Visual and Performing Arts
Course Description Key
Descriptions of the courses offered at San Marcos High School are outlined in the following pages. Students should take note of the grade levels at which the course may be taken, prerequisites, and the length of the course (semester or year-long).
Some of the abbreviations commonly used in this section are explained below.
A-G Designation UC/CSU admission requirements (identifies courses that meet the entrance requirements of that school)
AP Advanced Placement (designates classes to prepare students for the Advanced Placement exams, which may result in a student’s receiving college credit for a course, even though the course was completed in high school
ELD English Language Development (designates English classes for those learning English as a second language).
(P) College preparatory (designates classes accepted by colleges and universities for purposes of meeting their entrance requirements)
(H) Honors (designates honors classes designed to prepare students for Advanced Placement classes)
AP Music Theory
AP MUSIC THEORY - 65252
Grade level: 10-12
A-G Designation: F - Visual and Performing Arts
Recommended Previous Course of Study: Digital Music (recommended)
AP Music Theory will introduce advanced concepts of music theory to students. The aim of this course is to improve students’ performance, aural, analytical, and composition skills. Music Theory is an intensive, fast paced course that touches on aspects of melody, harmony, texture, form, musical analysis, and composition. This course also includes an aural section of sight-singing, melodic and harmonic dictation, and listening examples. This is a crucial course for anyone looking to pursue music professionally or for anyone who has a passion for music and wants to explore their interests.
Band, Ensembles and Color Guard
COLOR GUARD (P) - 65152
Grade level: 9-12
A-G Designation: F - Visual and Performing Arts (Pending)
Recommended Previous Course of Study: Audition and/or consent of teacher. (Repeatable)
Students enrolled in Color Guard will learn to perform dance routines with equipment such as flags and simulated rifles and sabers. In the fall semester members of the Color Guard will be concurrently enrolled as members of the Marching Band. In the spring, students perform at competitions sponsored by the Winter Guard Association of Southern California. Students in Color Guard will be required to attend after school and weekend rehearsals and performances.
MARCHING BAND (P) - 15150
Grade level: 9-12
A-G Designation: F - Visual and Performing Arts
Recommended Previous Course of Study: Consent of instructor and concurrent enrollment in Concert Band, Color Guard, or Percussion Ensemble. (Repeatable) * Fall semester of Marching Band counts as 5 credits of PE
Students enrolled in the marching band will be required to attend after school and weekend rehearsals, performances, and competitions. Attendance at a 2-3 week Summer Music Academy prior to the beginning of the school year will be required of all who enroll in the marching band. Students may be able to fulfill the physical education graduation requirements through participation in the marching band.
Students who participate in the Percussion Ensemble, Winter Guard, or Axiom will be enrolled for the entire year. Students who participate in Percussion Ensemble, Winter Guard, or Axiom must be concurrently enrolled in Percussion, Color Guard, Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, or Jazz Ensemble. Students who participate in Winter Guard must be enrolled in Color Guard. All others will only be enrolled for the fall semester.
CONCERT BAND (P) - 65153
Grade level: 9-12
A-G Designation: F - Visual and Performing Arts
Recommended Previous Course of Study: At least one year of experience on a traditional concert band instrument. (Repeatable)
Concert band students work to develop strong fundamental skills in the performance practice of wind instruments. Elements of music theory, harmony, and rhythm are covered. Students in Concert Band will perform a wide variety of compositions that are available for the idiom. Students are required to attend all performances scheduled throughout the school year.
WIND ENSEMBLE (H) - 65251 (Weighted Grade)
Grade level: 9-12
A-G Designation: F - Visual and Performing Arts
Recommended Previous Course of Study: Audition and/or consent of teacher. (Repeatable)
Students enrolled in Wind Ensemble will perform the highest level literature available for the idiom. Elements of advanced music theory, harmony, and rhythm are covered. At the end of the fall semester students will audition and either remain enrolled in the Wind Ensemble or join Concert Band for the spring semester. Students are required to attend all performances scheduled throughout the school year.
JAZZ ENSEMBLE (P) - 65155
Grade level: 9-12
A-G Designation: F - Visual and Performing Arts
Recommended Previous Course of Study: Audition and/ or consent of instructor. (Repeatable)
Enrollment in the Jazz Ensemble will be limited to students who perform on the following instruments: saxophone, trombone, trumpet, drums, bass, guitar, piano, and auxiliary percussion. Students will audition at the beginning of the school year. Students in Jazz Ensemble will perform a wide variety of jazz literature and elements of music theory, harmony, rhythm, and improvisation relative to the idiom will be covered. Students who play wind instruments are required to be concurrently enrolled in either Concert Band or Wind Ensemble. Students in the Jazz Ensemble are required to attend all performances scheduled throughout the school year.
