Electives

Visual & Performing Art Electives

0700-Video Production and Editing .5 credit (Standards Based Fine Art) 

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 


This course is an elective course for students who wish to investigate processes and techniques used in video production and editing. Students will utilize the creative process to produce and edit videos. The course will use the industry standard software, Final Cut Pro. Projects will explore camera angles, lighting, audio, video production roles, technology, visual storytelling, and provide a thorough overview of the film industry. You will need to get footage outside of this class to be successful (and to make more interesting videos). Some typical projects include commercials, public service announcements, documentaries, film remakes and music videos. The primary goal of the course is to get students comfortable with the process of being on both sides of the camera, the editing process and general production skills.


0701-Advanced Video Production and Editing .5 credit (Standards Based Fine Art) 

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 

 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Video Production and Editing


Advanced Video Production builds on the skills mastered in the introductory level course. This class will focus on producing quality short films and entering the video production field. Students will be working with industry standard software, Final Cut Pro (or equivalent program) to edit their own original videos. The primary goal of the course is to allow students who are serious about further exploring the Video Production industry the time, materials, and guidance to produce film festival quality footage. Projects will be student directed, with the instructor offering feedback and guidance in keeping to a timeline. You will need to get footage outside of this class to be successful (and to make more interesting videos). Students will be required to enter at least one finished short film or documentary in a film festival of their choosing. You will be responsible for 2 finished, quality, short films or documentaries. 



0845-Advanced Placement Studio 2-D/Drawing         1 credit (Standards Based Fine Art)

Grade 11, 12

Prerequisite: Success in at least two intermediate level art courses (Drawing I, Painting I, Pottery I, Photography, etc.) and instructor’s permission


AP Studio Art is a yearlong intensive art course for the highly motivated art student. The course is an AP Art Studio course and follows the AP syllabus put forth by the College Board. Students will prepare a professional portfolio of work starting in the summer they enroll, continuing through the school year. This is a rigorous course, equivalent to an entry-level college course.


The portfolio requirements consist of three sections. Students will work on a breadth section, which is a variety of works that shows a range of conceptual approaches and media. The second section is concentration, where students will work on an in-depth exploration of a particular concept or theme (media can vary). The third section is quality, where students choose a body of work that exemplifies their mastery of breath and concentration. 


The goal of this course is to expose student artists to a challenging and rigorous art curriculum, and to assist them in preparing for the continued pursuit of the arts. Significant time outside of the class is needed for success. It is expected that students will put in an additional 3-5 hours a week beyond classroom time. Students will be required to maintain a sketchbook as a record of work and a document to work from. All work created will be critiqued in writing and verbally by teacher and peers. There is a summer assignment that is due the first day of class. Exemplary attendance is mandatory for this class. Students are responsible for the AP exam fee. 


0846-Portfolio 1 credit (Standards Based Fine Art) 

Grades 11, 12 

Prerequisite: successful completion of two semester-long art classes or with permission from the instructor. 


Portfolio is a full-year studio art course designed for art students who wish to continue an extensive study into various media and techniques. You will be working along with your instructor to develop a professional art portfolio. This course is an opportunity for you to continue to grow your portfolio and skills as an artist throughout the entire school year. 

0850-Art Fundamentals .5 credit (Standards Based Fine Art)

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12


Art Fundamentals is the art department’s entry-level course. This course provides an introduction to the history of art and introduces students to the tools, materials, and processes of the artist.  Students will explore the sources of creative ideas and understand the concept of originality. Art careers are studied and discussed.  Basic units of study are: art history, drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture. Students are expected to maintain some amount of homework, and some writing on the subject of art. This is a hands-on studio experience; therefore, attendance is crucial for success. 


0851-Mixed Media .5 credit (Standards Based Fine Art)

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12


This course focuses on using a variety of media and techniques to express ideas about culture, social issues, and history as they relate directly to your own experiences.Mixed Media uses cultural connections and artists to explore a variety of media, in which students mix one or more to complete artwork. Most of the subject matter is developed from personal story and interpretation. This course is challenging in that there is never one way to solve a problem, but many ways in which students are encouraged to come up with something new and innovative. Students will work in a variety of mediums, both two and three-dimensional. Course work involves sketches, notebooks, readings, and artwork. It is suggested students have some experience with the drawing process. Students will be expected to keep an ongoing sketchbook or create an altered book that will function as an artist journal.


