Courses

Art 1 11911 1/2 credit Grades 9-12

This entry-level hands-on studio art course is an introduction to the basic Elements and Principles of Design. This course features both traditional and innovative techniques that will unravel the mysteries of successful drawing and painting. Students will focus on concepts vital to all artists’ education; composition, line, value, color and perspective. Students will learn to use a variety of media to develop their own creativity and strengthen their artistic

CTE Course

Mixed Media 11920           1/2 credit Grades 9-12

This entry level studio art course introduces students to media and techniques including a variety of traditional and nontraditional materials. This mixed media approach to art making allows students to create personal works that reach beyond pencil and paint to include a large variety of materials. This course covers all elements of art and principles of design while focusing on how self-expression is a method of communication in all cultures and art time periods. The possibilities are endless.

CTE Course

Art 2 11912 1/2 credit Grades 9-12

In this intermediate art course students will continue to develop skills in drawing and painting and will introduce students to more advanced ways to use their art making as a form of self-expression. Students will explore materials such as pencil, pen & ink, water-based paint, oil pastel and printmaking materials. In addition to creating works of art, students will develop their skills in critiquing their artwork and the artwork of others in both oral and written form. The art of other cultures, artists, and art movements will also be studied.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Art 1 11911 or Mixed Media 11920

CTE Course

Art History Studio 11913 1/2 credit Grades 9-12

In this course students will explore a range of artists and artwork thematically throughout history and cultures, understanding how artists can approach a common topic with variety. From the themes studied in each unit students will create studio art projects, exploring a variety of artistic materials and techniques including collage, sculpture, and drawing. In addition to creating works of art, students will develop their skills in critiquing their artwork and the artwork of others in both oral and written form.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Art 1 11911 or Mixed Media 11920

CTE Course

2-D Design Studio 11928 1/2 credit Grades 10-12

This studio course is designed for art students to examine and experience two dimensional (2-D) design fundamentals. The main focus of the course includes utilizing the Elements and Principles of Design in a conscious way to create 2-D compositions. The principles of design (unity/variety, balance, emphasis, contrast, rhythm, repetition, proportion/scale figure/ground relationships) are used in conjunction with the visual elements (line, shape, color, value, texture, space) as the organizational tools needed for effective design. This intermediate course allows students to learn, experience and explore 2-D design through many 2-D processes including illustration, graphic design, photography, collage, textile design, and printmaking.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Art 1 11911 or Mixed Media 11920

CTE Course

Contemporary Painting 11917 1/2 credit Grades 10-12

In this intermediate course students will explore painting styles and techniques used in 21st century painting. Students will learn how to effectively create realistic, expressionistic, and abstract paintings. They will study the lives and techniques of great 21st century artists and gain an understanding of how works of art are influenced by historical and cultural experiences. Painting media will include acrylic, oils, silkscreen and mixed media.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Art 1 11911 or Mixed Media 11920

CTE Course

Sculpture 11922 1/2 credit Grades 10-12

This course will focus on expanding the skills learned and applied in the entry level Photography class, particularly for use in real world applications (Project-Based Learning) including school and community-based projects. Students will be introduced to more sophisticated techniques in both photography and Photoshop as a vehicle to create works that reflects that individual student’s spirit and vision. The development of a portfolio, including a concentration that investigates an idea of personal interest, is the cornerstone of this class.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Art 1 11911 or Mixed Media 11920

CTE Course

Ceramics         11923         1/2 credit Grades 10-12

This course is designed for students to learn about the ideas, materials, techniques, and processes of clay and ceramic art. The technical and expressive properties of clay are developed through pinch, coil, slab construction, and surface design. Works of historical and contemporary artists are explored for the expression of individual and cultural ideas. Students will learn vocabulary and concepts associated with hand-built clay art forms. Upon completing this course, students will have a general knowledge of creating, appreciating, assessing, and valuing all clay art forms.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Art 1 11911 or Mixed Media 11920

Art 3: Drawing 11916 1/2 credit Grades 11-12

In this course students will develop and expand on advanced techniques in drawing with the focus on observational drawing. Students will use pencil, colored pencil, pen & ink, charcoal, paint, and oil/chalk pastels in creative and thought-provoking ways. Students will also improve their skills in critiquing their artwork and the artwork of others. This course will encourage students to develop their own style by creating work that can be used in an art portfolio in preparation for career and college applications.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Art 2 11912 or Contemporary Painting 11917