PERCUSSION (P) - 65157
Grade level: 9-12
A-G Designation: F - Visual and Performing Arts
Recommended Previous Course of Study: Concurrent enrollment in marching band or instructor approval
Percussion, comprised of instrumentalists who perform both in conjunction with the Madrigal/Jazz Choir, and on their own as an instrumental ensemble, will emphasize techniques of both jazz and classical musical styles, including reading rhythms, phrasing, articulation, blend, balance, intonation, dynamics, and harmonic theory. Material will be performed from diverse genres, including swing, blues, Latin jazz, be-bop, as well as classical pieces from the baroque, classical, romantic, and contemporary period. Students will achieve proficiency in both performance, rehearsal skills, compositional skills, as well as improvisational skills, while gaining a historical perspective of jazz and classical composers, history, and events surrounding the creation of this music.
Ceramics and Sculpture
Grade level: 10-12
A-G Designation: F - Visual and Performing Arts
Recommended Previous Course of Study: None
This course includes wheel throwing, creating utilitarian and sculptural clay forms, experimentation with glaze preparation and application, and kiln loading and firing. You will get dirty in this class! Materials fee: $15/semester
CERAMICS 2 (P) - 65112
Grade level: 11-12
A-G Designation: F - Visual and Performing Arts
Recommended Previous Course of Study: Grade of C or better in Ceramics and teacher recommendation.
This course is designed for students that have already taken a year of Ceramics and wish to further their exploration in the ceramic arts. Students will be given advanced wheel-throwing assignments and will take part in advanced firing techniques and glaze calculations.
SCULPTURE 1 (P) - 65113
Grade level: 10-12
A-G Designation: F - Visual and Performing Arts
Recommended Previous Course of Study: None
This class incorporates the hands-on use of various materials in exploring the principles and elements of three-dimensional design. Students are introduced to the foundational methods and techniques of sculpting while working with media such as clay, papier- mâché, wire, stone, and wood.
SCULPTURE 2 (P) - 65114
Grade level: 11-12
A-G Designation: F - Visual and Performing Arts
Recommended Previous Course of Study: C or better in Sculpture and teacher recommendation.
Advanced Sculpture students will work independently on problem-based assignments that foster creative expression and authenticity. Students will explore various Medias including clay, metal, and plaster to complete advanced-level projects.
Choir
Grade level: 9-12
A-G Designation: F - Visual and Performing Arts
Recommended Previous Course of Study: None (Repeatable)
This class explores all styles of vocal music. Students will learn basic vocal techniques for ensemble singing. Beginning elements of music literacy are covered. The class is a performing group appropriate for both experienced and inexperienced singers. Students are required to attend all performances scheduled throughout the year.
ADVANCED CHOIR(P) - 65159
Grade level: 9-12
A-G Designation: F - Visual and Performing Arts
Recommended Previous Course of Study: Audition/Instructor Approval
This class explores all styles of vocal music, with an emphasis in acapella and chamber repertoire. Students will develop and apply musical techniques suitable for ensemble and solo singing. Basic harmony and theory are covered. Students are required to attend all performances scheduled throughout the year.
Dance
DANCE 1 (P) - 15111
Grade level: 9-12
A-G Designation: F - Visual and Performing Arts
Recommended Previous Course of Study: None
In this co-ed course, students learn dance at the beginning level. This introductory course explores various dance styles with an emphasis on ballet basics, jazz, modern, lyrical, hip-hop, and musical theatre at a basic level. Students also learn the importance of proper technique, by understanding body alignment, placement, and articulation. Improvisation and choreography are introduced. Students will critique themselves in group settings for reflection and personal growth. Focus of movement is on the quality and accuracy of movement, rather than difficulty or speed. Spring performances are required. Proper dance attire is worn in class.