0852-Painting I .5 credit (Standards Based Fine Art)

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Drawing I 


This course is for the student who wants to expand their knowledge of painting and the use of the major mediums in painting. This class will teach the student to properly use tempera, watercolors, acrylic and oils. Technique, composition, theme and style will be explored. There will be some work using the styles and themes of different artists, both historical and contemporary. Evaluation in this course is based on course work, effort, notebook, sketchbook, critiques and evaluative processes. A majority of the work is done in class; therefore, class attendance is crucial to success in this course.


0853-Drawing I .5 credit (Standards Based Fine Art)

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12


This course is for the student who wants to learn more about drawing and wishes to continue in the study of drawing. Drawing mediums used in this course will be pencil, charcoal, conte, colored pencil, watercolor pencils, ink, pastel and some mixed media. Work done in this course is done from life, photo, imagination and your sketchbook. Evaluation in this course is based on your effort, notebook, coursework, critiques and sketchbook homework. Most of the work is done in class; therefore, attendance is crucial for success in this course.



0854-Drawing II .5 credit (Standards Based Fine Art)

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Drawing I


This course is designed for the art student who wishes to continue developing drawing skills with an extensive study into media and techniques.  Media used will include, graphite pencil, charcoal, pen and ink, colored pencil and pastels. The artist will have opportunities to use the medium of their choice. Historical and Contemporary Artists will be introduced and discussed during class, along with a practice of peer critique and discussion of art theory. Sketchbooks are required for this course. Work in class is done from life, reference photos and your imagination. Attendance is crucial for success in this course.



0855-Pottery: Level I .5 credit (Standards Based Fine Art)

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

This introductory class is for the beginner working with clay. Basic handbuilding techniques (pinch, slab, coil and slab) will be the main focus of the class with one introductory wheel project. Historical and contemporary ceramics will be introduced and discussed. Students will be expected to keep a notebook with preparatory sketches, vocabulary, and notes on techniques and class discussions. Pottery is a hands-on class and it requires lots of practice. This makes attendance crucial for success.  There is a $10 course fee that will help defray the cost of clay and glazes.


0856-Pottery:  Level II .5 credit (Standards Based Fine Art)

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Pottery Level I 


This class builds upon the skills acquired in Pottery I. Students will continue to practice and improve their handbuilding techniques and will create more complex forms. There will be an emphasis on wheelwork making both wheel projects and projects that combine wheel thrown parts, thrown and altered parts, and handbuilt parts. Students will research a historical pottery style or contemporary ceramic artist and will present it to the class. Pottery is a hands-on class and it requires lots of practice. This makes attendance crucial for success. There is a $10 course fee that will help defray the cost of clay and glazes.


0857-Graphics and Printmaking .5 credit (Standards Based Fine Art)

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12  


This course explores methods of communication through the use of basic visual design. Art produced in this course challenges students to employ the elements and principles of design to clearly communicate ideas visually. This course covers a variety of design uses, which may include poster-making or package design, and printmaking media such as monoprints, linocuts, and/or collographs. Students will learn matting technique and the importance of professional presentation of their artwork. Graphics and Printmaking also covers an abbreviated history of visual design. Graphics and Printmaking is a hands-on studio experience wherein students build a portfolio of artwork. Attendance is crucial for success. 


0858-Sculpture .5 credit (Standards Based Fine Art)

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12


In sculpture a variety of mediums and techniques, (clay, plaster, stone, wire, casting, found objects, etc.) will be used to explore form. Sculptures from various time periods and cultures will be presented and discussed in class. This is a hands-on class making attendance crucial for success. There is a $10 course fee that will be used to help defray the cost of the various materials used.  


0859-Introduction to Photography .5 credit (Standards Based Fine Art)

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12


This course will explore the art form and history of Photography. Introduction to Photography is primarily based on current practices in digital photography. Students will also be learning about film cameras and working in the darkroom. Students will learn how the camera works and how to take dynamic photographs. Part of this class will be dedicated to learning basic photo editing and manipulation. Students are encouraged to bring in their own cameras when possible to best learn the technology at their disposal. However, we do have a few digital cameras and plenty of film cameras to lend each student. There will be a course fee of ten dollars ($10.00) to be paid by each student taking this class. The fee covers the cost of film, chemicals and photographic paper used by students during the semester.

Music Electives

0955-Vocal Ensemble 1 credit (Standards Based Fine Art)

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12


This performance based vocal group includes students grades nine through twelve. The focus is group singing in a variety of musical styles. The group is also open to student accompanists.  Performances include a variety of venues such as informal singing as well as mandatory formal concerts. Attendance is critical for success. Students in Vocal Ensemble may participate in a small group voice lesson as well. 

