Visual Arts Course Offerings

Foundations of Art 1
Humanities
Course Code: 900
Credits: 0.5
Grade: All
Weight: General
Schools: C, K, W, WAMS, WCA, SS
This is a basic art class that covers the elements and principles of design. Students will learn various drawing techniques to create the illusion of three dimensional spaces on a two dimensional surface using two and one point perspective and develop as well as enhance existing drawing skills so that the student can draw more realistically. This will be achieved through various mediums and values of shading in pencil and colored pencil. Ideas will be developed through primary sketches to create larger compositions. The students will learn how to mix colors using all the mediums. Various artists and works of art associated with these artists will be discussed and used as a basis for art works and projects produced in class. Students will be able to analyze and evaluate their works of art through reflection, evaluation and assessment. Although this course is highly recommended for students pursuing a visual art path, it is not a prerequisite for any other art courses.

Foundations of Art 2
Humanities
Course Code: 908
Credits: 0.5
Grade: All
Weight: General
Schools: C, K, W, WAMS, WCA, SS
This is a basic art class that covers the elements and principles of design. Students will apply the knowledge of the elements and principles of designs as well as previously developed skills to work on advanced art lessons. They will be able to identify significant artists and their art works and be able to exemplify the elements and principles of design used in their artworks as seen in other artists' paintings, drawings, sculptures, etc. They will further their skills with painting and drawing and be able to combine two or more mediums to create an artwork in a successful composition.  There work will include analyzing, evaluating, reflecting and assessing. Although this course is highly recommended for students pursuing a visual art path, it is not a prerequisite for any other art courses.

Visual Communications Design 1
Humanities
Course Code: 1009/1009A/1009B/1009C
Credits: 1.0
Grade: All
Weight: General
Schools: C, K, W, WAMS
Formerly known as Graphic Arts. Develop and apply techniques in visual communication through the use of traditional and electronic media. Create original artworks for a variety of intended purposes such as personal, commercial, informational, social, cultural and environmental. Develop an understanding of ways in which artists communicate meaningful ideas for a specific purpose or intent. Become familiar with ethical issues related to the field of visual communications. Maintain a traditional and non-traditional sketchbook in addition to compiling a beginning visual communications portfolio.

Visual Communications Design 2
Humanities
Course Code: 1010/1010A/1010B/1010C
Credits: 1.0
Grade: All
Weight: General
Schools: C, K, W, WAMS, WCA, SS
Formerly known as Graphic Arts 2. Prerequisite is Visual Communications 1. Create original works that express depth of thought and complex ideas through visual communication. Use a variety of 2-D, 3-D, and 4-D traditional and electronic media to communicate ideas related to personal, commercial, informational, social, political, cultural, spiritual, or environmental issues. Work with design components, consider technical aspects and focus on ways to interact with the viewer in communication of ideas. Maximize creative approaches and take into account the parameters of a client-driven environment. Conduct oral presentations and critiques and compile a required portfolio based on evidence of content, design quality, and technical skill. Address ethical issues related to the field of visual communications.

Advanced Visual Communications Design
Humanities
Course Code: 1011 / 1011A /  1011B / 1011C
Credits: 1.0
Grade: All
Weight: General
Schools: C, K, W, WAMS
Prerequisite is Visual Communications 2.
Refine technical skills and develop a personal style in an advanced study of visual communications. Exhibit initiative, commitment, and an openness to new approaches and conduct an in-depth exploration of a specific idea or theme. Consider aesthetics and issues related to the influence of mass media and visual culture in the development of personal artistic style, and use of symbolism and content. Compile a required final portfolio evidencing effective content, quality, concentration, and breadth of experience. Arrange and present an exhibition of personal artwork. Address ethical issues related to the field of visual communications.

Drawing 1
Humanities
Course Code: 902 / 902E / 9031
Credits: 1.0
Grade: All
Weight: General
Schools: C, K, W, WAMS, WCA, E
This is a beginning drawing course that will teach the basic steps and techniques used in drawing from observation. Students will develop confidence and drawing skills to express visual facts. Emphasis will be placed on perspective and structure. This course provides an in-depth exploration of a variety of tools and materials and the time needed to refine skills.

Drawing 2
Humanities
Course Code: 909/909E
Credits: 1.0
Grade: All
Weight: General
Schools: C, K, W, WAMS, WCA
Students will continue to refine their drawing skills, along with the organization of 2-dimensional surfaces, through observational studies of the figure and the environment. A variety of drawing media will be used.

