Course Offerings
(Please register with the Guidance Department.)
Advanced Calligraphy
(1 Term)
Prerequisite - The Art of Calligraphy
This course will inspire students to use calligraphy at a more advanced level. Students will learn how to incorporate the art of beautiful writing into their art work. Students will view such work as medieval manuscripts for inspiration. Students will be required to reach a high level of craftsmanship, maintain a sketchbook of ideas, notes, and vocabulary, and participate in class critiques.
Advanced Digital Photo
(1 term)
Prerequisite: Digital Photo
This course will provide students with advanced knowledge of digital photography - camera settings, color correction, and a concentration on the use of the Photoshop tools and techniques to enhance or alter their photos. Students will be required to reach a high level of craftsmanship, maintain a sketchbook of ideas, notes, and vocabulary, and participate in class critiques. Students are required to have a digital camera for this course!
Advanced Traditional Black and White Film Photography & Darkroom Techniques
(1 term)
Prerequisite: Intro. to Traditional Black & White Film Photography and Darkroom Techniques
This course is designed for students interested in advancing their technical skills in traditional black & white photography, with a focus towards preparation for college and a photography career. Emphasis is on individual or independent projects with special attention to more advanced 35 mm SLR film camera and darkroom techniques. Students are expected to develop strong technical skills, including a refined use of composition in their work, and a strong working knowledge of their cameras.
Students are required to have a 35 mm Single Lens Reflex Film Camera for this course!
Art History Studio
(1 term)
No Prerequisite
This course is designed to provide students with an understanding and enjoyment of a wide range of artwork, including painting, sculpture, and architecture within both a cultural and historical context. Students will learn to look at works of art critically, with intelligence and sensitivity, and articulate what they have seen or experienced in those works. There will also be corresponding studio art projects that connect to the art history being studied. Students will be required to reach a high level of craftsmanship, maintain a sketchbook of ideas, notes, and vocabulary, and participate in class critiques and discussions.
Bookmaking & Crafts
(1 semester)
No prerequisite
This course is designed to introduce students to some of the more traditional methods of art-making (such as weaving, book binding, basketry, etc.), along with more contemporary means for use of these methods. Students will learn about the functional and aesthetic origins of various traditional art forms, and how these forms have persisted and evolved over time. Students will be required to reach a high level of craftsmanship, maintain a sketchbook of ideas, notes, and vocabulary, and participate in class critiques. As crafts were traditionally ‘handed down’ over time, students will be required to teach classmates at least one skill learned through personal research.
Ceramics 1
(1 term)
No prerequisite
This course will provide students with an introduction to hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques. Students will learn to use tools, glaze, and under-glaze to create both decorative and functional pieces. Students will be required to reach a high level of craftsmanship, maintain a sketchbook of ideas, notes, and vocabulary, and participate in class critiques.
Ceramics 2
(1 term)
Prerequisite – Ceramics 1
This course will allow students to expand upon skills learned in Ceramics 1, using those skills to develop personal expression. Students will also learn more complex means for working with clay. In addition, students will study the work of prominent ceramists to understand the role that clay has played in various cultures throughout history. Students will be required to reach a high level of craftsmanship, maintain a sketchbook of ideas, notes, and vocabulary, and participate in class critiques.
Comic Book and Graphic Novel Illustration
(1 term)
Prerequisite: Drawing
This course is designed to give students a comprehensive introduction into the concepts and techniques used in the creation of comics and sequential art. Students will explore character development, layout, and illustration styles used in this specialized field, with specific focus on both print and digital media outlets. Artwork will be produced from drawings, scanned images, Internet captured images, and digitally drawn images. Students will examine the works of prominent cartoonists and graphic novelists.
Computer Graphics 1
(1 term)
No prerequisite
Computer Graphics 2
(1 term)
Prerequisite: Computer Graphics 1
Drawing
(1 semester)
No Prerequisite
This course is designed to strengthen students’ observational drawing skills. A series of assignments will investigate using the elements of art (line, form, value, color, etc.) and principles of design (balance, composition, etc.) with a wide variety of media. Students will study still-life, figure, portrait, and landscape drawing. Through intensive studio work, students will improve their image-making skills, heighten their visual awareness, and develop personal expression through drawing. Students will be required to reach a high level of craftsmanship, maintain a sketchbook of ideas, notes, and vocabulary, and participate in class critiques.
Foundations in Art
(1 term)
No prerequisite *This course serves as the prerequisite for many other art courses.
This course introduces students to the elements of art and principles of design through the use of both 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional projects. Students will explore a variety of methods and materials, and learn basic art vocabulary. They will be acquainted with art history, on a basic level, focusing on how artists have used the elements and principles in their work. Students will be required to reach a high level of craftsmanship, maintain a sketchbook of ideas, notes, and vocabulary, and participate in class critiques.