Any student interested in singing may join. Skills focused on include performing for large and small audiences, following a conductor, vocal technique, music reading, team building and group work. Evaluation is based on voice lesson participation, quiz grades, daily rehearsal participation/effort and vocal performance.


0957-Ensemble Performance 1 credit (Standards Based Fine Art)

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12


Students should register for this course if they wish to take both Concert Band and Vocal Ensemble. A schedule will be set up for students to alternate days between the two classes. See course descriptions for Concert Band and Vocal Ensemble for more information about expectations and responsibilities. Grades are determined by an average of the two courses.


0960-Concert Band 1 credit (Standards Based Fine Art)

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12


The Concert Band at Marshwood High School is made up of students in 9th through 12th grade. The goal of the ensemble is to teach students how to play as an ensemble using a variety of music. Music is a skill that must be practiced and the skills taught will carry over into other aspects of life. Responsibility, dedication, hard work and pride in the excellence of our accomplishments are important to our program. All students are welcome to join our ensemble family. 



0964-Music Technology .5 credit (Standards Based Fine Art)

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12


This class will take a look at the different technologies in the music industry and may include units such as music media, radio, and audio production. Students may learn about signal flow, microphones, snakes, cable testers, mixers, and DAW programs. Students may learn about podcasting as well as how to work and plan events using sound equipment, and may include analog and digital recording using multiple setups. Students will demonstrate knowledge using both individual and group work. 


0965-Song Writing I .5 credit (Standards Based Fine Art)

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12


Song Writing is designed for anyone interested in furthering their knowledge of music reading and writing. Fundamentals of music theory such as note names, key signatures, scales, triads, two-part composition, etc. will be examined. Development of aural skills and sight-singing will be stressed. Students may learn several music software programs.  


0966-Song Writing II .5 credit (Standards Based Fine Art)

Grades 9,10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Song Writing I or instructor’s recommendation


This course is a continuation of Song Writing. Students will study more advanced topics in music theory, composition, and ear training, as well as analysis, orchestration, and arranging. Music composition and theory software learned in Song Writing will be used at a more advanced level, and new technologies will be introduced.  Students considering a college major or minor in music should take this course. 


0967-Stagecraft .5 credit (Standards Based Fine Art)

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12


This class experiences what happens to a musical as it is being staged. The major focus for the class will be active, hands-on experience serving as the production team for a musical performance. This may include set design and construction, show research, costume design, as well as other activities. We will look at the different phases of musical making, as well as discussing various shows. Students may enroll in this class for more than one semester.


0969- Piano .5 credit  (Standards Based Fine Art)

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12


Piano is designed for students who have no prior piano experience or music training as well as those with a beginner background. The course focuses on the development of basic skills for playing the piano, including study of the keyboard, basic terminology, musical notation, scales, rhythm, and simple transposition. As a concluding project, students present a recital for an audience.


0970-Guitar Level I .5 credit (Standards Based Fine Art)

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12


This course is an elective class that may be used to satisfy the fine arts requirement. All students who may want to learn to play or advance their guitar play are welcome. Students will learn both standard notation as well as guitar tablature. Music theory will be studied and students will gain the tools needed to continue playing and teaching themselves guitar. Students will be expected to play both alone and together.  


0971-Guitar Level II .5 credit (Standards Based Fine Art)

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Guitar Level I or permission of instructor


This course is an elective class that may be used to satisfy the fine arts requirement. All students who are interested in playing guitar are welcome. Students must possess basic guitar playing skills either through the successful completion of Guitar Level I or through demonstration with the instructor. This class will have an emphasis placed on progress of the individual’s skills versus the group approach taken in Guitar Level I. Techniques studied will include fingerpicking, bar chords, and melody reading across all six strings. Some small and large group playing will be included to continue work on ensemble playing skills.


0972-Guitar Level III .5 credit (Standards Based Fine Art)

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12                                                                                     

Prerequisite:  Guitar Level I and II or permission of instructor


This course is an elective class that may be used to satisfy the fine arts requirement. All students who are interested in playing guitar are welcome. Students must possess basic guitar playing skills either through the successful completion of Guitar Level II or through demonstration with the instructor. This class will have an emphasis placed on progress of the individual’s skills versus the group approach taken in Guitar Level I. We will study a variety of music and learn to play music from the various decades of the 20th and 21st centuries.