DANCE 2 (P) - 15112
Grade level: 9-12
A-G Designation: F - Visual and Performing Arts
Recommended Previous Course of Study: Audition or teacher’s permission. (Repeatable)
In this co-ed course, students learn dance at the intermediate level. Students continue their exploration to improve upon skills from a wide range of dance techniques including more challenging class work in regards to the fundamental technique of ballet, jazz, modern, hip hop, lyrical, and musical theater. Dancers are also challenged to continue building a solid foundation of body alignment, placement, and articulation. Students will view and critique themselves in group settings for reflection and personal growth. Focus of movement is on quality and accuracy of movement and the element of sequencing becomes more important with the ultimate goal of preparing students for a more Advanced Dance course. Performance is required and proper dance attire is enforced.
DANCE 3 (P) - 15113
Grade level: 9-12
A-G Designation: F - Visual and Performing Arts
Recommended Previous Course of Study: Audition Only (Repeatable)
In this co-ed course, students learn dance at the advanced level. Students have a background in dance and they are working on perfecting their advanced level technique. This course is designed to continue an in depth, intensive student of ballet, jazz, modern, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, and musical theater. Dancers at this level have a solid understanding of the various dance genres, both cognitively and physically. The focus at this level is on execution at a high level of accuracy and further explorations of choreography, movement invention, and continued artistic integrity. Mastery of performance and technical element is expected. Dancers continue to explore the history of dance as well as current trends. Performance is required and students have the opportunity to choreograph and perform their own work. Proper dance attire is expected and enforced.
DANCE PRODUCTION (P) - 15114
Grade level: 9-12
A-G Designation: F - Visual and Performing Arts
Recommended Previous Course of Study: Audition Only (Repeatable)
This performance level class focuses on all levels of dance technique and gives the students the opportunity to perform throughout the year at school events, competitions, and dance concerts. Emphasis is placed on student application of dance, staging, and performance techniques in student/coach choreographed works for small to large groups. Course work includes dance technique in various genres (current and classical), performance skill, choreography, improvisation, rhythm and style. Performance is required and students have the opportunity to choreograph and perform their own work. Proper dance attire is expected and enforced.
BALLET FOLKLORICO (P) - 15110
Grade level: 9-12
A-G Designation: F - Visual and Performing Arts
Recommended Previous Course of Study: None
Ballet Folklórico is an introductory dance skills course, this course is designed to expose students to the history and culture of the Mexican people, through
its music and dance. This course will introduce students to the basic skills necessary to learn Mexican folklórico dance and will also allow the students to
learn basic performing skills. Students will be able to perceive and respond, demonstrate movement skills, process sensory information, and describe
movement, using the vocabulary and elements of dance as outlined in the content standards.
It also provides instruction in the aesthetic, cultural, and historical dimensions of Mexican folkloric dance tradition. Each year a specific repertoire of
dances from various regions of greater Mexico will be taught in preparation for public performances both on and off campus.
Ballet Folklórico is designed for work at a beginning level to build upon and refine technique, and styles, and overall knowledge regarding the production,
art and heritage of folklórico dance. There will be a strong emphasis on a student directed lecture demonstrations, performances, and touring. College and
career opportunities will also be explored.
Digital Music
Grade level: 9-12
A-G Designation: F - Visual and Performing Arts
Recommended Previous Course of Study: None (Repeatable)
Students in digital music will focus on composition techniques and song writing skills while learning elements of computer based music and digital editing. Students will learn how to use Sibelius composition software, Reason music syntheses, Pro Tools editing and Logic music creation programs.
DIGITAL MUSIC 2: AUDIO/MUSIC FOR VIDEO GAMES - 82111
Grade level: 9-12
A-G Designation: F - Visual and Performing Arts
Recommended Previous Course of Study: None (Repeatable)
This course focuses on the creation and implementation of music and sound for video games. Using a variety of video games students will analyze interactive sounds during gameplay, then learn how to create and combine elements of music, sound effects, and dialogue to complete a scene from a game and production workflow using Unity and Wwise platforms.
AP MUSIC THEORY - 65252
Grade level: 10-12
A-G Designation: F - Visual and Performing Arts
Recommended Previous Course of Study: None
AP Music Theory will introduce advanced concepts of music theory to students. The aim of this course is to improve students’ performance, aural, analytical, and composition skills. Music Theory is an intensive, fast paced course that touches on aspects of melody, harmony, texture, form, musical analysis, and composition. This course also includes an aural section of sight-singing, melodic and harmonic dictation, and listening examples. This is a crucial course for anyone looking to pursue music professionally or for anyone who has a passion for music and wants to explore their interests.