CTE Course

RIC Art 4 11914 1 credit Grade 12

This course will focus on the mastery of art techniques and self-expression. Drawings and paintings will be created in areas of still life, figure, portrait, landscape, and fantasy. Students will learn how to properly assemble a portfolio and prepare one for college and career applications. Students will be expected to work on artwork outside of regular class time.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Art 3: Drawing 11916

CTE Course

Students taking this course may be eligible for credit in conjunction with the Rhode Island College Early Enrollment Program. In order to receive a RI College transcript for the HS course, students are required to follow all RI College enrollment procedures and complete the enrollment process by the college’s registration dates. Student work will be assessed according to the college’s grading policy.

AP/RIC Drawing 11925 1 credit Grade 12

This rigorous course is designed for the highly motivated student who is seriously interested in the practice of art and is ready for challenges beyond the secondary school level. The course reflects high quality art making, concentration in a particular area of choice, and breadth of experience. The student will be expected to put in many hours of work outside the regularly scheduled class period. Students who enroll in this AP course are required to complete the appropriate AP exam in May. Payment and online registration for the exam will be required during the first weeks of school in September.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Art 3 11916, teacher recommendation and there is required summer drawing assignments that must be completed to be in this course.

CTE Course

Students who enroll in this AP course are required to complete the appropriate AP exam in May. Payment and online registration for the exam will be required during the first weeks of school in September.

Students taking this course may be eligible for credit in conjunction with the Rhode Island College Early Enrollment Program. In order to receive a RI College transcript for the HS course, students are required to follow all RI College enrollment procedures and complete the enrollment process by the college’s registration dates. Student work will be assessed according to the college’s grading policy.

AP 2-D Art 11929 1 credit Grade 12

This course is designed for the highly motivated art students who are seriously interested in 2-D Design and is ready for the challenges beyond the secondary level. This course reflects quality and a sustained concentration in a particular area of choice and a breadth of experience. The main focus of the course includes utilizing the elements and principles of design in a conscious way to create 2-D compositions. The principles of design (unity/variety, balance, emphasis, contrast, rhythm, repetition, proportion/scale figure/ground relationships) are used in conjunction with the visual elements (line, shape, color, value, texture, space) as the organizational tools needed for effective design. This advanced course allows students apply their knowledge and experiences of 2-D design through many 2-D processes including illustration, graphic design, photography, collage, textile design, and printmaking. The student will be expected to put in many hours of work outside the regularly scheduled class period. 

Prerequisite: Art 3 or Graphic Design and there are required summer drawing assignments that must be completed to be in this course.

Students who enroll in this AP course are required to complete the appropriate AP exam in May. Payment and online registration for the exam will be required during the first weeks of school in September.

Graphic Arts 11919 1/2 credit Grades 11-12

This course explores the art of visual communication through two-dimensional design. Students considering a career in fields such as advertising, publishing, book/magazine layout, packaging design, corporate design, motion graphics, animation, or web design should enroll in this course. An emphasis will be placed on the practical aspects of commercial art and how it is used in real world applications. Students will engage in techniques, tools, and procedures used in the creative design process. Students will work both in the computer lab and the art studio combining digital work with traditional art materials. Class assignments will explore the Elements and Principles of Art and Design while instructing students through the applications of Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator.

Prerequisites: B or better in Art 1 11911 or Mixed Media 11920 or Fine Arts proficiency in another area.

CTE Course

Photography 11921 1/2 credit Grades 11-12

Students are encouraged to have their own digital SLR camera; however, students without cameras will be able to use the school’s equipment in class. This course explores photography as a powerful means of communication and as an expressive form of contemporary art. Students will learn camera basics and all aspects of digital cameras and photography techniques. Students will learn the tools necessary to enhance and manipulate images using Adobe Photoshop.

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Art 1 11911 or Mixed Media 11920 or Fine Arts proficiency in another area.

CTE Course

Advanced Photography 11924 1/2 credit Grades 11-12

This course will focus on expanding the skills learned and applied in the entry level Photography class, particularly for use in real world applications (Project-Based Learning) including school and community-based projects. Students will be introduced to more sophisticated techniques in both photography and Photoshop as a vehicle to create works that reflects that individual student’s spirit and vision. The development of a portfolio, including a concentration that investigates an idea of personal interest, is the cornerstone of this class.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Photography