Illustration
(1 term)
Prerequisite – Foundations in Art
This course is designed to give students a means to incorporate the use of ‘narrative’ in their work. Students will explore the use of both traditional and non-traditional media to develop a personal style of illustration. Students will access a variety of resources, including children’s book illustrations, and magazine illustrations, from various cultures and time periods, to understand how images can be used to enhance words. Students will be required to reach a high level of craftsmanship, maintain a sketchbook of ideas, notes, and vocabulary, and participate in class critiques.
Introduction to Design
(1 term)
Pre-Requisite: Foundations of Art
This course is designed to introduce students to the working world of design. It allows for independent work as well as team-based, hands-on discovery experiences for developing designs. Students will participate in problem solving activities using creative concepts that are similar to the challenges facing professional commercial artists. Industrial design, fashion design, graphic design, and more will be explored.
Students will be required to reach a high level of craftsmanship, maintain a sketchbook of ideas, notes, and vocabulary, and participate in class critiques.
Introduction to Digital Photo
(1 term)
No prerequisite
This course will introduce students to the basics of digital photography, focusing on the use of Photoshop tools and techniques to enhance or alter their photos. Other Mac applications like Photo-Booth, iMovie, iPhoto and Garage Band will also be introduced.
Students will be required to reach a high level of craftsmanship, maintain a sketchbook of ideas, notes, and vocabulary, and participate in class critiques. Students are required to have a digital camera for this course!
Introduction to Traditional Black & White Film Photography and Darkroom Techniques
(1 term)
No prerequisite
This course introduces students to the traditions of black & white photography. Students will learn the technical aspects of photography, the care and use of a 35 mm film camera, and darkroom developing and printing techniques.
Students are required to have a 35 mm Single Lens Reflex Film Camera for this course!
Junior Visual Art Portfolio
(2 semesters)
Prerequisite: Foundations in Art
This course is designed for students who have an interest in a fine arts career, or who want to develop their technical skills to prepare portfolios for college admission. Emphasis in this course is on independent projects. Students will be required to reach a high level of craftsmanship, maintain sketchbook of ideas, notes, and vocabulary, and participate in class critiques. They will also need to exhibit their artwork. At the end of this course, students will have a portfolio of work that can be used for college admission.
Painting
(1 semester)
Prerequisite: Drawing
In this course, the fundamentals of painting will be explored. Emphasis will be placed on composition and use of color. The process of building and prepping a canvas will be explained. Students will be encouraged to investigate both traditional and contemporary approaches to painting, as well as how to use painting as a form of self-expression. Works will be done in watercolor and acrylic. Students will be required to reach a high level of craftsmanship, maintain a sketchbook of ideas, notes, and vocabulary, and participate in class critiques.
Printmaking and Mixed Media
(1 semester)
Prerequisite: Foundations in Art
Printmaking is the art of producing multiple images of a drawing or design. This course will introduce the many processes that can be used to create prints. Students will also explore how materials from sculpture, drawing, painting, and printmaking can be combined to create to create new art forms. Students will be required to reach a high level of craftsmanship, maintain sketchbook of ideas, notes, and vocabulary, and participate in class critiques.
Sculpture
(1 semester)
No Prerequisite
This course will introduce the elements of art and principles of design in three-dimensional forms. Students will complete projects involving additive and subtractive techniques, as well as other methods of construction. Three-dimensional structures will be created using a variety of materials, including (but not limited to) wood, wire, string, cardboard, fabric, plaster, found objects, papier mâchè, and various clays. Students will be acquainted with the history of sculpture and view work by a wide range of artists. Students will be required to reach a high level of craftsmanship, maintain a sketchbook of ideas, notes, and vocabulary, and participate in class critiques.
Senior Visual Art Portfolio
(2 semesters)
Prerequisite: Junior Visual Art Portfolio
This course is designed for students who have an interest in a fine arts career, or who want to develop their technical skills to prepare portfolios for college admission. Emphasis in this course is on independent projects. Students will be required to reach a high level of craftsmanship, maintain sketchbook of ideas, notes, and vocabulary, and participate in class critiques. They will also need to exhibit their artwork. At the end of this course, students will have a portfolio of work that can be used for college admission.
The Art of Calligraphy (1 Term)
This course is an introduction to "the art of writing beautifully" (literal translation of 'calligraphy'). Students will learn how to produce fancy, highly decorative handwriting, chiefly through the use of steel brush pens and ink. Calligraphy is a centuries-old art form, prevalent in many cultures around the world. It is an art form that is still done in a traditional manner, though tools and media have evolved. Students will be required to reach a high level of craftsmanship, maintain a sketchbook of ideas, notes, and vocabulary, and participate in class critiques.
