Fine Arts: Visual Arts

All classes are limited to 20 students.
Each class is worth ½ of a Fine Arts credit toward the full 1 credit required for graduation. Prerequisite classes help to prepare students for more advanced art classes. All visual arts classes require students to create and maintain a digital portfolio of their artwork.

Art Foundations

Course #: FAV131 Grades: 9-12 Credits: .5 Length: Semester Expectation Level: 3

Prerequisite: None

Art foundations is an introductory arts course offering a variety of hands-on experiences with different media. Drawing, painting, and three-dimensional projects give the student a well-rounded exposure to basic art forms. Influences of artists, styles, and cultural origins as they pertain to studio activities are discussed. Students assess their work by applying the elements of art and principles of design. Art Foundations is a prerequisite for Painting 1, Advanced Drawing, Illustration, Digital Art & Graphic Design, and Advanced Studio.

Expectations: Students are expected to complete homework related to their projects. Projects are designed so that all students can experience success by demonstrating skills learned in class. Each student completes a research project on an artist of his/her choosing.

Advanced Drawing

Course #: FAV136 Grades: 9-12 Credits: .5 Length: Semester Expectation Level: 3

Prerequisite: 80 or better in Art Foundations

In advanced drawing, students further develop their drawing skills and style through drawing from observation. The students use charcoal and chalk, pencil, pen and ink, pastels, watercolors, markers, and non-traditional materials. Exercises and assignments are geared toward the production of portfolio-grade drawings. Influences of artists, styles, and cultural origins as they pertain to studio activities are discussed. Students develop an independent focus for the last four weeks of class.

Expectations: Students are expected to complete homework related to projects. Projects are designed so that all students can experience success by demonstrating skills learned in class. Each student completes a research project on an artist of his/her choosing.

Painting I

Course #: FAV137 Grades: 9-12 Credits: .5 Length: Semester Expectation Level: 3

Prerequisite: Art Foundations

Painting I is an introductory course where students use both watercolor and acrylic paints to create a variety of two-dimensional artwork. Students learn basic techniques and are encouraged to experiment with the different mediums. Students paint from still life, photographs, and imagination to develop skills and unique visual perspective. Different periods and styles of art are studied as they relate to art projects. Painting 1 is a prerequisite for Painting 2.

Painting II

Course #: FAV139 Grades: 10-12 Credits: .5 Length: Semester Expectation Level: 3

Prerequisite: 80 or better in Painting I

In Painting II, students further develop their skills and style in painting with watercolor, acrylic, and mixed media. They continue to paint from still life, photographs, and imagination in order to develop an independent voice and focus for their artwork. Influences of artists, styles, and cultural origins as they pertain to studio activities are discussed. Exercises and assignments are geared toward the production of portfolio-grade artwork.

Ceramics I

Course #: FAV133 Grades: 9-12 Credits: .5 Length: Semester Expectation Level: 3

Prerequisite: None

Ceramics I introduces the beginning student to basic hand-building techniques and beginning wheel-throwing. Pinch, coil, and slab building are used in addition to the potter’s wheel to create functional and non-functional forms. Students view and discuss historical and current ceramic work and are asked to use their imagination while incorporating increasing skills to each assignment. Projects include a variety of finishes such as slip decoration, underglazes, and glaze application.

Expectations: Work outside class time is expected. Projects are designed so that all students can experience success when thoughtful effort and hard work are combined with increasing skills. Learning to recycle clay, studio upkeep and working cooperatively are emphasized. Understanding pottery definitions and procedures enhances the student’s ability for successful completion of projects. Ceramics I is a prerequisite for Ceramics II.

Ceramics II

Course #: FAV134 Grades: 9-12 Credits: .5 Length: Semester Expectation Level: 3

Prerequisite: 80 or better in Ceramics I

In Ceramics II students build on acquired knowledge of hand-building techniques and the potter’s wheel. A variety of techniques is combined with thoughtful consideration to the design and function of each piece. Studies in historical, cultural, and contemporary ceramics are emphasized to understand clay as an art or craft form. Student critiques, studio upkeep, and kiln-firing are emphasized.

