National Art Honor Society
In 1978 the National Art Education Association began the National Art Honor Society program specifically for high school students, grades 11 & 12 for the purpose of inspiring and recognizing those students who have shown an outstanding ability in art, and to bring art education to the attention of the school and community. Junior and senior art students must present 2.5 (for seniors by the end of 1st semester) completed credits in visual art and maintain a grade point average of 3.5 in those classes to be eligible for membership. Selected students are honored at an induction ceremony and are eligible for various art scholarships
Ceramics
Ceramics
0.5 credit — Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
(1 period per day for 1 semester)
Fee: $30
Students enrolled in this course will have Adobe Creative Cloud software.
This studio course is a broad-based exposure to the methods of hand building and wheel throwing with an emphasis on ceramic history and modes of criticism. Students will explore various clay hand building methods including coil, slab building, and thrown techniques. Students will be involved with each step of the ceramic process in a studio environment. Multiple forms of evaluation and some work outside of class will be required. Due to the nature of this class, size is limited; therefore upperclassmen will be scheduled first. A student fee is charged for this course for expendable materials.
Honors Ceramics
1 credit- Grades 10, 11, 12
(1 period per day for 1 year)
Fee: $60
Prerequisite: Ceramics
Students enrolled in this course will have Adobe Creative Cloud software.
Honors Ceramics is for the student who wants to pursue a rigorous in-depth exploration of ceramics as an art form. The emphasis in this course will be placed on the elements and principles of design, craftsmanship, and an appreciation of arts. Various glazing, decorating and firing processes including high-fire are also explored. A student fee is charged for this course for expendable materials.
Honors Advanced Ceramics/ AP 3D Art and Design
1 credit — Grades 11, 12 Fee: $90 + College Board Exam Fees
Prerequisite: Completion of Ceramics I and Honors Ceramics
(1 period per day for 1 year)
Students enrolled in this course will have Adobe Creative Cloud software.
This course builds on the sequential learning experiences of the Honors Ceramics course that encompass art history, art criticism, aesthetics, and production and lead to the creation of portfolio quality works. Students explore historical and cultural background and connections; analyze, interpret, theorize, and make informed judgments about artwork and the nature of art; create works of art, reflect upon the outcomes, and revise their work; relate art to other disciplines and discover opportunities for integration; and incorporate literacy and presentational skills. Students will be engaged in both instructor-directed and self-directed opportunities. A student fee is charged for this course for expendable materials. An investigative workbook is required, as well as summer homework assignments. Students who choose the AP option will submit digital images of their work for their AP Exam in May.
Designing with Materials
Designing with Materials
0.5 credit — Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
(1 period per day for 1 semester)
Fee: $35
Students enrolled in this course will have Adobe Creative Cloud software.
Designing with materials is an introduction to various mixed media, and other related activities. Emphasis in this course will be placed on the elements and principles of design, craftsmanship, and an appreciation of arts media. This course is designed for the student who enjoys art but may not wish to major in art. The student will be introduced to media that can be used to foster lifetime activities, highlighting planning, organization, and safety. A student fee is charged for this course for expendable materials. However, due to the individual needs and availability of materials, students may be requested to purchase some art supplies appropriate to the specific area of work. Mediums explored will include but not be limited to: printing, batik, fused glass, silk painting, and mixed media.
Honors Designing with Materials
1 credit - Grades 10, 11, 12
(1 period per day for 1 year)
Fee: $70
Prerequisite: Designing with Materials
Students enrolled in this course will have Adobe Creative Cloud software.
Honors Designing with Materials is for the student who wants to pursue a rigorous, more in-depth exploration of different media with an emphasis on elements and principles of design. Students will be expected to demonstrate independent, critical, contextual and visual research from various cultures through entries in a routinely assessed investigative workbook. A student fee is charged for this course for expendable materials. However, due to individual needs, students may be requested to purchase art supplies.
Honors Advanced Designing with Materials/ AP 2D Art and Design (Designing with Materials)
1 credit — Grades 11, 12 Fee: $100 + College Board Exam Fees
Prerequisite: Completion of Designing with Materials and Honors Designing with Materials
(1 period per day for 1 year)
Students enrolled in this course will have Adobe Creative Cloud software.