(1 Term)
Prerequisite - The Art of Calligraphy
This course will inspire students to use calligraphy at a more advanced level. Students will learn how to incorporate the art of beautiful writing into their art work. Students will view such work as medieval manuscripts for inspiration. Students will be required to reach a high level of craftsmanship, maintain a sketchbook of ideas, notes, and vocabulary, and participate in class critiques.
Advanced Digital Photo
(1 term)
Prerequisite: Digital Photo
This course will provide students with advanced knowledge of digital photography - camera settings, color correction, and a concentration on the use of the Photoshop tools and techniques to enhance or alter their photos. Students will be required to reach a high level of craftsmanship, maintain a sketchbook of ideas, notes, and vocabulary, and participate in class critiques. Students are required to have a digital camera for this course!
Advanced Traditional Black and White Film Photography & Darkroom Techniques
(1 term)
Prerequisite: Intro. to Traditional Black & White Film Photography and Darkroom Techniques
This course is designed for students interested in advancing their technical skills in traditional black & white photography, with a focus towards preparation for college and a photography career. Emphasis is on individual or independent projects with special attention to more advanced 35 mm SLR film camera and darkroom techniques. Students are expected to develop strong technical skills, including a refined use of composition in their work, and a strong working knowledge of their cameras.
Students are required to have a 35 mm Single Lens Reflex Film Camera for this course!
Art History Studio
(1 term)
No Prerequisite
This course is designed to provide students with an understanding and enjoyment of a wide range of artwork, including painting, sculpture, and architecture within both a cultural and historical context. Students will learn to look at works of art critically, with intelligence and sensitivity, and articulate what they have seen or experienced in those works. There will also be corresponding studio art projects that connect to the art history being studied. Students will be required to reach a high level of craftsmanship, maintain a sketchbook of ideas, notes, and vocabulary, and participate in class critiques and discussions.
Bookmaking & Crafts
(1 semester)
No prerequisite
This course is designed to introduce students to some of the more traditional methods of art-making (such as weaving, book binding, basketry, etc.), along with more contemporary means for use of these methods. Students will learn about the functional and aesthetic origins of various traditional art forms, and how these forms have persisted and evolved over time. Students will be required to reach a high level of craftsmanship, maintain a sketchbook of ideas, notes, and vocabulary, and participate in class critiques. As crafts were traditionally ‘handed down’ over time, students will be required to teach classmates at least one skill learned through personal research.
Ceramics 1
(1 term)
No prerequisite
This course will provide students with an introduction to hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques. Students will learn to use tools, glaze, and under-glaze to create both decorative and functional pieces. Students will be required to reach a high level of craftsmanship, maintain a sketchbook of ideas, notes, and vocabulary, and participate in class critiques.
Ceramics 2
(1 term)
Prerequisite – Ceramics 1
This course will allow students to expand upon skills learned in Ceramics 1, using those skills to develop personal expression. Students will also learn more complex means for working with clay. In addition, students will study the work of prominent ceramists to understand the role that clay has played in various cultures throughout history. Students will be required to reach a high level of craftsmanship, maintain a sketchbook of ideas, notes, and vocabulary, and participate in class critiques.
Comic Book and Graphic Novel Illustration
(1 term)
Prerequisite: Drawing
This course is designed to give students a comprehensive introduction into the concepts and techniques used in the creation of comics and sequential art. Students will explore character development, layout, and illustration styles used in this specialized field, with specific focus on both print and digital media outlets. Artwork will be produced from drawings, scanned images, Internet captured images, and digitally drawn images. Students will examine the works of prominent cartoonists and graphic novelists.
Computer Graphics 1
(1 term)
No prerequisite
Computer Graphics 2
(1 term)
Prerequisite: Computer Graphics 1
Drawing
(1 semester)
No Prerequisite
This course is designed to strengthen students’ observational drawing skills. A series of assignments will investigate using the elements of art (line, form, value, color, etc.) and principles of design (balance, composition, etc.) with a wide variety of media. Students will study still-life, figure, portrait, and landscape drawing. Through intensive studio work, students will improve their image-making skills, heighten their visual awareness, and develop personal expression through drawing. Students will be required to reach a high level of craftsmanship, maintain a sketchbook of ideas, notes, and vocabulary, and participate in class critiques.
Foundations in Art
(1 term)
No prerequisite *This course serves as the prerequisite for many other art courses.
This course introduces students to the elements of art and principles of design through the use of both 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional projects. Students will explore a variety of methods and materials, and learn basic art vocabulary. They will be acquainted with art history, on a basic level, focusing on how artists have used the elements and principles in their work. Students will be required to reach a high level of craftsmanship, maintain a sketchbook of ideas, notes, and vocabulary, and participate in class critiques.