Digital Photography
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY 1 (P) - 81109
Grade level: 9-12
A-G Designation: F - Visual and Performing Arts
Recommended Previous Course of Study: None
A visual arts and California Career and Technical Education (CTE) course that introduces students to the principles and elements of digital photographic forms and concepts through hands-on use of digital photography equipment and technology. Both original, untouched photographic images and digital images manipulated with various computer-based programs will be explored.
ADVANCED DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY 2 (P) - 82109
Grade level: 10-12
A-G Designation: F - Visual and Performing Arts
Recommended Previous Course of Study: Grade of C or better in Digital Photography and teacher recommendation.
This is an advanced level visual arts and California Career and Technical Education class (CTE). Second-year digital photography students will have the opportunity to experiment with advanced photographic techniques, digital art image manipulation, advanced computer-based software programs, and image making technology.
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY 3 (H) - 83209 (Weighted Grade)
Grade level: 10-12
A-G Designation: Pending UC/CSU Approval
Recommended Previous Course of Study: C or better in Photo 2
In level 3 of Digital Photography, the students will have the opportunity to earn a 5.0, in this weighted course. Students will be expected to work more independently and focus on a handful of ongoing projects in and outside of class, simultaneously. Photo 3 students will meet one on one with the instructor, outside of class, throughout the year, to go over their work. During class, students will have time to edit and work on their projects with the instructor’s feedback. Photo 3 students will offer their knowledge to Photo 2 students by giving feedback, suggestions, and offer help during class time. Photo 3 students are expected to explore and research photographers, artists, and techniques and experiment with new ideas. They will dig deeper into Photoshop, the studio, and DSLR cameras. They will be expected to write short photo essays and explore alternative photographic techniques. Students will also be expected to visit photography exhibits every quarter. Photo 3 students will be pulled throughout the year to help around the school for any photographic needs, as well as work for the school yearbook. Photo 3 students will be highlighted at the end of the year photography exhibit and will need to print their own work for the show in May. If a student intends to take the fourth level, AP Photography, they should begin their photograph work in Photo 3. The student should alert their instructor, if they intend to take AP photography, at the beginning of Photo 3. Students are expected to have a DSLR camera at all times in and outside of the classroom. DSLR cameras are available for rent, for honors students. **Seniors who are interested in taking Photo 2: Advanced, have the option of enrolling in AP 2D Art & Design instead. This means that they will learn Photo 3: Honors curriculum with the class but also have the option to work on an AP Photography Portfolio that can be submitted to the college board, at the end of the school year.
Year 4: AP 2-D ART & DESIGN IN PHOTOGRAPHY - 85209 (Weighted/Potential College Credit)
Grade level: 10-12
A-G Designation: F - Visual and Performing Arts
Recommended Previous Course of Study: C or better in Photo 3 Honors
In the fourth and final course of Digital Photography, the students will have the chance to earn a 5.0 in this weighted course. Unlike other traditional AP classes where students are required to take a written test in May, students will instead work all semester to produce a body of photographic work to submit to the AP College Board in May. If a student passes with a 3 or higher, they will earn their 2D Design college credit. This course usually takes about a year to complete so a student should decide by Photo 3 if they intend to take AP photo. The students will be expected to work independently, maintain a rigid work schedule, plan small critiques with other Photo 4 students and their instructor. Students will need to keep a sketchbook that will document their photographic projects. Students will continue perfecting their editing and retouching skills and apply them to printed photographs that will be displayed at the end of the year in their photography exhibition. Students will also work to prepare their digital and printed portfolios for the AP College Board. This course may require a minimum of 5 hours a week outside of class, to be successful. Students are expected to have a DSLR camera at all times in and outside of the classroom. DSLR cameras are available for rent, for AP students. When signing up for AP Photo, make sure to ask for instructor Briones (as to not get placed in traditional painting/drawing art with the art teacher). **Seniors have the option of taking the AP 2D Art & Design course in their second, third or fourth year of photography.
Drama
Grade level: 9-12
A-G Designation: F - Visual and Performing Arts
Recommended Previous Course of Study: None (Repeatable)
This is an ideal class for developing self-confidence. Students will learn concentration skills, voice, projection, pantomime, improvisation, how to read and analyze a script, and how to memorize and perform a scene before an audience. In order to give each student an overview of the production process, students will learn makeup design, lighting for a small theatre, costuming, publicity, theater history, and characterization.
