Graphic Design

The goal of the Westfield High School visual arts curriculum is to develop an awareness and appreciation of the visual arts in every learner for grades 9, 10, 11 and 12. Students improve and enhance creative and critical thinking abilities and are provided with a continuation of artistic skills developed in their intermediate schools. Art is an integral component in the educational experience of each student in the Westfield Public School System. Through visual and creative connections all curricula are enriched and each child has an opportunity to learn in a fulfilling and engaging manner.

Computer Graphic Design I is designed to provide students with the basic knowledge and skills of visual technology and its relationship with the fine and commercial arts. It builds on design principles learned in the Foundations of Art course in the visual arts. The course enables students to apply their knowledge of the elements and principles of design with production in traditional and computer generated media. The students learn basic tools and techniques within the design software and apply that understanding to the creation of a variety of print based and web based assignments.

Students gain a basic understanding of the creation of art with an emphasis on computer technology, make informed critical and aesthetic judgments, and understand the historical and societal influences of design and visual communications as they research and create graphic design influenced by a range of periods from Prehistoric through the 21st century.

The goal of Computer Graphic Design I is to develop an artistically informed student capable of using traditional and computer generated media, who is able to reflect on the nature of human involvement in visual communications as a viewer, creator, and participant.