This course builds on the sequential learning experiences of the Honors Designing with Materials course that encompass art history, art criticism, aesthetics, and production and lead to the creation of portfolio quality works. Students explore historical and cultural background and connections; analyze, interpret, theorize, and make informed judgments about artwork and the nature of art; create works of art, reflect upon the outcomes, and revise their work; relate art to other disciplines and discover opportunities for integration; and incorporate literacy and presentational skills. Students will be engaged in both instructor-directed and self-directed opportunities. A student fee is charged for this course for expendable materials. An investigative workbook is required, as well as summer homework assignments. Students who choose the AP option will submit digital images of their work for their AP Exam in May.
Digital Media
Media Arts
0.5 credit — Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
(1 period per day for 1 semester)
Fee: $20
Students enrolled in this course will have Adobe Creative Cloud software.
Media Arts will give students interested in digital art or visual communications a foundation in industry standard software. Students will create original artworks using various techniques such as scanning in imagery, manipulating photographs, and producing digital videos. Emphasis will be placed on creating compositions that explore the Elements of Art, Principles of Design and storytelling. This course utilizes Adobe Create Cloud software such as Photoshop and Premiere Pro.
Honors Media Arts
1 credit — Grades 10, 11, 12
(1 period per day for 1 year)
Fee: $40
Prerequisite: Media Arts
Students enrolled in this course will have Adobe Creative Cloud software.
Honors Media Arts is a rigorous exploration of digital media for students interested in crafting sophisticated digital media compositions. Students will work on developing their own personal style as an artist. This laboratory course requires work outside of regular class time. Students are expected to demonstrate independent, critical, contextual, and visual research from various cultures through entries in a routinely assessed investigative workbook.
Honors Advanced Media Arts/ AP 2D Art and Design (Media Arts)
1 credit — Grades 11, 12 Fee: $55 + College Board Exam Fees
Prerequisite: Completion of Media Arts and Honors Media Arts
(1 period per day for 1 year)
Students enrolled in this course will have Adobe Creative Cloud software.
This course builds on the sequential learning experiences of the Honors Media Arts course that encompass art history, art criticism, aesthetics, and production and lead to the creation of portfolio quality works. Students explore historical and cultural background and connections; analyze, interpret, theorize, and make informed judgments about artwork and the nature of art; create works of art, reflect upon the outcomes, and revise their work; relate art to other disciplines and discover opportunities for integration; and incorporate literacy and presentational skills. Students will be engaged in both instructor-directed and self-directed opportunities. A student fee is charged for this course for expendable materials. An investigative workbook is required, as well as summer homework assignments. Students who choose the AP option will submit digital images of their work for their AP Exam in May.
Honors Cinematic Arts
1 credit - Grades 10, 11, 12
1 period per day for 1 year
Prerequisite: Media Arts
Fee: $50
Students enrolled in this course will have Adobe Creative Cloud software.
Students in Honors Cinematic Arts will write scripts, shoot, edit and produce original films using industry standard software. Students will view, analyze, and critique films made by peers and professionals. As a result, students will develop an understanding of cinema including the technologies, major themes, the filmmakers who have shaped it, and the cultural impact is has had around the world.
Honors Advanced Cinematic Arts/ AP 2D Art and Design (Cinematic Arts)
1 credit — Grades 11, 12 Fee: $50 + College Board Exam Fees
Prerequisite: Completion of Digital Media and Honors Cinematic Arts
(1 period per day for 1 year)
Students enrolled in this course will have Adobe Creative Cloud software.
This course builds on the sequential learning experiences of the Honors Cinematic Arts course that encompass art history, art criticism, aesthetics, and production and lead to the creation of portfolio quality works. Students explore historical and cultural background and connections; analyze, interpret, theorize, and make informed judgments about artwork and the nature of art; create works of art, reflect upon the outcomes, and revise their work; relate art to other disciplines and discover opportunities for integration; and incorporate literacy and presentational skills. Students will be engaged in both instructor-directed and self-directed opportunities. A student fee is charged for this course for expendable materials. An investigative workbook is required, as well as summer homework assignments. Students who choose the AP option will submit digital images of their work for their AP Exam in May.
Drawing
Drawing
0.5 credit - Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
(1 period per day for 1 semester)
Fee: $20
Prerequisites: No previous courses are required.
Students enrolled in this course will have Adobe Creative Cloud software.
This studio course will explore how observation, concentration and hand-eye coordination skills help students expand their drawing skills, techniques and methods. Students will be introduced to a variety of drawing media such as graphite, charcoal, color pencil, oil pastel and pen and ink with an emphasis on realism, perspective, and portraits. Students will have the opportunity to experiment, form ideas, and develop skills while beginning to create a personal style and voice. A student fee is charged for this course for expendable materials. However, due to individual needs, students may be requested to purchase are supplies.
