Design Fundamentals – Semester course – Grades 9 - 12

Prerequisite: none  (Value: ½ credit – Academic Elective)

 

This is an introductory class to high school art focused on learning the elements and principles of design. The students will work in short units of 2 dimensional and 3 dimensional work in order to fully understand and execute what makes a successful composition. This will give a student an opportunity to take an art class and find where their interest in art is. This class is the prerequisite for all of the other high school art classes. Students will be required to keep a weekly sketchbook journal so minimal writing skills are necessary. Students must also have knowledge of basic math skills such as simple addition, subtraction, and multiplication, as well as measurement which are used in drawing and matting art work. Students will be evaluated through quizzes, and outside assignments, as well as their art projects.

Drawing and Painting I – Semester course – Grade 9 - 12
Prerequisite: Design Fundamentals with a grade of C or better or consent of instructor.

(Value: ½ credit – Academic Elective)

This class will continue to develop an attitude and appreciation towards art by studying art and art history. This class does not attempt to make artists out of the students, but encourages exploration of new and diverse materials through design, color, drawing, and painting units. Students must also have knowledge of basic math skills such as simple addition, subtraction, and multiplication, as well as measurement, which are used in drawing and matting art work. Students will be evaluated through outside assignments, as well as their art projects and a weekly sketchbook will be collected that the students must provide the first day of class.

Drawing and Painting II – Semester course – Grades 10 - 12
Prerequisite: Drawing & Painting I with a grade of B- or consent of instructor.

(Value: ½ credit – Academic Elective)

In this class the students will be experimenting with a variety of mediums such as charcoal, pencil, scratch board, pen and ink and pastels. Students will be assigned drawings such as still lifes, landscapes and portraiture. Students will also be allowed to draw subject matters of their choice using and developing their own unique and individual style. Students will also be experimenting with a variety of materials such as acrylic paints and water-color. Students will be required to keep a weekly sketchbook which they provide. Students must also have knowledge of basic math skills such as simple addition, subtraction, and multiplication, as well as measurement, which are used in drawing and matting art work. Students will be evaluated through their art projects, as well as outside assignments. There is a fee for canvas used and for wasted or broken materials.

Drawing and Painting III – Semester Course – Grade 11 - 12
Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in Drawing & Painting II or consent of instructor.

(Value: ½ credit – Academic Elective)

Students in this advanced class will develop their own curriculum along with the instructor based around 2 dimensional concepts. Students will be expected to keep a daily journal, work outside of class, and provide any large unusual materials for projects. This course will be based on a student organized curriculum of 2-4 large scale projects created as a series for the semester. Students will be evaluated through their art projects, as well as their work time and originality. There is a fee for materials used and for wasted or broken materials.

Ceramics and Sculpture I – Semester course – Grades 9 - 12
Prerequisite: Design Fundamentals with a grade of C or better or consent of instructor

(Value: ½ credit – Academic Elective)

This is an introductory pottery and sculpture course geared toward the students who like to get their hands dirty. The students will learn basic pottery techniques which will allow them to also take Pottery II. Focus will be on hand built forms through pinch, slab, coil, and drape methods. Students will also explore additive and subtractive sculpture using a variety of mediums.  Students will be evaluated through tests, quizzes, and outside assignments, as well as their projects. A weekly sketchbook will be collected that the students must provide the first day of class.

Ceramics and Sculpture II – Semester course – Grades 10 - 12
Prerequisite: Ceramics & Sculpture I with a grade of B- or better or consent of instructor.

(Value: ½ credit – Academic Elective)

In an advanced pottery class students will be working with white stoneware and red clay. Assigned projects will include, but not be limited to, making lidded jars, pitcher and mug sets, decorations, sculptures, and a variety of other projects. Students will create 3D work using the different techniques they have learned in previous assignments and courses. Students will be required to keep a weekly sketchbook that they provide and will be evaluated through tests, quizzes, and outside assignments, as well as their pottery projects. There is a fee for clay used and for wasted or broken materials.

Ceramics and Sculpture III – Semester Course – Grade 11 - 12
Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in Ceramics & Sculpture II or consent of instructor.

(Value: ½ credit – Academic Elective)

Students in this advanced class will develop their own curriculum along with the instructor using 3 dimensional works as a basis. Students will be expected to keep a daily journal, complete one project per week, and do outside assignments that include writing. Students will be evaluated through their art projects, as well as their work time and originality. There is a fee for materials used and for wasted or broken materials.

Graphic Design – Semester Course – Grades 10 - 12
Prerequisite: Drawing & Painting I with a grade of C or consent of instructor.

(Value: ½ credit – Academic Elective)

This course is designed to give an introductory look at Graphic Design. We will discuss what Graphic Design is, and will explore Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe Photoshop to complete projects. For the first half of the semester, students will go through a series of lessons to become familiar with the program tools, and more emphasis will be placed on application projects in the second half of the semester. These lessons on the tools and features of the Adobe Programs are to prepare the student to successfully complete projects that will reflect both their knowledge of design and the programs used. These real world projects will give students a taste of Graphic Design.

Senior Portfolio Review – Fall Semester Only – Grade 12
Prerequisite: At least 2 full art credits and you must be a senior planning to attend an arts college. 

(Value: ½ credit – Academic Elective)

This class is dedicated to allowing students to develop and complete a college ready portfolio. This portfolio is required for many colleges specializing in visual arts such as studio art and graphic design. Requirements are to be obtained from the college and a plan will be made with the instructor on what to complete including any fees associated with materials.