0973-YCCC Exploring Music* .5 credit (Standards Based Fine Art)

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12                                                                                     


This course will explore the many different aspects of music. Topics will include the history of music, current topics in the music industry, and students will get to explore playing piano, guitar, and percussion instruments.

*Concurrent Class: YCCC Concurrent Class

Consumer Science Electives

0814-Exploring Childhood 1 credit

Grades 11, 12


This year-long course is designed to help students explore the areas of physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development in children. Units of study include the exploration of the family unit, childhoods of the past and present, child development theorists, prenatal development, and the development of a child through the age of twelve. Students will be required to participate in field site visits to a local elementary school. Upon completion of this course, students will be better prepared to care for and guide the development of a child through all stages of growth within a family, as a childcare professional, or in other experiences with children. Attendance is crucial for success in this class. 


0815-Introduction to Foods and Nutrition .5 credit

Grades 10, 11, 12


This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to science in the kitchen and a basic understanding of nutrition. The class begins with a review of proper kitchen safety and sanitation procedures. Units of study include the exploration of taste, catalysts, the Maillard reaction, acids and bases, the pH scale, and the scientific method. Students will also learn about the six classes of nutrients and how they contribute to good health. Each unit of study provides students with the opportunity to apply their new learning in hands-on laboratory cooking experiences. Attendance is crucial for success in this class. 


0816-Advanced Foods                           .5 credit (Standards Based Fine Art)

Grades  11, 12

Prerequisite: Intro to Foods and Nutrition


This is an advanced level semester course available to students who have completed the Introduction to Foods and Nutrition course. It is designed to provide students with an opportunity to practice more advanced skills than the lower level course allows. Units of study are organized around the four elements of good cooking: salt, fat, acid, and heat. Mastering these four elements can help anyone prepare food like a professional. Students will explore the cultures of Italy, Japan, Mexico, and the Southern United States. Attendance is crucial for success in the class. 



0817-Fiber Arts (previously Sewing Fundamentals) .5 credit (Standards Based Fine Art)

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12


This course is designed to introduce students to the world of fiber arts. Students will explore various techniques and materials used in fiber arts while developing fine motor skills, creativity, and self-expression. Hand-sewing will be introduced through a felt owl project, embroidery through a cross-stitch project, machine sewing through a burrito pillowcase and quilted pillow project, and felting through the creation of mini felted animals. If time allows, students may also learn the art of macrame, and/or crocheting. Students will participate in a field trip to the Tsongas Industrial History Center in Lowell, MA. The ability to be self-motivated and a problem solver are crucial skills needed for success in this class. Students are responsible for purchasing their own cross-stitch kit, fabric, sewing notions, felting kit, and any additional supplies needed for class projects. Attendance is crucial for success in this class.


0823-On Your Own .5 credit

Grades 11, 12


This course is designed to teach students to support themselves through all aspects of financial and personal living. Whether joining the military, going away to college, or entering the workforce, this course will help prepare students for what lies ahead. Units of study include post-secondary pathways, competency skills for the workplace, banking, types of credit, debt management, and consumer skills. Attendance is crucial for success in this class. 



Technology Electives

0702-Exploring Technology .5 credit

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12


This course is designed for anyone interested in technology but isn’t sure about what to take. This course will explore a variety of technologies including Mechanical Drafting CAD/CAM, Architectural Drafting and Design, Engineering Basics, Three Dimensional Printing, Laser Engraving and Graphics. You will learn autocad software as well as CorelDRAW software and use a variety of tools and machines to create and manipulate materials. Each component will be approximately three weeks in length providing a taste of all that Marshwood Technology has to offer. 


0703-Makerspace .5 credit

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12


This course will provide you with the opportunity to create what you have always wanted to create. It provides a hands-on, student driven, project based environment to experiment, build, explore, retry, share ideas with others and invent as you engage in science, engineering and tinkering. Students will learn how to take their ideas from concept to reality. The course will utilize design software including Autocad and CorelDRAW with three D printing technologies to bring ideas to life. If you ever wanted to be an interior designer, an architect or an engineer this course will provide you with a better understanding of how products are created. 


0706-Introduction to Engineering Technology .5 credit

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12


This course is designed for the student who likes to solve problems with a hands-on approach.  The focus of the course will be for students to apply critical thinking skills and develop abilities in group problem solving through various situations relative to real world engineering challenges and obstacles encountered in class. Students will be required to manipulate materials and thoughts; research ideas in an attempt to solve problems through cooperatively learned experiences and actual test results. Much of the work will involve cooperative learning activities with students sharing ideas to achieve common goals. The appropriate and safe use of equipment and materials will benefit the student in successful completion of posed dilemmas. Students will be provided opportunities to solve problems implementing three dimensional printing technologies. Students will be required to keep a portfolio documenting all ideas and progress made as solutions to problems are reached.  


