visual arts DEPARTMENT courses

Art I: Emphasis in Mixed Media Practices - 0141 (0.5 year)

Prerequisite:  None                                             

Grade:  9-11

Elective                                                                 

Credit:  0.50

Graded Conventionally

Art I: Mixed Media Practices is an introduction to the Elements of Art and Principles of Design through the execution of a variety of projects using multiple traditional materials. The goals of this class are enhanced visual awareness, creative problem solving and a fundamental sense of art history. This is a working studio and theory based class. This class will not feed into Drawing II/III or Painting.

Note: This class is a perfect fit for those students new to art and interested in a variety of projects. This is the best option for those not confident in their drawing skills. Please do not register if you have already taken Drawing I or plan on taking Art I: Studies in Drawing and Painting.


Art Appreciation – 0115 (0.5 year)              

Prerequisite:  None                                             

Grade:  10-12

Elective                                                                 

Credit:  0.50

Graded Conventionally

In this course, you will be learning how various art forms, including visual art, film, and music have impacted and influenced our culture today and throughout history. We will accomplish this by viewing and discussing films and documentaries and doing research for group and individual presentations, along with taking a field trip to experience art first hand. This is a good class for those who do not want to make art.


Art I: Drawing and Painting - 0142 (.5 year)

Prerequisite:  None                                 

Grade:  9-11

Elective                                                                   

Credit:  0.50

Graded Conventionally

Art I: Studies in Drawing and Painting is an introduction to the Elements of Art and Principles of Design through basic classical drawing and painting techniques.  Materials used are: pencil, charcoal, ink, pastel, and paint. The goals of this class are enhanced visual awareness, creative problem solving and a fundamental sense of art history. This is a working studio and theory based class. This class will feed into Drawing II and Painting I as the prerequisite.

Note: This is a skill based class for students who enjoy the drawing process and have the ability to transfer what they observe onto paper. Patience, attention to detail and the willingness to expand upon basic drawing skills are required. Please do not register if you have taken Art Fundamentals or plan on taking Art I: Mixed Media Practices.


Drawing II - 0103  (.5 year)

Prerequisite: Drawing I (Recommendation by the Drawing I teacher)

Elective                                                                    

Grade 10-12

Graded Conventionally                                          

Credit: 0.50

Drawing II is an advanced course in the vocabulary and application of drawing techniques and the use of drawing tools. The assignments are specifically targeted for those students who are interested in advancing their drawing skills. Students will be expected to learn advanced drawing techniques in still life, figure drawing, portraiture, and nature drawing.


Drawing III - 0134 (.5 year)

Prerequisite: Drawing I/II; Recommendation by the Drawing II Teacher

Elective                                                                   

Grade 10-12

Graded Conventionally                                          

Credit: 0.50

In this advanced course, students will continue to refine their drawing ability and technique. Emphasis will be on developing personal style. Further experimentation of media will be encouraged. This course runs concurrent with Drawing II.


Graphic Design I - 0137 (0.5 year)

Prerequisite: None

Grade:  9-12

Elective                                                                 

Credit:  0.50

Graded Conventionally

Graphic Art and Design I is a computer art class for students interested in learning Graphic Design. Students will learn the basic principles and elements of design with emphasis on how to apply them in commercial art. Students will be doing some work conventionally by hand as well as learning to work in the computer programs Adobe InDesign and Photoshop. Students will be asked to purchase one sketchbook.


Graphic Art and Design II - 0138 (0.5 year)

Prerequisite: Graphic Art and Design I

Grade:  10-12                      

Credit:  0.50

Elective

Graded Conventionally     

Students continue to explore graphic design and its commercial applications. Working with journalism students, designers will layout and design the monthly student publication, “The Quill.” Students will use Adobe InDesign and Photoshop skills developed in Graphic Design I. Other class projects will include posters, t-shirt designs and logo design.


Graphic Design III/Advanced Publication - 0139 (0.5 year)

Prerequisite: Graphic Design II/Publication

Grade: 10-12                       

Credit:  0.50

Elective

Graded Conventionally     

Students will be working as designers for the student publication, “The Quill.” As advanced designers, they will now be allowed to act as Design Editors of the entire publication. Added responsibilities include creative control over design concepts, layout and a cohesive look for the magazine and maintain deadlines. Additional design projects will also be explored.


Jewelry I - 0108 (0.5 year)

Prerequisite: Art I, Drawing I, Ceramics I or Sculpture as well as Recommendation from Ms. Kelly Nye

Elective                                                                 

Grade:  11-12

Graded Conventionally                                     

Credit:  0.50

Jewelry I is an introduction to metalwork fabrication using sheet metals. Copper, brass, nickel and sterling silver are used to create carefully designed sculptures and wearable art. Sawing, riveting, soldering, and stone setting techniques are learned. Students must be comfortable with using small power tools and torches. Materials are provided.


Jewelry II - 0122 (0.5 year)

Prerequisite: Jewelry I 

Elective                                                                 

Grade:  11-12

Graded Conventionally                                     

Credit:  0.50

Jewelry II is an exploration in metal processes including etching, casting, enameling, and alternative settings and materials. The class builds on the techniques learned in Jewelry I providing the student with more creative outlets for constructing complex, unique pieces of metalwork and jewelry. Students must be comfortable with using small power tools, torches and working more independently. Materials are provided.


