Art Department

Graduation Requirements

There are no required classes from the Art Department for graduation. Many universities consider art to be an integral aspect of the well-rounded, educated child. As a field unto itself, it certainly broadens any child’s view of life as an essential part of the humanities.

Special Note

• Although there are no required art courses, both schools encourage interested students to investigate the offerings available in art. Expressing oneself artistically is an important form of self-expression and a viable method by which one comes to know himself or herself.

• In addition, many careers, not just free-lance artists, rely heavily on artistic talent that can be developed in any number of these class offerings. Landscapers, designers, architects, illustrators, and printers are but a few occupations that demand a strong artistic sense from their practitioners. High school art classes are a marvelous venue for investigating those fields.

• There are several art Advanced Placement experiences possible for serious art students. By submitting Advanced Placement portfolios, high school students can earn college credit in several different areas. Students interested in this opportunity should most definitely talk to an art instructor about which course of study would best prepare him or her to succeed on the Advanced Placement portfolios. This is a marvelous opportunity for students who may or may not be able to pass academic Advanced Placement exams. The Advanced Placement credits are usually earned through the Independent Study Course.

• Finally, there is a natural flow to the development of artistic talent. Within drawing, painting, ceramics, and computer graphics, the numbers of the course (I, II, III) indicates a necessary sequence. In addition, there are often other prerequisites for a course aside from the numerical one suggested in names. Students will be held accountable for having completed a prerequisite before enrolling in a more advanced course. Students traditionally complete 2D or 3D Art Encounters before completing other courses.

The course descriptions that follow serve as a guide to assist students in picking the classes that best suit their needs. We encourage parents to read all the descriptions carefully and to remain an active partner in their child’s education throughout his or her high school career. If you have any questions prior to registering, please call the Art Department Chair of the high school.

Art Graduation Check List

Graduation Requirements: There are no required classes from the art department for graduation. Many universities consider art to be an integral aspect of the well-rounded, educated child. As a field unto itself, it certainly broadens any child’s view of life as an essential part of the humanities.

 

Required Art Courses

Freshman

There are no required freshman art courses, but many incoming students include an introductory course into art as a significant part of their schooling experience.

Sophomore

There are no required sophomore art courses, but again many sophomores investigate an introductory course in art to explore their own talents and interests.

Junior

There are no required junior art courses. Many juniors decide to continue their art education by taking electives their junior year and many others get involved in art for the first time this year.

Senior

There no required senior art courses.

Electives

How do I know which course to take?

2D Art Encounters (Grades 9,10,11,12)
If a student is at all interested in exploring the possibilities of art in high school, then this is the introductory course for him or her. This one-semester class is a “gateway” class designed for the beginning artist. It examines the fundamentals of two-dimensional art through many hands-on activities. This course will guide students toward greater artistic awareness and self-discovery. It is a prerequisite for Drawing I, Painting I, Printmaking, and possibly Jewelry. A material fee may be required at the beginning of the course. (.5 credit)

3D Art Encounters (Grades 9,10,11,12)
This course is the “gateway” class for beginners more interested in three-dimensional art. Students who would eventually like to take Ceramics or Jewelry, as well as any further three-dimensional course offerings, need to enroll in this class. By the very nature of three-dimensional art, students will be challenged with situations that require the development of creative problem-solving skills as well as a greater aesthetic appreciation for such art. A material fee may be required at the beginning of the course. (.5 credit)

Ceramics I (Grades 9,10,11,12)
Students who did well in 3D Art Encounters often choose to continue in the department by taking Ceramics I. Students interested in working with clay and learning the fundamentals of firing ceramics with a variety of finishes will find this an enjoyable class. This semester-long course familiarizes students with the basic skills and history of ceramics. A material fee may be required at the beginning of the course. (.5 credit)

Ceramics II (Grades 10,11,12)
Students who did well in Ceramics I should continue into this class. This class will introduce basic wheel throwing and more advanced hand-building and glazing techniques. A material fee may be required at the beginning of the course. (.5 credit)

Ceramics III (Grades 10,11,12)
This course is for the advanced student who showed great promise in Ceramics II. Students who are interested in developing their skills as artists who communicate their ideas through the medium of clay will enjoy this class. A material fee may be required at the beginning of the course.
(.5 credit)

Computer Graphics I (Grades 10,11,12)
Students who are interested in developing their skills in working on the computer with Adobe Photoshop will appreciate this class. Students will learn to edit, adjust, and compose imagery to create digital pictures as seen in commercial art, advertising, publishing and marketing. This is an important course for students wishing to investigate any of those professions. (.5 credit)

Computer Graphics II (Grades 10,11,12)
If a student did well in Computer Graphics I and wishes to continue to develop those skills, then he or she should sign up for this next course. In this problem-solving approach to commercial art, students will add mastery of Adobe Illustrator to skills they already possess while continuing to create original art. This is yet another step to entry into all those related fields. (.5 credit)

Drawing I (Grades 9,10,11,12)
If a student successfully completed 2D Art Encounters, then he or she may decide to continue his or her art education by taking Drawing I. This semester-long course familiarizes students with the basic skills of drawing in a variety of media. A material fee may be required at the beginning of the course. (.5 credit)

Drawing II (Grades 10,11,12)
For students who showed strong skills in Drawing I, this is the next course to take in that sequence. In this class the students’ imaginations will be developed along with developing their perceptive skills. The course is almost entirely a project-based class. A material fee may be required at the beginning of the course. (.5 credit)

Drawing III (Grades 10,11,12)
Students who have successfully completed Drawing II will enjoy this course. Drawing III is perfect for the student wishing to begin to develop an advanced portfolio either for college application processes or for submission to the College Board to earn Advanced Placement college credit. A material fee may be required at the beginning of the course. (.5 credit)

Independent Art Study (Grades 11,12)
Students with a minimum of four semesters of successful art study may submit an original portfolio. Those whose works are approved are invited to enroll in this semester-long class where, along with the instructor, the student will design an advanced course of study. This course is limited to serious art students only who are highly motivated and disciplined. This is the class for students who are interested in exploring the possibility of earning Advanced Placement credit through submission of a portfolio. A material fee may be required at the beginning of the course. (.5 credit)

Jewelry (Grades 10,11,12)
This course will introduce basic techniques of making jewelry with a variety of materials including but not limited to glass, wood, plastic, clay and metals. Students will become adept at using appropriate tools while producing original jewelry. A material fee may be required at the beginning of the course. Before taking this class, students should have successfully completed either 2D Art Encounter or 3D Art Encounter plus a second semester of an Art elective. (.5 credit)

Painting I (Grades 10,11,12)
Students who successfully completed 2D Art Encounters and Drawing I may wish to consider this semester-long class. This class will introduce a basic understanding of the techniques, processes and language relative to water-based media, including watercolors and acrylics. Students will produce original paintings in these media. A material fee may be required at the beginning of the course. (.5 credit)

Painting II (Grades 10,11,12)
Students who enjoyed Painting I may continue their studies by taking this class. This course will introduce students to oil painting techniques along with newer materials and approaches. Emphasis will be placed on design composition, color theory, and conceptual thought—all to create original paintings. A material fee may be required at the beginning of the course. (.5 credit)

Printmaking (Grades 10,11,12)
Students who have successfully completed 2D Art Encounters and Drawing I may wish to consider taking this class. This course will teach students the process by which prints are fabricated. Included is an overview of woodcuts, intaglio, and silk screen processes. A material fee may be required at the beginning of the course. (.5 credit)