Expectations: Students are expected to make project plans through continuous exploration of current and historical images. Each student is expected to work independently to improve his/her clay-building skills. Work outside the class time is expected. Attendance and productive class participation are essential to succeed in this course.

Ceramics Teaching Assistant

Course #: FAV339 Grades: 10-12 Credits: .5 Length: Semester Expectation Level: 3

Prerequisite: Ceramics I & II and teacher recommendation

The ceramics teaching assistant course is for students who are interested in fine arts and/or ceramics education in the future. Students are exposed to and explore instructional strategies and concepts related to ceramics education and studio work.

Expectations: The student assists the teacher in all areas of instruction: Studio upkeep, glaze-mixing, kiln-loading, wheel work, hand-building, and basic instruction of those techniques. Student must be respectful, enthusiastic, willing to work with other students in a mentoring capacity, and willing to participate in all aspects of a fine arts studio educational setting. Each assistant completes a final project.

Photography I

Course #: FAV138 Grades: 9-12 Credits: .5 Length: Semester Expectation Level: 3

Prerequisite: None

Photography I is an introduction to the basic technical and aesthetic characteristics of digital photography. With each project, students learn a series of editing skills using Adobe Photoshop. Students focus on the history of photography throughout the semester, learn about the basic mechanics of the camera, and explore the art of pinhole photography. Digital cameras are provided or students can bring their own. Photography I is a prerequisite for Photography II.

Expectations: Students complete photography projects outside of class on a weekly basis. Students must complete homework assignments weekly that relate to class discussions and projects.

Photography II

Course #: FAV231 Grades: 9-12 Credits: .5 Length: Semester Expectation Level: 3

Prerequisite: 80 or better in Photography I

Photography II is designed for those students who have taken Photography I and would like to advance their digital photography skills. Emphasis is on personal vision and photographic interest. Students create a digital portfolio including images of their projects, written reflections, and process reflections. Students research, keep art journals, have class and individual critiques, and artistic dialogues to inspire them as they create. There are project requirements, but projects are open-ended enough for students to develop their own styles and modes of expression.

Expectations: Students complete photographic assignments by shooting, editing, and printing their own photos. Students complete photography projects outside of class on a weekly basis. Each student is expected to work independently to improve his/her photography skills.

Photography Teaching Assistant

Course #: FAV341 Grades: 9-12 Credits: .5 Length: Semester Expectation Level: 3

Prerequisite: Photo I & II and teacher recommendation

Photography Teaching Assistant is for students who are interested in photography and/or art education in the future. Students are exposed to and explore instructional strategies and concepts related to photography education and studio work.

Expectations: The student assists the teacher in all areas of instruction: Camera basics, photographic techniques, digital editing, and digital photo organization. Student must be respectful, enthusiastic, willing to work with other students in a mentoring capacity, and willing to participate in all aspects of a photo studio educational setting. Each assistant creates a final project.

Illustration

Course #: FAV232 Grades: 9-12 Credits: .5 Length: Semester Expectation Level: 3

Prerequisite: 80 or better in Art Foundations

The aim of an illustration is to elucidate or decorate a story, poem or piece of textual information by providing a visual representation of something described in the text. In Illustration students will explore visual representation of ideas: literal, metaphorical, symbolic, and/or abstract. This is a mixed media class using a range of both traditional and non-traditional art materials. Projects are based on book illustration, symbol design, printmaking, and typography.

Expectations: Students are expected to complete homework related to projects. Projects are designed so that all students can experience success by demonstrating skills learned in class. Each student creates a research project on an illustrator or designer of his/her choosing.

Digital Art and Design

Course #: FAV234 Grades: 9-12 Credits: .5 Length: Semester Expectation Level: 3

Prerequisite: 80 or better in Art Foundations

Digital art and design offers students the opportunity to learn digital design tools using Adobe Illustrator to communicate two-dimensional visual solutions. Assignments reference design principles to develop understanding of aesthetics (what is visually pleasing) and functionality (what does the job). Projects may include text illustrations, self-portraits, logo design, and social issue posters.