0707-Advanced Engineering Technology .5 credit

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Introduction to Engineering Technology


This course is designed for the highly motivated, creative technology student. Students will work on teacher assigned and individually selected projects which they will research, design and develop using skills and knowledge acquired in the Intro to Technology course. Appropriate and safe use of materials will benefit the student in the successful completion of posed dilemmas designed to simulate real world engineering challenges. Research ideas and proposals must be innovative and technologically based to meet the instructor’s approval. Students will utilize three dimensional printers throughout the course in their problem solving approach. Students will be required to keep an engineering journal/portfolio documenting all ideas and progress made as solutions to problems are reached.


0708-Introduction to Woodworking .5 credit (Fine Art)

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12


This course is designed for students who have no prior background in woodworking. The focus of this course will be for students to learn basic skills and techniques used in woodworking.  Shop safety and proper use of tools and equipment is strongly stressed in this course. Students will be assigned basic woodworking projects that require different skills to accomplish, and they will learn the basic wood joinery techniques to do this. This course will go through the process of project development from the sketch or drawing, to wood selection and layout, to the finished product.


0709-Advanced Woodworking   .5 credit (Standards Based Fine Art)  

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Intro to Woodworking


This course is designed for students who have completed the Introduction to Woodworking course. In this course students will learn more advanced techniques and skills and apply them with the knowledge gained from the introductory class to complete more complex projects.  Students will look at different styles of furniture design and apply those characteristics to a project of their choice. Students will also learn techniques used to present the finished project through a variety of finishing applications.


0710-Intro to Mechanical Drafting – CAD/CAM .5 credit (Standards Based Fine Art) 

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 


Intro to Mechanical Drafting will familiarize students in the skills and system that will be used in CAD.  The course will focus on mechanical and technical drawing. Students will learn skills that are important in being able to effectively create and recreate technically detailed drawings. The course is beneficial for students interested in careers such as Engineering, Drafting, Machine Trade and other industrial/technological fields. Students will be required to complete assigned tasks and projects based on their ability to manipulate the CAD system. Students will have the opportunity to learn three dimensional concepts and turn a drawing into a real component through the use of three dimensional printing technologies.


0711-Advanced Mechanical Drafting – CAD           .5 credit  (Standards Based Fine Art)

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: CAD Intro Course


Advanced Mechanical Drafting is an upper level drafting course which draws upon skills and techniques learned in the Intro level CAD classes. The class will focus on the detail and precision of proper drafting skills. The expectation is that students already have a good foundation and working knowledge of the CAD system and are comfortable using it to complete assigned projects and activities. Students are expected to understand the available attributes of the system and apply them with little prompting or new instruction.


0712-Intro to Architectural Drafting – CAD .5 credit (Standards Based Fine Art) 

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 


This course will focus on the proper techniques and terms used to design and layout residential type homes and buildings. All areas of residential home design will be covered giving each student a good understanding of the proper drafting skills needed to design and draw house plans from the foundation to the roof. Students will be asked to complete various assigned design problems as well as have the opportunity to create drawings and plans of their own ideas.


0713-Advanced Architectural Drafting – CAD .5 credit (Standards Based Fine Art)

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: CAD Intro Course


Advanced Architectural Drafting is an upper level course that will draw upon the skills and techniques learned in prior Architectural CAD experiences.  A good understanding of the fundamentals of house and building design is extremely helpful and will provide a knowledge base in order to complete assignments in this course. Students will be asked to complete drawings and plans that are complex and detailed. There will be many opportunities to express individual ideas pertaining to house and building design throughout this course.


Career Exploration

2000- Career Exploration .5 credit (P/F)

Grade: 11 and 12

Prerequisite: Open to juniors and seniors strongly motivated to enter the workforce upon graduation.


In this Pass/Fail course, you will explore careers or career paths of interest to you. You will examine the skills, credentials, and passions required to be successful in these careers. The course is designed to help each student identify personal strengths and weaknesses, to explore a variety of fields and to encourage close examination of a particular career. The course will focus on the critical life skills of critical thinking, decision making, effective communication, self reflection, planning and responsible citizenship. Students have the opportunity to participate in job shadows, internships, interviews and on site visits.