Honors Drawing
1 credit- Grades 10, 11, 12
(1 period per day for 1 year)
Fee: $45
Prerequisite: Drawing
Students enrolled in this course will have Adobe Creative Cloud software.
This studio course will provide an opportunity for students to further skills with different medial in order to develop personal expression and exploration of their own interests and subject matter. Students will further develop observational skills, ideation, and experimental processes. Through entries in an investigate workbook, students will demonstrate independent, critical, contextual and visual research. A student fee is charged for the course for expendable materials. However, due to individual needs, students may be requested to purchase are supplies.
Honors Advanced Drawing/ AP 2D Art and Design (Drawing)/ AP Drawing
1 credit — Grades 11, 12 Fee: $65 + College Board Exam Fees
Prerequisite: Completion of Drawing and Honors Drawing
(1 period per day for 1 year)
Students enrolled in this course will have Adobe Creative Cloud software.
This course builds on the sequential learning experiences of the Honors Drawing course that encompass art history, art criticism, aesthetics, and production and lead to the creation of portfolio quality works. Students explore historical and cultural background and connections; analyze, interpret, theorize, and make informed judgments about artwork and the nature of art; create works of art, reflect upon the outcomes, and revise their work; relate art to other disciplines and discover opportunities for integration; and incorporate literacy and presentational skills. Students will be engaged in both instructor-directed and self-directed opportunities. A student fee is charged for this course for expendable materials. An investigative workbook is required, as well as summer homework assignments. Students who choose the AP option will submit digital images of their work for their AP Exam in May.
Graphic Design
Digital Design
0.5 credit — Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
(1 period per day for 1 semester)
Fee: $20
Students enrolled in this course will have Adobe Creative Cloud software.
This course introduces the student to the of graphic design. Student focus on learning Adobe Illustrator and associated apps to complete design challenges. In this course emphasis is placed on design to create professional quality work such as logos, advertisements and publications.
Digital Design II
0.5 credit — Grades 10, 11, 12
(1 period per day for 1 semester)
Prerequisite: Desktop Design/Digital Design
Fee: $25
Students enrolled in this course will have Adobe Creative Cloud software.
Students learn the principles of design and typography using professional-grade Adobe design software to create digital drawings, logos, advertisements, magazine layouts, and more. The course provides students with a comprehensive knowledge of Adobe Illustrator. This software will enable the student to design simple and complex illustrations. Intermediate and advanced level projects are used for evaluation.
Honors Advanced Digital Design/ AP 2D Art and Design (Digital Design)
1 credit — Grades 11, 12 Fee: $55 + College Board Exam Fees
Prerequisite: Completion of Digital Design and Digital Design II
(1 period per day for 1 year)
Students enrolled in this course will have Adobe Creative Cloud software.
This course builds on the sequential learning experiences of the Honors Digital Design course that encompass art history, art criticism, aesthetics, and production and lead to the creation of portfolio quality works. Students explore historical and cultural background and connections; analyze, interpret, theorize, and make informed judgments about artwork and the nature of art; create works of art, reflect upon the outcomes, and revise their work; relate art to other disciplines and discover opportunities for integration; and incorporate literacy and presentational skills. Students will be engaged in both instructor-directed and self-directed opportunities. A student fee is charged for this course for expendable materials. An investigative workbook is required, as well as summer homework assignments. Students who choose the AP option will submit digital images of their work for their AP Exam in May.
Jewelry & Metals
0.5 credit - Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
(1 period per day for 1 semester)
Fee: $25
Students enrolled in this course will have Adobe Creative Cloud software.
This studio course will explore basic techniques of jewelry fabrication including sawing, piercing, filing, sanding, soldering, and finishing base metals such as brass, copper and nickel. Students will create wearable and functional pieces with emphasis on personal inspiration and themes throughout all projects. Attention to detail and craftsmanship will be emphasized. Students will use metal as a medium for expressing artistic personal choice and vision, while constructing and solving problems of personal relevance and interest when expressing themselves. A student fee is charged for this course for expendable materials. However, due to individual needs, students may be requested to purchase their own supplies.
Painting
Painting
0.5 credit — Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
(1 period per day for 1 semester)
Fee: $35
Students enrolled in this course will have Adobe Creative Cloud software.