Expectations: Students are expected to complete homework related to projects. Projects are designed to teach students how to communicate ideas effectively to an audience using a variety of digital media. Each student creates an online digital portfolio showcasing his/her process and final projects.

Advanced Studio Art

Course #: FAV240 Grades: 9-12 Credits: .5 Length: Semester Expectation Level: 3

Prerequisite: 80 or better in Art Foundations

Advanced studio art is designed for students seeking to pursue advanced processes, techniques, and methods. Students produce both 2D and 3D works of art through the use of both traditional and non-traditional art materials such as paper mache, wire, found objects, plaster, wood, and fabric. The class explores printmaking processes including linoleum block prints, monotypes, and screen printing. Influences of artists, styles, and cultural origins as they pertain to studio activities are discussed. Students develop an independent focus for the last four weeks of class. Exercises and assignments are geared toward the production of portfolio-grade artwork.

Expectations: Students are expected to complete homework related to projects. Projects are designed so that all students can experience success by demonstrating skills learned in class. Each student creates a research project on an artist of his/her choosing.

Video Production I

Course #: FAO331 Grades: 9-12 Credits: .5 Length: Semester Expectation Level: 3

Prerequisite: None

Video Production I is designed to give students an understanding of the history, technical, and creative aspects of producing film. Students learn basic film terminology, history, and techniques. Students are introduced to basic use of cameras and film setups, as well as different types of equipment such as boom microphones and studio lighting. Students also use WeVideo to edit their films.

Text and materials: Understanding Movies

Expectations: Students become familiar with the development of film and learn the basics of creating a film from storyboarding and scripting, to filming, acting and producing, to creating a final product by editing and producing a final cut. Students are expected to work in groups and as a class on three to four different projects over the semester. These projects vary from commercials, PSAs, digital shorts, and a final project.

Video Production II

Course #: FAO431

Grades: 9-12 Credits: .5 Length: Semester Expectation Level: 3

Prerequisite: Video Production I

Video Production II is for students who have taken Video Production I and wish to expand upon the basics learned in that course. Students use advanced film techniques and take part in longer and more advanced filmmaking productions.

Text and materials: Understanding Movies

Expectations: Students continue to learn about film techniques, more specifically acting, story, ideology, and synthesis of filmmaking. Students are expected to work together on a semester-long film production where the class creates a script, acts, and produces a short film. Students will demonstrate the ability to create many different genres of video productions and will understand movies better.

Video and Audio Production Basics *

Course #: FAO340 Grades: 11, 12 Credits: .5 Length: Semester Expectation Level: 4

Prerequisite: None

This class is an introduction to basic video and audio production. Classes are held in a TV studio where students learn the fundamental skills of video production through lectures and demonstrations. Topics include: production organizations and the production environment, camera operation, lighting, use of microphones, audio mixing and the use of special effects and graphics systems.

After successfully completing the course, the student will be able to acquire a thorough understanding of operations in a professional studio environment. This includes basic knowledge of various tools including; cameras, audio devices, video switching and distribution devices, media recorders, lighting equipment. The class will also introduce students to the role of each member of a production team. Students will also complete an oral presentation on a particular subject area within the scope of the course.

Texts and Materials: No text, but weekly readings required. A laptop is also required.

Expectations: Regular attendance is mandatory. Students will be expected to work collaboratively as well as independently to complete projects. In addition to classwork, there will be regular readings and exercises assigned for homework.

* This course is a dual enrollment course in which students will receive high school and college credit through Southern Maine Community College. For more information, please see your guidance counselor. The course number through SMCC is CNMS-160.