DRAMA 2 (P) - 65132
Grade level: 9-12
A-G Designation: F - Visual and Performing Arts
Recommended Previous Course of Study: Completion of Drama 1 or consent of instructor (Repeatable)
This course provides an increasing amount of on-stage time with scene assignments and improvisation. Basic make-up application, audition technique, resume writing, and musical theater are included. Principles of drama criticism are further studied, and there is increased emphasis on written critiques of dramatic literature. Homework includes written assignments and memorization which will average three hours per week.
DRAMA 3 (P) - 65133
Grade level: 10-12
A-G Designation: F - Visual and Performing Arts
Recommended Previous Course of Study: C or better in Drama 1 or Drama 2
For the serious student of theater, this class provides an intensive opportunity to explore acting at the college level. Students will be responsible for selecting and working on monologues and scenes to integrate all of their skills into the craft of theatre. In the second half of the term, students will produce and create their own productions based on their personal interests. An audition/ interview is required. Students will apply professional and college-level performance techniques through workshops and performance.
Drawing and Painting and AP Art History
Grade level: 10-12
A-G Designation: F - Visual and Performing Arts
Recommended Previous Course of Study: None
In this course, students learn to see as an artist sees, using right-brain drawing techniques to improve drawing and painting skills. The emphasis is on drawing from observation while exploring various medias such as graphite, charcoal, pastels, watercolor, and tempra.
DRAWING AND PAINTING 2 (P) - 65122
Grade level: 10-12
A-G Designation: F - Visual and Performing Arts
Recommended Previous Course of Study: Grade B or better in Drawing and Painting and teacher recommendation
This upper-level coursework is designed to further challenge students who have already completed a year of Drawing and Painting. Emphasis will be placed upon realistic rendering and advanced painting techniques.
Grade level: 11-12
A-G Designation: F - Visual and Performing Arts
Recommended Previous Course of Study: Teacher signature
This 1 year class is for highly motivated and skilled art students. It emphasizes the development of an art portfolio for college/art school entrance and scholarship competitions. This class will prepare students who choose to take the AP exam for participation in colleges, universities and institutes. The students will investigate all three portfolio components- Quality, Concentration, and Breadth. They will be expected to develop mastery in concept, composition and execution of ideas. Students are responsible for demonstrating mastery at using the elements of art to organize the principles of art in their work.
Grade level: 10-12
A-G Designation: F - Visual and Performing Arts
Recommended Previous Course of Study: No prerequisite
The AP Art History course is equivalent to a two-semester introductory college course that explores the nature of art, art making, and responses to art. By investigating specific course content of 250 works of art characterized by diverse artistic traditions from prehistory to the present, the course fosters in-depth, holistic understanding of the history of art from a global perspective. Students become active participants in the global art world, engaging with its forms and content. They experience, research, discuss, read, and write about art, artists, art making, responses to, and interpretations of art.
Filmmaking and Art of Film
THE ART OF FILM (P) - 85110 (Part of the SMHS Filmmaking Academy Pathway)
Grade level: 9-12
A-G Designation: F - Visual and Performing Arts
Recommended Previous Course of Study: None
Do you love to escape into the world of movies and television shows? Well, here's your chance to find out how the professionals make it happen as we will explore all facets of filmmaking through our analysis of some of the greatest films of all-time. You and your friends will get the chance to watch and learn as we dissect the works of filmmakers such as Steven Spielberg, Spike Lee, Christopher Nolan and David Fincher. You're guaranteed to have a good time, so get started in the San Marcos Filmmaking Academy by taking Art of Film with Mr. Campbell.
FILMMAKING 1 (P) - 81110 (Part of the SMHS Filmmaking Academy Pathway)
Grade level: 9-12
A-G Designation: F - Visual and Performing Arts
Recommended Previous Course of Study: None
Now’s your chance to make movies and YouTube/Instagram videos like the ones you’ve watched over the years. In Filmmaking 1, you and your friends will get to use top of the line cameras, lighting rigs and editing programs to create film-festival worthy productions. You’ll learn how to collaborate with your peers in a variety of ways that will not only be extremely fun, but enlightening, as you explore your imagination in a way that you’ve never done before.