This is a basic course to encourage students to develop their experiences and skills with color, space, shape, form, and texture, with special emphasis on color theory and color mixing through painting. The use of media and tools will include watercolor, and acrylic paint. Students will also learn to use a variety of brush techniques. Assignments focus on sustained studies of still life, land/seascapes, collage, and some nonrepresentational subject themes. Various art history lessons will be introduced in support of each assignment. Group and individual critiques are an integral part of the course. A student fee is charged for this course for expendable materials. However, due to individual needs, students may desire to purchase additional materials.
Honors Painting
1 credit- Grades 10, 11, 12
(1 period per day for 1 year)
Fee: $70
Prerequisite: Painting
Students enrolled in this course will have Adobe Creative Cloud software.
Honors Painting is for the student who is serious and wants to pursue an in-depth exploration of painting as an art form. Artist research, class critiques, experiments with paint application techniques, and painting on a variety of surfaces will be included. Students will be given the opportunity for personal expression and explore their own interests of media and subject matter. The Honors course may require students to complete summer homework assignments. A student fee is charged for this course for expendable materials. However, due to individual needs, students may desire to purchase additional materials.
Honors Advanced Painting/ AP 2D Art and Design (Painting)
1 credit — Grades 11, 12 Fee: $100 + College Board Exam Fees
Prerequisite: Completion of Painting and Honors Painting
(1 period per day for 1 year)
Students enrolled in this course will have Adobe Creative Cloud software.
This course builds on the sequential learning experiences of the Honors Painting course that encompass art history, art criticism, aesthetics, and production and lead to the creation of portfolio quality works. Students explore historical and cultural background and connections; analyze, interpret, theorize, and make informed judgments about artwork and the nature of art; create works of art, reflect upon the outcomes, and revise their work; relate art to other disciplines and discover opportunities for integration; and incorporate literacy and presentational skills. Students will be engaged in both instructor-directed and self-directed opportunities. A student fee is charged for this course for expendable materials. An investigative workbook is required, as well as summer homework assignments. Students who choose the AP option will submit digital images of their work for their AP Exam in May.
Photography
Photography
0.5 credit — Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
(1 period per day for 1 semester)
Primary text: Photo in Focus.
Fee: $20
Students enrolled in this course will have Adobe Creative Cloud software.
Photography is equally divided between basic instruction in the use of the camera and darkroom procedure, and the historical development and current artistic concepts of photography as an art form. Fundamentals of picture taking include camera handling, calculating exposure, and lighting. Darkroom procedures will cover the processing of film, contact printing, enlarging, special effects, and portraits. The artistic qualities of photography will be explored through the history of photography, composition and principles of design, and proper print finishing for professional presentation.
Photography is a laboratory course and requires work outside regular class time. Students are urged to supply his/her own 35 mm SLR camera but cameras may be borrowed if necessary. Photographic paper and matt board will be provided. Students are responsible for providing their own black and white film. A student fee is charged for this course for expendable materials.
Photographic Technology
0.5 credit - Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: Photography
Fee: $20
Students enrolled in this course will have Adobe Creative Cloud software.
Photographic Technology is a course for students interested in pursuing the technical and aesthetic qualities of digital photography. Emphasis in the course will be placed on artistic concepts including subject matter, composition, and use of special effects as they pertain to digital imaging. Students will learn how to improve and manipulate original photographic images using Adobe Photoshop. Photographic Technology is a laboratory course and requires work outside regular class time. Access to a digital camera is recommended but not required. Inkjet paper, and matt board will be provided. A student fee is charged for this course for expendable materials.
Honors Photography
1 credit - Grades 10, 11, 12
(1 period per day for 1 year)
Fee: $40
Prerequisite: Photography
Recommended prerequisite: Photographic Technology
Students enrolled in this course will have Adobe Creative Cloud software.
Honors Photography is for the student who wants to pursue an in-depth exploration of photography as an art form. Studio work will consist of photographic applications that include but are not limited to: advanced black and white darkroom processing and printing, digital photography, the exploration and creation of a variety of alternative processes including Image transfers, cyanotypes and salt prints, and independently designed, self-directed photo shoots carried out both in-studio using studio flash and on-location using existing light. Students will be expected to maintain an investigative workbook for research, planning and assessing photo assignments. This is a laboratory course that requires considerable work outside of regular class time. A student fee is charged for this course for expendable materials. Inkjet paper, photographic paper and mat board will be provided. Students are responsible for providing their own film. Summer homework is required and students should meet with the instructor to discuss those assignments prior to summer break.