New Media and Broadcast Journalism

Course #: FAO135 Grades: 9-12 Credits: .5 Length: Semester Expectation Level: 3

Prerequisite: None

New Media and Broadcast Journalism is designed to introduce students to the concept of media literacy and to provide them with the opportunity to explore a wide range of audio and video production technologies and techniques. This class also gives each student the opportunity to learn with hands-on experience through working on many different types of media projects such as podcasting, creating music, short films, SHS News, Sports broadcasting and assorted new media projects. It is a technical course supported by a selection of written and oral presentation activities. Students work individually and in small teams as they proceed through production exercises and projects. The equipment includes digital video cameras, lights, microphones, computers, sound mixing boards, and a variety of video and audio production support equipment. Software introduces students to storyboarding, video editing, digital effects, image manipulation, audio production, electronic music, and stop motion animation.

Expectations: Students are expected to be prepared with their laptop and folder for each class as this is a project based class that will encompass many different types of media.

Movies in the 21st Century

Course #: FAO139 Grades: 9-12 Credits: .5 Length: Semester Expectation Level: 3

Prerequisite: Video Production I or New Media and Broadcast Journalism

Movies in the 21st Century is for students wishing to learn about new and groundbreaking techniques used by filmmakers in the 21st century (2000-present), as well as critique and dissect some of the most influential films of the 21st Century. Students will study 21st-Century films. We compare and contrast the early technology used with what is introduced now.

Expectations: Students are expected to come prepared with their laptop and a folder for taking notes. They are also expected to have a general knowledge of film and an interest in watching significant films. Students should have already taken a prior film class such as Video Production 1 or New Media and Broadcast Journalism (formerly A/V Productions) before enrolling in this course.

History of Film

Course #: FAO233 Grades: 9-12 Credits: .5 Length: Semester Expectation Level: 3

Prerequisite: Video Production I or New Media/Broadcast Journalism

History of Film offers students a chance to look at film history spanning the creation of the film camera to the arrival of the CGI Blockbuster films of the 2000s. The course includes a brief but exhaustive overview of cinema history. Throughout the course students will learn how to develop a historical appreciation of film based on a survey of cinematic traditions and the films that are significant throughout history. Students will examine how meaning in films is constructed by the uses of camera, editing, lighting, sound and acting, as well as explore the impact of technological developments on film production, and evaluate the importance of genre and the legacy of individual producers, filmmakers and actors throughout the history of cinema.

Texts and Materials: A Short History of Film

Expectations: Class participation, attendance, research projects, and a positive attitude

Yearbook/Publishing I

Course #: FAO138/B Grades: 9-12 Credits: 1 Length: Year Expectation Level: 3

Prerequisite: None

Yearbook/Publishing I is for students interested in creating the Scarborough High School Yearbook. It is designed to teach the skills necessary to produce the school yearbook, which offers a complete record of an entire school year. The year begins by planning the coverage for the year and designing a unifying theme for the book. Interested students can then apply to be an editor. Students study magazine journalism, including layout and design techniques and writing and editing copy, headlines, and picture captions. Students study the practice of gathering and analyzing information, interviewing, note-taking, and photography. Students learn strategies of planning, marketing (ad sales), and distributing the yearbook. Students learn proofing strategies and work independently with photographers. Students learn good work habits and are responsible for all phases of yearbook publication.

Expectations: Students are expected to be organized and prepared for this year long class. Students will have a specific role to play in the publication of the yearbook and will be expected to have a folder and their school-issued laptop to access the online yearbook creation tool.

Yearbook/Publishing II

Course #: FAO232 Grades: 9-12 Credits: 1 Length: Year Expectation Level: 3

Prerequisite: Yearbook/Publishing I

Yearbook/Publishing II expands upon what is learned Yearbook/Publishing I. It is only for students interested in taking a bigger role in the yearbook process such as editor or primary photographer. If interested in an editor or photographer role, students should meet with Mr. Huntington prior and have had taken Yearbook/Publishing I.

Expectations: Student should already have one year of Yearbook/Publishing I. He/she should be organized and prepared each class to undertake a significant role in the creation of the yearbook and will be relied upon as an editor or primary photographer.