FILMMAKING 2 (P) - 82110 (Part of the SMHS Filmmaking Academy Pathway)
Grade level: 9-12
A-G Designation: F - Visual and Performing Arts
Recommended Previous Course of Study: None
Are you ready to take your creative movie-making skills to the next level? Students in our sought-after Filmmaking 2 course will develop their screenwriting, cinematography, lighting, and editing skills, producing award-winning short films and videos that will be the envy of SMHS students across our campus. Your films will be shown during our weekly showcases in the Student Union and Café as well as submitted to the North County High Schools Film Festival where you’ll have the chance to win cash prizes. Take the final course in San Marcos High School’s Filmmaking Academy before you head out to pursue your own cinematic glory!
FILMMAKING 3 (P) - 83110 (Part of the SMHS Filmmaking Academy Pathway)
Grade level: 11-12
A-G Designation: F - Visual and Performing Arts
Recommended Previous Course of Study: Filmmaking 2/Teacher Approval
Filmmaking 3 is a capstone class for students who have successfully completed Filmmaking 1 and 2. Students will use skills gained in earlier classes to engage in internships with local businesses. Filmmaking 3 is a capstone class for students who have successfully completed Filmmaking 1 and 2 and it’s a time for SMHS students to use the skills they’ve developed during their time in the SMHS Filmmaking Academy as they participate in internships with local businesses, create documentaries and submit films to major film festivals such as the New York City’s All-American High School Film Festival. This will be your crowning achievement during your time in the SMHS Filmmaking Academy!
Floral Design
Grade level: 9-12
A-G Designation: F - Visual and Performing Arts
Recommended Previous Course of Study: None (Repeatable)
This course provides entry-level training in floral design and management. Instruction will include: the principles of floral design, flower preparation and design, identification of materials and tools, caring for and selecting plants, and management of a retail floral operation. Students will gain hands on experience by performing the tasks performed in a retail flower shop.
TV News, Journalism and Yearbook
Grade level: 9-12
A-G Designation: F - Visual and Performing Arts
Recommended Previous Course of Study: None (Repeatable)
Students of the Video Production Program will perform the actual jobs done by today's video, film, and television professionals. Through this unique educational approach, you will be trained and experience the excitement of producing captivating short videos by using computer software and sophisticated video equipment. Gain hands-on training in digital audio and video recording, editing, and production. Learn how to incorporate motion graphics, digital imaging, and special effects. Complete the course by producing a finished DVD for use in your Media Arts portfolio. The video, film, and television production is a collaborative field; students will learn to function as members of an integrated dynamic production team on a wide variety of projects. Video Production is a Telecommunications Academy and Occupational Program Course. **Course articulated with Palomar College. Students who earn a C or better in the course will also earn community college credit.
Grade level: 9-12
A-G Designation: F - Visual and Performing Arts
Recommended Previous Course of Study: None
Journalism helps build an understanding of the role of media in society and provides students with the essential skills of inquiry and self-expression. It teaches our students to live responsible, independent lives in a highly impacted society run by the media. Our program would also focus on critical thinking, literacy, diversity community connections and creative media production.
The Journalism program will also prepare our students for college. We want to promote a curriculum that focuses on preparing the students to explore journalism and news media in higher education and beyond.
Grade level: 9-12
A-G Designation: F - Visual and Performing Arts
Recommended Previous Course of Study:: None
Students in this class produce the school yearbook. Emphasis is on planning and meeting deadlines, taking pictures, writing copy and captions, selling advertising, preparing page layouts, planning budgets, and keeping accounts. Assignments are made by staff members on the basis of the experience, ability, and initiative. Students use various computer programs in producing the yearbook, and this course fulfills the 5-credit computer requirement.
Theater
ETHNIC STUDIES THEATER: THE ART OF STORY TELLING (P) - 65143
Grade level: 9-12
A-G Designation: F - Visual and Performing Arts
Recommended Previous Course of Study: None
The aim of this course is to educate students to be culturally, socially, and economically conscious about their personal connections to local and global histories, while developing a working knowledge of Theater and Film production.
The course explores the basic knowledge of Theater techniques, plays, and skill based activities, while studying the historical narrative of race, ethnicity, nationality, and culture, while cultivating respect and empathy for individuals and solidarity with groups of people locally, nationally and globally. It will center the diversity of experiences within the Black/African American, Chicanx/Latinx, Asian/Asian American, Indigenous/Native American communities.
Students in this course will synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to observe, analyze and create theatrical works. They will investigate cultural perspectives, community ideas and personal beliefs, as related to theater to develop their own voices. They will examine theatrical works with a spotlight on societal, cultural, and historical contexts to deepen understanding and challenge accepted ideas and biases to foster active social engagement and community building.