Ceramics I - 0107 (0.5 year)

Prerequisite: none                                               

Grade:  10-12

Elective                                                                 

Credit:   0.50

Graded Conventionally

Ceramics I is an introduction to the basic hand building techniques of pinch, coil and slab. Exploration of surface treatments and design are introduced as well. All projects are brought to completion through glazing and firing. This class promotes good craftsmanship and a sense of design in both functional and non-functional pieces.


Ceramics II - 0113 (0.5 year)

Prerequisite:  Ceramics I

Elective                                                                 

Grade:  10-12

Graded Conventionally                                     

Credit:  0.50

Students will expand their hand building skills through the construction of more complex projects. Further experimentation with surface treatments will be encouraged and a broader visual vocabulary will be gained by studying contemporary ceramic artists. Both functional and decorative forms will be assigned.


Ceramics III - 0117 (0.5 year)

Prerequisite:  Ceramics I and Ceramics II 

Elective                                                 

Grade:  11-12

Graded Conventionally                     

Credit:  0.50        

Students will develop skills as self-directed learners. They will have the option of throwing on the wheel & will have more freedom in choosing their own projects. This course runs concurrently with Ceramics 2.


Digital Photography I - 0127 (0.5 year)

Prerequisite: None

Elective                                                 

Grade:  10-12

Graded Conventionally                     

Credit:  0.50         

In this introductory course, students will learn how to use their digital camera effectively. Students will also learn to use Photoshop as a creative tool in their art making. Contemporary photographers will be introduced and used as inspiration in the students' own projects

**Students may borrow a school camera if needed.


Digital Photography II - 0129    (0.5 year)

Prerequisite: Digital Photography I

Elective                                                 

Grade:  10-12

Graded Conventionally                     

Credit:  0.50         

Students will expand their knowledge in the use of their digital camera, along with becoming more proficient in the use of Photoshop. Emphasis on the creative use of these tools will continue.


Digital Photography III   0130   (0.5 year)

Prerequisite: Digital Photography II

Elective                                                 

Grade:  11-12

Graded Conventionally                     

Credit:  0.50         

In this advanced course, creative techniques in both the use of Photoshop and the camera will be emphasized. Students will choose an area of focus and will work more independently to expand their knowledge in that area.


Painting I - 0105 (0.5 year)

Prerequisite: Drawing I, Art Fundamentals I 

Elective                                                                 

Grade: 10-12

Graded Conventionally                                     

Credit:  0.50                                  

Painting I is an exploration of painting media and subjects, to include still life, color painting, and expressive painting. Emphasis will be formal art elements and principles. Students will learn several techniques, as well as major artists and art movements.


Painting II - 0110 (0.5 year)

Prerequisite: Painting I 

Elective                                                                 

Grade:  11-12

Graded Conventionally                                     

Credit:  0.50

Painting II is a continued exploration of painting techniques and mediums. Students will develop their skill and knowledge of the mediums introduced in Painting I to refine their understanding and confidence. In addition students will also be introduced to oil painting and mixed media styles. The class will learn to develop their own personal style in terms of subject matter and technique.


Sculpture - 0136 (0.5 year)

Prerequisite: None

Elective                                                                 

Grade:  10-12

Graded Conventionally                                     

Credit:  0.50

Sculpture is an introductory class in three-dimensional processes. Students will use both conventional and alternative materials to fabricate small to medium sized abstract and representational sculptures. Materials may include paper, cardboard, plaster, clay, wire, and plastics. Students will look at historical and contemporary sculptors for context and inspiration.


Honors Senior Seminar Art Portfolio – 0125   (year)

Prerequisites:  One advanced level art course, Painting I and Recommendation of Seminar Art Portfolio teacher required

Elective                                                                 

Grade:  12

Graded Conventionally                                    

Credit:  1.00

Senior Seminar Art Portfolio is a yearlong class designed to help seniors considering art as a career.  The goal of this class will be for each student to find his individual artistic voice as well as complete a professional portfolio of artwork.  Students can use their portfolio for admission to an art school or college art program if desired.  Class will consist of assessing each student’s body of work and creating new work to strengthen the student’s portfolio in areas where it may be lacking.  The highest standards of quality and presentation will be emphasized to give each the opportunity for admittance to and scholarships offered by art programs at the collegiate level.  Interest in pursuing art in college is not required for this class, but it will be expected that students be committed and disciplined about their development as an artist. 


AP Art History – 0143   (year)

Prerequisites:  Recommendation from most recent Art Instructor

Visual Arts Elective                                                                 

Grade:  10-12

Graded Conventionally                                    

Credit:  1.00

Weighted Grade

AP Art History is an introductory college-level art history course. Students cultivate their understanding of art history through analyzing works of art and placing them in historical context. This full-year course will cover Global Prehistory 30,000-500 BCE to Contemporary Art 1980-Present. By combining lecture/note taking with source analysis and discussion, students will gain both a knowledge of objective historical information that will lead them to success on the Advanced Placement (AP) exam (taken in May) and critical thinking skills that will help them in all academic areas-particularly as they prepare for college. Good skills in written analysis and interpretation are essential for success in the class.