Arts and Education Academy: Visual Arts Pathway

7110: Introduction to Visual Arts (0.5 credit FAR, Gr. 9-11)

This course is designed for all students to review or learn basic knowledge of art by mastering the competencies of art history, criticism, aesthetics, and production. Students will learn the elements and principles of art, know how to use them, and create pieces of artwork that display this knowledge. In addition, students will be participating in subject-related reading and writing activities and have outside class assignments. Students will be expected to solve problems using higher-order thinking skills. This course is the prerequisite for all future art courses.

1602: Introduction to Social and Online Media (0.5 credit PAR, Gr. 9-11)

This introductory level class pairs with Introduction to Journalism to give students the background information and skills needed to be successful in the Digital Media Pathway. This class will introduce students to the benefits and use of social and online media options, analyze issues in society with social media, create an online portfolio to maintain throughout the pathway, and build a professional media presence.

8145: Basic Photography (0.5 credit FAR, Gr. 9-11)

This introductory course is designed to develop knowledge and basic skills in photography with an emphasis on technology and photo editing software (Photoshop). Project work will develop the student’s critical thinking and decision making skills through application selection, as well as concepts of composition and color theory. Students are required to supply their own digital camera (not a phone camera).

7121 Drawing I (0.5 credit FAR, Gr. 9-12)

Prerequisite: Introduction to Visual Arts

This course is an advanced art course. Students will focus on skill building and drawing from observation. A strong emphasis will be placed on in-depth study of advanced drawing skills in a variety of media; graphite, ink, colored pencils and pastels are some of the media that will be used. Students will use formal critique criteria in viewing work to encourage discussion and the building of art vocabulary. Art history will be incorporated with projects to give students a base of aesthetic knowledge on which to create their own artwork. Students will continue to develop a working portfolio. In addition, students will participate in subject-related reading and writing activities and will have outside classroom work.

7128 Graphic Design I (0.5 credit FAR, Gr. 9-12)

Prerequisite: Introduction to Visual Arts

This course will explore the elements and principles of art with today’s ever-increasing need of knowledge regarding art technology.  This class will utilize computer software, such as Adobe Illustrator, in creation of original artwork.  Some basic Photoshop and digital camera skills will be introduced.  This is a class for the student who desires to explore their art in a computer-based medium and for future career paths in design.

7112 Painting I (0.5 credit FAR, Gr. 9-12)

Prerequisite: Introduction to Visual Arts

In this course students will focus on skill building using transparent painting techniques. A strong emphasis will be placed on in-depth study of landscapes, portraits, and still life. Water color will be the main medium used and a variety of styles will be incorporated in production. Students will use formal critique criteria in viewing work to encourage discussion and the building of art-related vocabulary. Art history will be incorporated with projects to give students a base of aesthetic knowledge on which to create their own artwork. Students will continue to develop a working portfolio. In addition, students will participate in subject-related reading and writing activities and will have outside classroom work.

7118 Sculpting I (0.5 credit FAR, Gr. 9-12)

Prerequisite: Introduction to Visual Art.

In this course students will develop skills in using a variety of materials and technologies to create three-dimensional projects. A strong emphasis will be placed on learning how to manipulate the materials to work successfully. Students will also develop a deeper understanding of three-dimensional composition. Clay, wood, and plaster are some of the media that will be used. Students will use formal critique criteria in viewing work to encourage discussion and the building of art-related vocabulary. Art history will be incorporated with most projects to give students a base of aesthetic knowledge on which to create their own artwork. In addition, students will be participating in subject-related reading and writing activities and will have outside classroom work.

1529: Public Speaking/College Speech (0.5 credit ELE, Gr. 10-12, weighted) College Credit Available

This course is designed to improve students' public speaking skills in real-world communication situations. The class challenges students to become more effective speakers and listeners in a variety of communication tasks. Students will participate in group discussions, research, listening exercises, and prepare various speeches individually, and learn to both give and receive constructive crititcism.

