High School Visual Arts
Introduction to Art
Introductory Art, ½ credit. Semester elective. This non-exam course offers students an opportunity to formulate a personal understanding of what comprises art. Students will identify, analyze and evaluate works of art with varying stylistic diff erences and from diff erent cultures and time periods. Students will use a variety of materials, techniques, and processes to make art that reflects personal understandings. (This is the only visual arts course that satisfies the graduation requirement.)Visual Art
Development of an understanding and study of artists and cultural styles through a broad range of art experiences and enriching personal encounters is the aim of the visual studies program. Essential skill development and practice in a variety of media along with experiences in criticism, history, and aesthetics, provide multiple avenues of learning. With the exception of Advanced Placement Studio, second level courses, and as noted, no prior experience is assumed or expected. All courses combine studio work, homework, selected readings, writing, and a final exam problem. Introductory Art is the only visual studies course which fulfills the graduation requirement. Semester electives may be taken as a sixth course.
Ceramics I
Ceramics I, 1/2credit. Semester elective. Ceramics I is an introductory course designed to promote individual expression and ideas while gaining an understanding of the nature of clay and the ceramic process. Wheel-thrown work, a variety of hand built methods, decorative techniques and fi ring methods provide a basis for gaining insight into design principles, and historical and contemporary work.Ceramics II
Ceramics II, 1/2credit. Semester elective. Prerequisite: Ceramics I or comparable experience. Further exploration of the media; more complex problems in handbuilding and wheel throwing; greater emphasis on personal directions in content and form. Students are expected to develop a more self-directed learning program with faculty guidance.Two-Dimensional Design I
Two-Dimensional Design I, 1/2credit. Semester elective. This course offers students an opportunity to explore a variety of 2-dimensional processes including drawing, painting, mixed media, and printmaking. Emphasis will be on the development of images drawn from observation, imagination, and memory. Students will apply the elements of art and principles of design to images that reflect personal interests.Two-Dimensional Design II
Two-Dimensional Design II, 1/2credit. Semester elective. Pre-requisite: Two-Dimensional Design I. Emphasis on the application of visual language and concept development in drawing, painting, mixed media, and printmaking.Three-Dimensional Design I
Three-Dimensional Design I, 1/2credit. Semester elective. This course offers students the opportunity to explore three-dimensional art making through using a variety of materials, techniques, and processes. Students will apply the elements of art and principles of design to sculpture projects that refl ect their personal interests.Three-Dimensional Design II
Three-Dimensional Design II, 1/2 credit. Semester elective. Pre-requisite: Three-Dimensional Design. Emphasis on the application of visual language and concept development to forming processes in casting, carving, constructing, plaster, clay, cardboard, metal, and found objects.Portfolio
Portfolio, 1 credit. Yearlong elective. Juniors. Prior experience in the visual arts is desirable. This course will provide students with in-depth experience in drawing, painting, printmaking, graphic design, three-dimensional design, and critical analysis. Over the course of the year, students will develop a portfolio of works that reflect breadth and depth in media and content.Photo Design I
Photo Design I, 1/2credit. Semester elective. Introduction to the camera and basic darkroom procedures as a means for learning design principles and visual skills. Additional study of the history and development of photography as an art form. Access to 35mm camera required. (Enrollment may be limited.)Photo Design II
Photo Design II, 1/2 credit. Semester elective. Prerequisite: Photo Design I or comparable darkroom and developing experience. Continuation of Photo I focusing on additional materials, techniques, and concepts. A digital component will be included. Access to 35mm camera required. (Enrollment may be limited.)Digital Darkroom
Digital Darkroom, 1 credit. Yearlong elective. Prerequisite: Photo Design I and a basic understanding of Photoshop. The course will use B/W photography with digital technology to produce computer-generated prints. Conventional cameras and films will be used with digital technology to expand the photographic process beyond traditional methods.Digital Imaging
Digital Imaging, 1/2credit. Semester elective. Basic introduction to computer graphics using Photoshop. The course focuses on developing skills in the use of Photoshop tools, design, composition, typography, and the creation of composite and imaginative imagery.
Advanced Placement Studio Art
Advanced Placement courses in the visual arts are offered in three distinct portfolios. Each portfolio is designed to explore a particular visual art form. Enrollment requires permission of the instructor and may involve the submission of artwork. With the instructor's approval, a student may enroll in one class in the junior year and one in the senior year. Students may not enroll in two AP studio art courses in the same year. It is important to keep in mind that the AP studio courses require students to have a high degree of self-motivation, a willingness to commit significant time outside of class to complete projects, and advanced skills in the medium of their choice.
Advanced Placement Drawing Portfolio
Advanced Placement Drawing Portfolio, 1 credit. Yearlong course. Juniors/seniors. Prerequisite: Instructor approval of previous coursework and portfolio. Prior experience in drawing, painting, or 2-dimensional design is required. This course is for advanced students in drawing, painting, printmaking, or two-dimensional art. The course emphasizes individual direction in style and content. Students in this course must be self-motivated and be able to work independently. Students prepare portfolios to be submitted for Advanced Placement evaluation.
Advanced Placement Two-Dimensional Design Portfolio
Advanced Placement Two-Dimensional Design Portfolio, 1 credit. Yearlong course. Juniors/seniors Prerequisite: Instructor approval of previous coursework and portfolio. Prior experience in drawing, painting, two-dimensional design, photography, or digital arts is required. This course is for advanced students in drawing, painting, printmaking, two-dimensional design, photography, or digital arts. The course emphasizes individual direction in style and content. Students in this course must be self-motivated and be able to work independently. Students prepare portfolios to be submitted for Advanced Placement evaluation.
