visual arts DEPARTMENT courses
Art I: Intro to Studio Art - 0150 (0.5 year)
Prerequisite: None
Grade: 9-11
Elective
Credit: 0.50
Graded Conventionally
This course is designed as a general survey course encompassing a variety of content areas including Drawing, Painting, and several forms of Mixed Media. The goals of this class are enhanced visual awareness, creative problem solving and a fundamental awareness of art history. This is an intro to a working studio and theory based class.
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 Appreciation - 0115 (.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.
Drawing I - 0102 (.5 year)
Prerequisite: Drawing I (Recommendation by the Drawing I teacher)
Elective
Grade 10-12
Graded Conventionally
Credit: 0.50
Drawing I is an introduction to the vocabulary and application of drawing techniques and the use of drawing tools. Assignments focus on drawing through observation, creative invention and process. A wide variety of materials are used. The goals of this class are enhanced visual awareness, creative problem solving and material proficiency. This is a working studio and theory based class.
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 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 - 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 maintaining deadlines. Additional design projects will also be explored.
Jewelry I - 0108 (0.5 year)
Prerequisite: Art I, Drawing I, or Ceramics I as well as Recommendation from your Art Instructor
Elective
Grade: 11-12
Graded Conventionally
Credit: 0.50
ewelry 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/Teacher Recommendation
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 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.
Advanced Studio Art – 0151 (.5 year)
This class can be taken more than one semester
Prerequisites: Three Visual Art courses and Recommendation of Visual Art teacher required
Elective
Grade: 11-12
Graded Conventionally
Credit: .50
Advanced Studio: Art is for the dedicated art student interested in extended studio projects. Commitment to creative evolution and demonstrated technical proficiency is a requirement for enrollment. Grading is based on research and preparation, meaningful class work time, final artwork and presentation, and participation in critique and self-reflection.

