High School
AP Art Studio 2-D; 3-D; Drawing
Students are required to choose a theme or driving question as they systematically investigate formal and conceptual issues. Making art is an ongoing process that involves critical decision making, continual development of the student’s technical skills, and mastering the use of the visual elements and principles. The final product will be a portfolio of work that will be sent to the College Board for evaluation. Portfolio may concentrate in 2-D Design, Drawing, or 3-D Design.
Elective: 5 credits
Prerequisite: Design Fundamentals, Additionally, for 2-D Design: Drawing or Painting (both are preferred) 2-D with Photography Emphasis: Photography 3-D Design: Ceramics or Sculpture (both are preferred)
Ceramics I
This course is designed to introduce students to using clay as a three-dimensional medium. Students will experience throwing clay on an electric or kick wheel and the three basic hand-building techniques: pinch, coil, and slab, which will be used to create their projects. We will study sound structure, carving, modeling, additive elements, and how form follows function.
Elective: 2.5 credits
Prerequisite: None
Ceramics II
This course is for students who have completed Ceramics 1 and would like to continue their study. Students will have more design freedom as their projects will be responding to prompts that incorporate the building techniques learned in Ceramics 1. There will be more use of the pottery wheel and continental exploration of purpose, form vs. function, and design principles.
Elective: 2.5 credits
Prerequisite: Ceramics I
Design Fundamentals
This class goes in depth through the elements and principles of design and how we can incorporate them into projects while exploring different design-based careers such as graphic design, interior design, product design, architectural design, and fashion design. We will use a variety of materials and techniques to accomplish each project which includes sculpture, printmaking, drawing, collaging, and painting.
Elective: 2.5 credits
Prerequisite: None
Digital Photography
Themed prompts will be given to add meaning to the photographs as we explore different genres of photography. Students will learn to use photo editing software and how to critique and select which photographs to keep.
Elective: 2.5 credits
Prerequisites: None
Drawing
This class is based off of the teaching in the book, Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards. All exercises and projects are focused on correctly seeing and drawing edges, spaces, relationships, lights and shadows, and the gestalt. The class is structured to increase the confidence and ability to draw for each student.
Elective: 2.5 credits
Prerequisite: None
Painting I
This course is designed to teach students the basic skills and techniques of painting. An in-depth study of the transparent and opaque qualities of paint is explored as well as the various methods of applying paint to a support. Students apply these techniques in watercolor, acrylic, and mixed media. Through the use of historical reference and exploration of different modes of painting such as realistic, abstract, and nonobjective, students are encouraged to develop their own style of painting.
Elective: 2.5 credits
Prerequisite: None
Painting II
This course is designed to teach students more advanced skills and techniques of painting. An in-depth study of the transparent and opaque qualities of paint is explored as well as the various methods of applying paint to a support. Painting II will focus on more advanced assignments such as portrait, mastery of technique, and developing a theme throughout their work. Students will apply these techniques in watercolor, acrylic, gauche, and mixed media. Through the use of historical reference and exploration of different modes of painting such as realistic, abstract, and nonobjective, students are encouraged to develop their own style of painting.
Elective: 2.5 credits
Prerequisite: Painting I
Printmaking
This course focuses on graphic reproduction as an art form. Printmaking techniques to be explored are monoprints, linoleum, cardboard, collographs, woodcuts, multi-block prints, reduction block prints, and drypoint.
Elective: 2.5 credits
Prerequisite: None
Sculpture I
This course is designed to give the student a taste of three-dimensional materials such as clay, wire, wood, cloth, plaster and combinations of other material. Various methods of hand-building, carving, modeling, and craftsmanship are used in exploring armatures, installation, free-standing sculpture, and hanging sculptures. Sketches related to the class will be included.
Elective: 2.5 credits
Prerequisite: None
Sculpture II
This course will build off of techniques, materials, and concepts learned in Sculpture I. There will be an emphasis on individual creativity that combines material and conceptual concerns. We will investigate installation, public art, and new media.
Elective: 2.5 credits
Prerequisite: Sculpture I
Production of a Classic Play
This first semester course is a hands-on learning experience in theater production, where students will produce and perform in the high school fall semester play. Students will gain practical skills and essential knowledge of what it takes to mount a full production for the stage. All students will be involved in the production areas of lighting and set design, costumes, props, publicity, auditions, and performance. All students will be expected to participate by auditioning and performing onstage in the play chosen. All rehearsals will meet during class time, with the exception of one mandatory tech week and the actual performances.
Elective: 2.5 credits
Prerequisite: None