Drawing: UCONN
Humanities
Course Code: 1030
Credits: 1.0
Grade: All
Weight: AP/Post Secondary
Schools: WAMS
This course examines American popular music within its historical and social context. It will encourage students to think about popular music as it  relates to historical episodes and cultural qualities. Students will study significant styles of American popular music, with a focus on selected songs that exemplify their respective genres, and explore several recurring themes throughout the course:

1. the role of popular music and its relation to society 

2. the interaction of European American, African American, and Latin American traditions

3. the influence of mass media and technology (printing, recording, radio, video, internet)

The course will  focus on the development of various styles of music from the United States such as Blues, Gospel, Jazz, R&B,  Rock & Roll and Hip-Hop.  Other genres of World music will also be examined as a means to show their influence on American popular music such as genres from South America, Africa, and the Caribbean.  In addition, students will investigate how these styles of music reflect the societies or historical times periods that created them. Students also have the ability for informal music performance and creation within the classroom.

Painting 1
Humanities
Course Code: 9071
Credits: 1.0
Grade: All
Weight: General
Schools: C, K, W, WAMS, WCA, E, SS
Painting courses provide a foundation in painting using a variety of techniques and media (such as watercolor, tempera, oils, acrylics), emphasizing observation and interpretation of the visual environment, life drawing, and imaginative painting. These courses typically include applying the elements of art and principles of design, along with a study of art and artists from a worldwide perspective, and instruction in the critique process.

Painting 2
Humanities
Course Code: 9072
Credits: 1.0
Grade: All
Weight: General
Schools: C, K, W, WAMS, WCA
Painting 2 uses and refines a variety of techniques and media, emphasizing observation and interpretation of the visual environment, life drawing, and imaginative painting. The elements of art and principles of design are applied, along with a study of art and artists from a worldwide perspective, and instruction in the critique process. Advanced courses may encourage students to refine their creative processes and develop their own artistic styles following and breaking from traditional conventions.

Sculpture 1
Humanities
Course Code: 904 / 904E / 9081
Credits: 0.5
Grade: All
Weight: General
Schools: C, K, W, WAMS, SS
Practice and apply three-dimensional design and sculpture techniques. Explore a variety of materials and approaches to create meaningful sculptures related to the theme of perceptions of self. Think creatively and critically to meet challenges and solve problems in innovative ways. Study the history of sculpture and lead contemporary sculptors to inform artmaking. Compile and maintain a required sculpture portfolio.

Sculpture 2
Humanities
Course Code: 911 / 911E / 9082
Credits: 0.5
Grade: All
Weight: General
Schools: C, K, W, WAMS
Prerequisite: Sculpture 1
Engage in advanced study of sculpture to acquire and apply in-depth knowledge of three-dimensional processes. Explore form, volume and material to create original sculptures in response to social and contemporary issues. Study historical and cultural styles and leading artists in the field to inform artmaking. Improve understanding and production through critique and evaluation processes. Use professional exhibition techniques to arrange a comprehensive display of personal work. Compile a culminating portfolio evidencing expressive content, quality, concentration, and breadth of experience.

Ceramics 1
Humanities
Course Code: 906 / 9021
Credits: 0.5
Grade: All
Weight: General
Schools: C, K, W, WAMS, SS
Practice and apply three-dimensional design and ceramic techniques. Explore a variety of materials and approaches to create functional and decorative ceramic objects related to the theme of perceptions of self. Think creatively and critically to meet challenges and solve problems in innovative ways. Study the history of ceramics and leading contemporary ceramic artists to inform artmaking. Compile and maintain a required ceramic art portfolio.

Ceramics 2
Humanities
Course Code: 9021
Credits: 0.5
Grade: All
Weight: General
Schools: C, K, W, WAMS
Prerequisite: Ceramics 1
Engage in advanced study of ceramics to acquire and apply in-depth knowledge of ceramic processes. Explore form and material to sharpen techniques and to create original ceramic objects in response to social and contemporary issues. Study historical and cultural styles and leading practitioners to inform artmaking. Improve understanding and production through critique and evaluation processes. Use professional exhibition techniques to arrange a comprehensive display of personal work. Compile a culminating ceramic art portfolio evidencing expressive content, quality, concentration, and breadth of experience.

Digital Photography 1
Humanities or STEM
Course Code: 9022
Credits: 1.0
Grade: All
Weight: General
Schools: WAMS
Digital Photography is a year-long introduction to digital cameras for students at the beginning level. The course will use digital photography to help students learn and apply the basic elements of art and the principles of design. This course will also provide students with opportunities to extend their knowledge and skills in the field of photography and the use of Adobe Photoshop and Light room. Digital Photography will familiarize the student with digital photographic equipment, materials, methods, and processes.

Digital Photography 2
Humanities or STEM
Course Code: 9062
Credits: 1.0
Grade: All
Weight: General
Schools: WAMS
Prerequisite: Digital Photography 1
This is an advanced digital photography course for students who have completed Digital Photography 1. Students will build upon their skills in Adobe Photoshop and Light room while practicing their digital photography camera skills and techniques learned in the beginning course. The course focus will include both image capture techniques and post-processing techniques in the digital lab. The students will explore studio and on-location lighting techniques to enhance their photography in the fields of commercial art, product photography, portraiture, fashion, nature and landscape, photojournalism, lifestyle, documentary, and fine art. Students will assess their own strengths and weaknesses and be routinely critiqued by peers and instructors. Hands-on experience will be both independent and team-based. 

