Program of Studies Program of Studies 2019-2020 | Page 15
VISUAL ARTS
Visual Arts I
1 credit
Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12
Students will learn the elements and principles of
design, and develop skills and perception through
drawing, painting, collage and other media. Learning
about a variety of artists and their work will be
embedded in the curriculum. This class stresses
creative problem solving as an important part of
an artist’s work. Written work and sketchbook
homework will be assigned on a regular basis.
Students will develop a portfolio of work, which will
be considered part of the final grade. This course
is the prerequisite for all other visual art classes.
Transfer or residential students with equivalent
introductory visual arts course(s) may have this
requirement waived by the school counselor.
Art History: 19th—21st Century
(alternate years, offered ‘20-’21)
0.5 credit
Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12
Beginning with Romanticism, students will
investigate human creativity through visual art, music,
historical events, inventions and writing. This is an
image-based, survey class that will also include group
work. Participants will learn the vocabulary of art,
learn how to critique, and gain information about art
while viewing painting, drawing and sculpture.
Honors Illustration
(alternate years, offered ‘20-’21)
0.5 credit
Grades 11 and 12
Prerequisite: Visual Arts I and Drawing
This class teaches students visual narration. Students
with strong drawing skills will complete a wide variety
of projects, push their knowledge of media, and
work with structured, true-to-life deadlines. Heavy
emphasis will be on working sketches, creative ideas,
color, finish work and personal style. This class will
require homework including extra time at home and
in the studio to meet deadlines, research, and fully
develop ideas. Frequent critiques offer each artist the
opportunity to improve their portfolio.
Printmaking
(alternate years, offered in ‘19-’20)
0.5 credit
Grades 10,11,12
Prerequisite: Visual Arts I
This studio course introduces basic printmaking
processes and equipment with equal emphasis on
concept and technique. Students are introduced to a
variety of printmaking media and methods, such as
monotype, relief and intaglio. Research and planning
are important components in this studio class and
homework will be assigned regularly. Students will
participate in frequent written and oral critiques to aid
in developing their personal portfolios.
Photography
1 credit
Grades 10, 11 and 12
Prerequisite: Visual Arts I
The objective of this course is to provide a format for
students to learn the visual and technical skills within
the context of fine art photography. Coursework
emphasizes conceptual, technical, and historical
approaches to photography. Camera operation and a
variety of printing processes and techniques will be
explored, along with a variety of subject matter.
Pottery
1 credit
Grades 10, 11 and 12
Prerequisite: Visual Arts I
This is a hands-on course that concentrates on various
handbuilding and wheel throwing construction
methods. Students will learn about the technical
aspects of working with clay and glazes to create
functional and well-designed pottery. Clay bodies,
the stages of clay, tools and glazes are important
topics that will be covered. Advanced handbuilding
techniques will be employed and students will be
introduced to the art of throwing clay forms on the
wheel. Research, creative problem solving, and group
critiques are all integral components for projects.
Additional time developing projects in the clay studio
will be required.
Sculpture
(alternate years, offered ‘19-’20)
0.5 credit
Grades 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Visual Arts I
Sculpture students will design and create a variety
of 3-dimensional sculptural forms, exploring the use
of space in various media, such as paper, clay, wood,
or found objects. Research, creative construction of
ideas, and planning are components in this studio
class; additional time spent in the studio will be
required.