Courses

WCPSS Visual Arts Courses

Visual Arts (2-D)

*Indicates what courses we offer at AFHS

*Beginning (Visual Arts 1)

Prerequisite for all other art courses. 

     This course introduces the elements and principles of design through an exploration of a broad range of media. Activities emphasize skills and techniques in the following areas: drawing, painting, graphics, fibers, ceramics, art history, and three-dimensional design (fibers, ceramics, etc.).

*Intermediate (Visual Arts 2)

Recommended prerequisite(s): Visual Arts – Beginning or portfolio. 

     This course offers an in-depth study of design through repeated use of art elements and principles, while expanding technical abilities. Design is taught through experiences in the following areas: drawing and painting, art history printmaking (silk screening, lino cuts and/or woodcuts), and three-dimensional design (wood, clay, fibers). 

*Proficient (Honors) (Visual Arts 3 Honors)

Recommended prerequisite(s): Visual Arts – Intermediate or portfolio. 

     This level of advanced art involves more in-depth knowledge of processes, media, history, and the development of art. Students understand and apply all skills through a variety of media. Success at the honors level requires rigorous study, excellence in design and production, and extensive knowledge of a variety of art forms. Students are encouraged to explore a variety of media, to produce experimental culturally significant works of art, and to gain an extensive knowledge of art history.

*Advanced Honors (Visual Arts 4 Honors)

Recommended prerequisite(s): Visual Arts Proficient (H) or portfolio. 

     Recommended prerequisite(s): Visual Arts – Proficient or portfolio. This course offers a concentrated study in areas selected cooperatively between the art teacher and the student. Students are challenged by the teacher to evaluate their art products to solve problems in terms of the chosen art media, and learn concepts and skills as they relate to personal art expressions. Students will be working towards specific portfolio goals in Drawing/Painting, Color & Design, artist research, and a concentrated area of study where the work will focus on a specific theme or the student’s choosing. 

     Success at the honors level requires rigorous study, excellence in design and production, and extensive knowledge of a variety of art forms. Students initiate, define, and solve challenging visual arts problems independently using intellectual skills such as analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. Students have in-depth experiences in reflecting upon and assessing the characteristics and merits of their work and the work of others.

Independent Study – Visual Art Specialization (Advanced)

Recommended prerequisite(s): Visual Arts Advanced (H) or portfolio. 

     The student works independently in a special area of concentration selected by the student with the visual arts teacher's approval. A student must have a sponsoring teacher and must have arranged a program of study prior to registering for this course.

*Advanced Placement Studio Art – Drawing/2-D Design

Recommended prerequisite(s): Independent Study or portfolio. 

     Recommended prerequisite(s): Two (2) credits in visual arts on the high school level. Emphasis is placed on studio art. It is expected that students enrolled in these courses will take the College Board Advanced Placement Test. The student must prepare and submit a portfolio to the Advanced Placement Visual Arts Committee of The College Board for college credit approval. Success at the AP level requires rigorous study, excellence in design and production, and extensive knowledge of a variety of art forms. Students initiate, define, and solve challenging visual arts problems independently using intellectual skills such as analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. Students have in-depth experiences in reflecting upon and assessing the characteristics and merits of their work and the work of others.

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Art History

Advanced Placement Art History

Recommended prerequisite(s): Art History or portfolio. 

     These courses are a comprehensive study of art through the ages. Students explore works of famous artists within the cultural context of each time period. This integrated approach encourages understanding of humanity from a visual arts perspective.