Printmaking
Humanities
Course Code: 9091
Credits: 1.0
Grade: All
Weight: General
Schools: WAMS
Printmaking is the process of producing images by means of reproduction techniques which may, or may not, include a printing press. In Printmaking I students will develop skill in creating original, multi color monoprints, linocuts collagraphs, woodcut, etching and silkscreen.

Animation 1
Humanities
Course Code: 1012 / 1012A / 1012B / 1012C
Credits: 0.5
Grade: All
Weight: General
Schools: WAMS
Prerequisite: Visual Communications Design 1
Learn to use 2D and 3D computer software to create animation. Create personally expressive animations and communicate visually in effective ways through the use of modeling, story and character development, and lifelike motion. Become familiar with animation related careers such as game design, animation, film and television special effects.

Multimedia Art
Humanities
Course Code: 1014 / 1014A / 1014B / 1014C
Credits: 0.5
Grade: All
Weight: General
Schools: WAMS
The Multimedia Art course emphasizes applying the fundamental processes of artistic expression for the purpose of creating Multimedia art that addresses contemporary social, cultural, and political issues. This course includes the history and development of artistic concepts used in multiple forms of media including a combination of mixed media art, graphic design and many digital art forms. This course provides students with the opportunity to develop foundational skills and knowledge while they also become more adept in visual art communication that can be applied to multiple media platforms. Students will engage in critique of their own Multimedia work, that of their peers, and the Multimedia work of modern master artists for the purpose of reflecting on and refining work for presentation.

Urban Art
Humanities
Course Code: 1015 / 1015A / 1015B / 1015C
Credits: 0.5
Grade: All
Weight: General
Schools: WAMS
Requires a recommendation from instructor and parental permission slip. This course is designed to take place in and around the community as well as in the classroom in order to gain a greater understanding of the relationship that exists between the arts and the community and to utilize every opportunity to explore art and culture. Students will experiment and participate in a series of reflective exercises with graffiti and street art techniques. The class will contribute their outcomes to a collaborative piece.

Drawing: Advanced Placement
Humanities
(Formerly Studio Art AP)
Course Code: 1017 / 1017A / 1017B / 1017C
Credits: 1.0
Grade: All
Weight: AP/Post Secondary
Schools: C, K, W, WAMS
This course is designed for highly motivated, advanced art students who have demonstrated a serious interest in the study of art. Ideally suited for students who work well independently, the course will focus on the preparation of a drawing portfolio of artworks that exhibit quality, concentration in an area of visual interest or problem solving, and breadth of experience in the formal, technical, and expressive means of an artist. The drawing portfolio addresses a broad interpretation of drawing issues including painting, printmaking, studies for sculpture, some forms of design, and abstract and observational works. Students will prepare and submit drawing portfolios based on objectives that reflect the format and requirements established by the College Board for Advanced Placement Studio Art. Students who complete this course are encouraged to take the associated Advanced Placement examination and may earn college credit if a qualifying score is achieved.

3D Art and Design: Advanced Placement
Humanities
Course Code: 1018 / 1018A / 1018B / 1018C
Credits: 1.0
Grade: All
Weight: AP/Post Secondary
Schools: WAMS
Prerequisite: Design 1 and 2
This course is designed for highly motivated, advanced art students who have demonstrated a serious interest in the study of art. Ideally suited for students who work well independently, the course will focus on the preparation of a two-dimensional design portfolio of artworks that exhibit quality, concentration in an area of visual interest or problem solving, and breadth of experience in the formal, technical, and expressive means of an artist. The two-dimensional portfolio may include, but is not limited to, forms of artwork in graphic design, typography, digital imaging, photography, collage, fabric design, weaving, illustration, painting, and printmaking. Students will submit two-dimensional portfolios based on objectives that reflect the format and requirements established by the College Board for Advanced Placement Studio Art. Students who complete this course are encouraged to take the associated Advanced Placement examination and may earn college credit if a qualifying score is achieved.

Drawing: UCONN
Humanities
Course Code:
Credits: 1.0
Grade: All
Weight: AP/Post Secondary
Schools: WAMS
In Drawing 1030, the objective is to develop an awareness and understanding of how to construct drawings based on observation. This kind of drawing is developed out of a process that involves learning to see. Learning to see requires patience, concentration, and practice. You will gain an understanding of and awareness of strategies such as perspective, composition, line weight, proportion, and measurement used in describing forms in space. In constructing drawings on observation, emphasis is placed on drawing exercises and assignments both in and outside of class. Still, life objects and interior space are the standard subject matter. Group critiques are held at various times during the semester.