Illustration
(1 term)
Prerequisite – Foundations in Art
This course is designed to give students a means to incorporate the use of ‘narrative’ in their work. Students will explore the use of both traditional and non-traditional media to develop a personal style of illustration. Students will access a variety of resources, including children’s book illustrations, and magazine illustrations, from various cultures and time periods, to understand how images can be used to enhance words. Students will be required to reach a high level of craftsmanship, maintain a sketchbook of ideas, notes, and vocabulary, and participate in class critiques.
Introduction to Design
(1 term)
Pre-Requisite: Foundations of Art
This course is designed to introduce students to the working world of design. It allows for independent work as well as team-based, hands-on discovery experiences for developing designs. Students will participate in problem solving activities using creative concepts that are similar to the challenges facing professional commercial artists. Industrial design, fashion design, graphic design, and more will be explored.
Students will be required to reach a high level of craftsmanship, maintain a sketchbook of ideas, notes, and vocabulary, and participate in class critiques.
Introduction to Digital Photo
(1 term)
No prerequisite
This course will introduce students to the basics of digital photography, focusing on the use of Photoshop tools and techniques to enhance or alter their photos. Other Mac applications like Photo-Booth, iMovie, iPhoto and Garage Band will also be introduced.
Students will be required to reach a high level of craftsmanship, maintain a sketchbook of ideas, notes, and vocabulary, and participate in class critiques. Students are required to have a digital camera for this course!
Introduction to Traditional Black & White Film Photography and Darkroom Techniques
(1 term)
No prerequisite
This course introduces students to the traditions of black & white photography. Students will learn the technical aspects of photography, the care and use of a 35 mm film camera, and darkroom developing and printing techniques.
Students are required to have a 35 mm Single Lens Reflex Film Camera for this course!
Junior Visual Art Portfolio
(2 semesters)
Prerequisite: Foundations in Art
This course is designed for students who have an interest in a fine arts career, or who want to develop their technical skills to prepare portfolios for college admission. Emphasis in this course is on independent projects. Students will be required to reach a high level of craftsmanship, maintain sketchbook of ideas, notes, and vocabulary, and participate in class critiques. They will also need to exhibit their artwork. At the end of this course, students will have a portfolio of work that can be used for college admission.
Painting
(1 semester)
Prerequisite: Drawing
In this course, the fundamentals of painting will be explored. Emphasis will be placed on composition and use of color. The process of building and prepping a canvas will be explained. Students will be encouraged to investigate both traditional and contemporary approaches to painting, as well as how to use painting as a form of self-expression. Works will be done in watercolor and acrylic. Students will be required to reach a high level of craftsmanship, maintain a sketchbook of ideas, notes, and vocabulary, and participate in class critiques.
Printmaking and Mixed Media
(1 semester)
Prerequisite: Foundations in Art
Printmaking is the art of producing multiple images of a drawing or design. This course will introduce the many processes that can be used to create prints. Students will also explore how materials from sculpture, drawing, painting, and printmaking can be combined to create to create new art forms. Students will be required to reach a high level of craftsmanship, maintain sketchbook of ideas, notes, and vocabulary, and participate in class critiques.
Sculpture
(1 semester)
No Prerequisite
This course will introduce the elements of art and principles of design in three-dimensional forms. Students will complete projects involving additive and subtractive techniques, as well as other methods of construction. Three-dimensional structures will be created using a variety of materials, including (but not limited to) wood, wire, string, cardboard, fabric, plaster, found objects, papier mâchè, and various clays. Students will be acquainted with the history of sculpture and view work by a wide range of artists. Students will be required to reach a high level of craftsmanship, maintain a sketchbook of ideas, notes, and vocabulary, and participate in class critiques.
Senior Visual Art Portfolio
(2 semesters)
Prerequisite: Junior Visual Art Portfolio
This course is designed for students who have an interest in a fine arts career, or who want to develop their technical skills to prepare portfolios for college admission. Emphasis in this course is on independent projects. Students will be required to reach a high level of craftsmanship, maintain sketchbook of ideas, notes, and vocabulary, and participate in class critiques. They will also need to exhibit their artwork. At the end of this course, students will have a portfolio of work that can be used for college admission.
The Art of Calligraphy (1 Term)
This course is an introduction to "the art of writing beautifully" (literal translation of 'calligraphy'). Students will learn how to produce fancy, highly decorative handwriting, chiefly through the use of steel brush pens and ink. Calligraphy is a centuries-old art form, prevalent in many cultures around the world. It is an art form that is still done in a traditional manner, though tools and media have evolved. Students will be required to reach a high level of craftsmanship, maintain a sketchbook of ideas, notes, and vocabulary, and participate in class critiques.