art education pedagogy. This course aims to accomplish the following: knowledge and understanding of the digital art forms studied, including concepts, processes, and the use of subject-specific terminology. Students use acquired knowledge to purposefully inform their artistic decisions and document their creative journey and learning in their process journal (a hybrid of a written journal and sketchbook), as well as demonstrate proficient use of artistic visual communication, appropriate vocabulary and critical thinking through the creation of a digital arts portfolio. The programs used are: Bridge, Photoshop, and InDesign. Using these tools, students interpret and analyze the direction of design, from past to present, from simplicity to sophistication, and from the academic to the creative. Students investigate artists working in the field of design and understand why graphic design skills are indispensable tools in the 21st century workforce.

IB MYP Media Arts 2 (9-12)

7759

Prerequisite: IB MYP Media Arts 1 formerly Digital Arts 1

This course is designed for students who wish to continue their studies with various software platforms. In this class, students use and continue to build on their knowledge of Adobe Photoshop skills, in addition to learning Illustrator to help them create and develop projects that are more student-driven and independent. Students apply their expertise by creating a series of digital artworks based on a social issue of their choice. Students continue to explore different styles of digital art, as well as further develop a portfolio. Students continue to document their artistic learning through daily use of a process journal (a hybrid of a written journal and sketchbook).

Mixed Media (11-12)

7712

This predominantly 2D course is designed to explore the unlimited possibilities of creating artwork that combines traditional materials with contemporary processes in one classroom setting. Students focus on work that addresses technical issues such as texture and multiple layers and the process of discovery and evolution that happens when multiple materials are joined together. Students are encouraged to seek out ideas and visual inspiration from their own life experiences and the larger world as source material for their work. In addition, students continue use of and documentation in their process journal (a hybrid of a written journal and sketchbook). They focus on image making through application of various artistic genres, with an emphasis on color theory, pictorial composition, figure/ground relationships, spatial concepts, and critical thinking skills.

Sculpture (11-12)

7753

Prerequisite: Design In Clay 1

Students experience 3D design and visual problem solving through the exploration of diverse materials, techniques and themes. Materials used may include: clay, mosaics, embroidery, wire, cardboard, found objects, plaster, books, snow, soap and/or toothpicks. Students also gain proficiency in techniques such as: hand-building, carving, installation and assemblage. Students have the opportunity to work realistically, as well as abstractly. Students are expected to participate in class discussions, peer critiques, written reflections, to acquire project specific vocabulary and to do work outside of class if necessary. Students write for knowledge on a daily basis in the form of a process journal (a hybrid of a written journal and sketchbook).

Design In Clay 1 (10-12)

7601

This class introduces students to the wheel-throwing process as well as hand-building with clay. Students learn a little about the science inherent in clay processes, and they will apply their understanding of the health and safety issues related to clay processes. Students analyze how visual artworks are influenced by social and cultural contexts, and they create both functional and aesthetically complex works of art, critique their work, and present finished projects in a public space.

Design In Clay 2 (10-12)

7603

Prerequisite: Clay 1

Students continue to develop their skills on the potter’s wheel, creating vessels that are more challenging in size and form and creating multiples of the same form. Emphasis is placed on concept development and the design process while students develop their creative ideas. Students engage in intermediate level investigation of the science inherent in clay processes, including higher-level glazing techniques.