Honors Advanced Photography/ AP 2D Art and Design (Photography)
1 credit — Grades 11, 12 Fee: $60 + College Board Exam Fees
Prerequisite: Completion of Photography and Honors Photography
(1 period per day for 1 year)
Students enrolled in this course will have Adobe Creative Cloud software.
This course builds on the sequential learning experiences of the Honors Photography course that encompass art history, art criticism, aesthetics, and production and lead to the creation of portfolio quality works. Students explore historical and cultural background and connections; analyze, interpret, theorize, and make informed judgments about artwork and the nature of art; create works of art, reflect upon the outcomes, and revise their work; relate art to other disciplines and discover opportunities for integration; and incorporate literacy and presentational skills. Students will be engaged in both instructor-directed and self-directed opportunities. A student fee is charged for this course for expendable materials. An investigative workbook is required, as well as summer homework assignments. Students who choose the AP option will submit digital images of their work for their AP Exam in May.
Foto 1140 Introduction to Digital Photography
1 credit — Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
(1 period per day for 1 semester)
Fees: $15
Prerequisite: Completion of the Accuplacer Test and Photography
Students enrolled in this course will have Adobe Creative Cloud software. and Adobe Illustrator.)
Foto 1140 introduces students to the basic principles and applications of digital photography as a medium, a skill-set, and an integral part of today’s digital literacy needs. Topics covered include capturing images using digital cameras while emphasizing the manipulation of camera controls, exposure, lighting, on-and-off cameral flash, essential imaging tactics, digital workflow for photography, print, web, and image storage and archival. Students are required to have a digital camera (point and shoot or DSLR).
This course is considered for College Credit Plus
AP Art History
1 credit - Grades 10, 11, 12
1 period per day for 1 year
Pre-Requisites: No previous courses are required but students may benefit from taking basic art courses offered by UAHS or any art classes requiring studio time.
Fee: $20 + College Board Exam Fee
Click here for more information about AP Art History
Students enrolled in this course will have Adobe Creative Cloud software.
The AP Art History course is equivalent to a two-semester introductory college course that explores topics such as the nature of art, art making, and responses to art. By investigating a specific image set 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, as they experience, research, discuss, read, and write about art, artists, art making, and responses to and interpretations of art.
Visual Arts IB
Visual Arts IB courses are designed to provide students with opportunities to make personal, sociocultural and aesthetic experiences meaningful through the production and understanding of art. Students will be exposed to visual and contextual knowledge of art forms while experimenting with work in various media. IB courses enable students to learn about themselves and others through individual and, where appropriate, collaborative engagement with the visual arts.
The assessment in visual arts consists of an exhibition, process portfolio and a comparative study. Both the finished products and the processes of artistic research and development are assessed. Students will be required to show growth and commitment in the relationship between their studio work and their research workbooks.
Higher Level (240 hours)
IB (HL) is designed for the visual art student specialist possessing creative and imaginative abilities, who may pursue the visual arts at the university level. This is a two year commitment. (240 hours).
40% Exhibition - A selection of resolved artwork showing evidence of technical accomplishment and understanding of the use of materials, ideas and practices appropriate to visual communication. This will be internally assessed.
40% Process Portfolio - A selection of materials which evidence their experimentation, exploration, manipulation and refinement of a variety of visual arts activities.
20% Comparative Study
Standard Level (150 hours)
IB (SL) is designed for the visual arts student with creative and imaginative abilities.
40% Exhibition - A selection of resolved artwork showing evidence of technical accomplishment and understanding of the use of materials, ideas and practices appropriate to visual communication. This will be internally assessed.
40% Process Portfolio - A selection of materials which evidence their experimentation, exploration, manipulation and refinement of a variety of visual arts activities.
20% Comparative Study
IB HL & SL Visual Art
1 credit- Grades 11, 12
(1 period per day for 1 year)
Fee: $70 + IB Fees The approximate cost for a single IB course is $120.00.
Prerequisite: Recommended any level I visual art class.
IB Visual Arts SL and HL is a thought-provoking course in which students develop analytical skills in problem-solving and divergent thinking, while working towards technical proficiency and confidence as art-makers. In addition to exploring and comparing visual arts from different perspectives and in different contexts, students are expected to engage in , experiment with and critically reflect upon a wide range of contemporary practices and media.
All students enrolled in IB Courses are required to take all IB Internal and External assessments. In October of the final year of the course, students will be required to pay IB fees which cover the cost of registration with the IBO, international curriculum and examination development, Internal and External assessments, and examination fees. For more on the cost of the IB program, see here.
