Fine Arts: Visual Arts

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. 

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 their 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.

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. 

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.

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 their choosing.

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 their photography skills. 

Illustration

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

Prerequisite: 80 or better in Art Foundations

This course is designed to develop skills in illustration based in drawing, painting, and/or digital media in order to create the visual communication of an idea. Projects are based on real-world illustration challenges such as symbol design, children’s book illustration, printmaking, and typography. This is a mixed media class utilizing a range of both traditional and non-traditional art materials. Students will develop an independent voice and demonstrate their own creative interpretation of each topic.

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 their 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.

AP Art and Design

Course #: FAV350   Grades: 11,12   Credits: 1   Length: Year   Expectation Level: 5

Prerequisite: Three art classes, including one or more intermediate-level class (Painting I, Advanced Drawing, Photo II, etc.), and permission from instructor

AP Art and Design is a rigorous, college-level course of study for students who plan to continue their art education beyond high school and wish to develop mastery in the concept, composition, and execution of their artwork. Over the course of a year, students will create a portfolio of work to demonstrate inquiry in art and design through the use of materials, processes, and ideas. Homework involves not only continuing work on the required sections of the portfolio but also keeping a sketchbook for weekly drawings and research. Portfolios include works of art and design, process documentation, and written information about the work presented. 

Expectations: This course requires a significant amount of work outside of the classroom. Students are expected to be self-motivated and serious, with strong technical and analytical skills. Regular and extensive participation in class discussion and group critiques is critical. In May, students will submit their portfolios to the AP College Board for evaluation.

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 technical and creative aspects of producing video. Students learn basic video terminology, genres and techniques as they run through the three phases of production taking their idea from concept to completion. Students are introduced to the basic use of cameras and audio setups, as well as different types of equipment such as microphones, green screens, and studio lighting. 

Text and materials: Supplemental materials provided by instructor; students use WeVideo to edit videos

Expectations: Students become familiar with the development of visual storytelling while learning the basics of creating a production. Students will be expected to write Treatments, Scripts and Shotlists for each production. Students will be expected to shoot, produce, and edit projects. Students are expected to work both individually and in groups on multiple projects over the semester. These projects vary from commercials, PSAs, digital shorts, news 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:  Teacher provided supplemental materials, Understanding Movies; students use Adobe Premiere or WeVideo to edit videos

Expectations: Students continue to learn about film techniques, expand on their knowledge of video production and continue to learn about techniques in writing, producing/shooting and editing.  Students will demonstrate the ability to create a variety of film genres to add to their video portfolio, but focus on working with real-world topics of a more important nature.  After school and/or weekend production work is expected and essential to producing/finishing projects.  Communication with outside sources from the school community or the town will be essential for interviews and production.  

Movies in the 21st Century

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

Prerequisite: Video Production I

Movies in the 21st Century class is for students wishing to learn about the visual storytelling process.  We will discuss characters, plot, theme and film techniques used by filmmakers in the 21st century (2000-present).  We will critique and dissect some of the most influential films of the 21st Century in varying genres.  

Expectations: Students are expected to come prepared with their laptop for taking notes.  Notes will be used for tests and projects.  After viewing each film, students will have a variety of writing assignments/quizzes.  They are also expected to have a general knowledge of film and an interest in watching significant films. Video projects and presentations are a big part of this course.

History of Film

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

Prerequisite: Video Production I

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 based on the technological developments during each decade. 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: Supplemental materials provided by instructor.

Expectations:  Students are expected to come to class with a laptop for taking notes.  Notes will be used for video projects, tests and writing asignments.  Class attendance, presentations, participation and projects are essential.

Yearbook/Publishing I

Course #: FAO138/B   Grades: 10-12   Credits: 1   Length: Year   Expectation Level: 3

Prerequisite: None

Yearbook/Publishing I is a journalism class for students interested in creating the Scarborough High School Yearbook. This class involves heavy assignments with firm deadlines. Students need to be self-starters who can apply critical thinking skills to problem-solve. The class frequently requires assignments outside of class time as students are expected to cover sports, clubs, activities and day to day happenings at SHS. Students must have strict attention to detail. Students are expected to complete their work on time and have excellent spelling, grammar and writing skills.  Skills taught include photography, layout/design techniques, writing, editing, headline creation and photo captioning. Students study the practice of gathering and analyzing information, interviewing, page design and photography. Students learn strategies of planning, marketing (ad sales) and distributing the yearbook. The class is based on strict but important deadlines imposed by our publisher.  Meeting these deadlines is a major component of this course.

Expectations: Students are expected to be organized and prepared for this year-long class.   Heavy proofing, editing, design and layout skills are essential in this course.  Students are expected to work both independently and in group settings on their laptop to access the online yearbook creation site.  Students will have a specific role to play in the publication of the yearbook and will be expected to work independently and in group settings on their school-issued laptop to access the online yearbook creation tool. Students are expected to keep all aspects of the yearbook private and work to uphold proper ethical journalistic standards in all of their work. 

Yearbook/Publishing II

Course #: FAO232   Grades: 10-12   Credits: 1   Length: Year   Expectation Level: 3

Prerequisite: Yearbook/Publishing I

Yearbook/Publishing II expands upon what is learned Yearbook/Publishing I, with a focus on journalism skills. It is only for students interested in taking a bigger role in the yearbook process. Students in Yearbook/Publishing II will be graded on their leadership skills as they work with Yearbook I students to help create the yearbook.  Primarily, the students will serve as editors in some capacity.

Expectations:  Students must already have one year of Yearbook/Publishing I. Students in Yearbook II will play heavy editing roles and should have excellent grammar and spelling skills. Attention to detail is key in this class, as well as communicating with other school constituents (faculty, club advisors, coaches, administrators). Students must be dependable, organized, committed to the publishing process and prepared each class to lead others by putting aside their differences and being able to work with students of all abilities. Students 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. Time spent outside of the classroom working on assignments for the yearbook is a requirement. Students must have good communication skills and be ready to constructively critique their peers.