8148: Advanced Photography (0.5 credit FAR, Gr. 9-12)

Prerequisite: Basic Photography

This advanced course is designed to continue developing photographic knowledge and skills with an emphasis on technology and photo editing software (Photoshop).  Students will further develop critical thinking and decision making skills, expanding on concepts of composition and color theory.  Students are required to supply their own digital camera (not a phone camera).   

7122: Drawing II (0.5 credit FAR, Gr 9-12)

Prerequisite: Drawing I

In this course students will focus on skill building from observation. A strong emphasis will be placed on in-depth study of advanced drawing skills in a variety of media; graphite, ink, colored pencils, oil pastels, and permanent markers are some of the media that will be used. Additional time will be spent on portrait and figure drawing and mixed media. Students will use formal critique criteria in viewing work to encourage discussion and the building of art-related vocabulary. Art history will be incorporated with projects to give students a base of aesthetic knowledge on which to create their own artwork. Students will continue to develop a working portfolio. In addition, students will participate in subject-related reading and writing activities and will have outside classroom work. 

7129: Graphic Design II (0.5 credit FAR, Gr. 9-12)

Prerequisite: Graphic Design I

This second level course will further explore the elements and principles of art with today’s ever-increasing need of knowledge regarding art technology.  This class will utilize computer software, such as Adobe Illustrator, in creation of original artwork.  Some basic Photoshop and digital camera skills will be introduced.  This is a class for the student who desires to explore their art in a computer-based medium and for future career paths in design.

7113: Painting II (0.5 credit FAR, Gr. 10-12)

Prerequisite: Painting I

In this course students will focus on skill building using opaque paints. A strong emphasis will be placed on in-depth studies of landscapes, portraits, and still life. Tempera and acrylic paint and oil pastels will be the media used and a variety of styles will be incorporated in production. Students will use formal critique criteria in viewing work to encourage discussion and the building of art-related vocabulary. Art history will be incorporated with projects to give students a base of aesthetic knowledge on which to create their own artwork. Students will continue to develop a working portfolio. In addition, students will participate in subject-related reading and writing activities and will have outside classroom work.

7119: Sculpting II (0.5 credit FAR, Gr. 10-12)

Prerequisite:  Sculpting I

This is an advanced art course. Students will expand their three-dimensional experience by creating more advanced projects. Students will also develop a deeper understanding of three- dimensional composition. Clay, found objects, wood, and plaster are some of the media that will be used. Students will use formal critique criteria in viewing work to encourage discussion and the building of art-related vocabulary. Art history will be incorporated with most projects to give students a base of aesthetic knowledge on which to create their own art-work. In addition, students will be participating in subject-related reading and writing activities and will have outside the classroom work.

7131: College Art (1 credit FAR, Gr. 11-12, weighted) College Credit Available

Prerequisite: Introduction to Visual Arts

Explores the idea and practice of the visual arts in modern society. A study of style, form, content, and aesthetic judgment emphasizing the visual arts as a means of communicating ideas. Exploration and use of various materials and methods of expression in studio applications.

8154: College Photography (1 credit FAR, Gr. 11-12, weighted) College Credit Available

Prerequisite: Basic Photography

Fast-paced project-based photo course for the college-bound student centering on developing intermediate photo and editing skills. This course explores both a conceptual foundation and a practical application of the photographic medium, investigating the many ways photography impacts our culture and our daily lives. Consideration of aesthetic qualities, concept, context and meaning through creation of original artwork. Project work will be based on current cultural contexts of the medium.

7108: AP Studio Art (1 credit FAR, Gr. 11-12, weighted) College Credit by Exam Available

Prerequisite: Advanced Photography, Drawing II, Graphic Design II, Painting II, or Sculpting II

*Portfolio submission in content area

Students in this course will develop a portfolio of a wide range of works of art. An area of concentrated study will be chosen by the student. A select number of art pieces will be required for portfolio submission. Work outside of class is required to meet course expectations.