ART FEE
There will be a $6 fee for all one-half year courses and a $12 fee for all full year courses.

Course Descriptions

ART HISTORY (6253 and 6254)

This course provides a general survey of art, created to acquaint students with the art and artists of different countries and civilizations and extend students’ understanding of historical and cultural themes that have influenced and inspired art creation over the centuries.  Students will gain an understanding of the goals and ideals of other artists, and learn how they have confronted and resolved visual and conceptual problems in and through their art.  Incorporated in this course will be an exploration of art criticism and aesthetics, putting to practice art theories in studio experiences of two and three dimensional media.

 Art History I Prehistoric Art 3500 BC to Realism 1860 AD
Credit:  1/2 unit (20 weeks)

 Art History II   Impressionism 1860 to Contemporary Art of Today
Credit:    1/2 unit (20 weeks)

CERAMICS I (6110)

This course is designed to introduce the student to the use of ceramics as a medium for artistic expression and functional creativity.  Basic techniques of construction with clay such as coil, slab, pinch and wheel–thrown work will be explored with reference to historical foundations.  The general properties of clay and glaze material will be covered.  Both verbal and written critiques will be employed as tools to foster creative and technical growth and as the basis for evaluation.

  Credit:    1/2 unit (20 weeks)

CERAMICS II (6115)

This course is an advanced exploration of ceramic media.  The emphasis will be on the use of surface decoration of the three–dimensional form.  Contemporary trends in both functional and sculptural use of the medium will be surveyed to stimulate creative expression.  Both written and verbal critiques will be employed.

 Credit:    1/2 unit (20 weeks)

COMMERCIAL DESIGN I (6116)

This course gives students the opportunity to experience the elements and principles of design in commercial art through the use of various two and three dimensional media and technology.  Students will begin to focus on visual literacy, expanding conceptual, aesthetic and visualization skills, as well as creative problem solving.  They will explore a wide variety of commercially oriented problems, such as: logo design, product design  package design, cartooning, illustration techniques, and fashion design.  A survey of Commercial Design’s historical foundations will also be introduced.  Written and verbal critiques will be employed as tools to promote creative skills and self evaluation.

 Credit:                    1/2 unit (20 weeks)

COMMERCIAL DESIGN  II (6117)

This course offers an advanced exploration of visual communication which will follow the historical, technical, and critical approaches of Commercial Design I.  Students will be afforded the opportunity for individual expression and creative growth.  Both written and verbal critiques will be incorporated.

Credit:                    1/2 unit (20 weeks)

DIGITAL IMAGING/VIDEO PRODUCTION (6255)

The aim of digital imaging is to teach students to select, analyze, and create images utilizing software programs such as Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Golive.  Students will be given specific problems that address image processing and image formation and capture using input devices such as flatbed, reflective, slide, and negative scanners as well as digital cameras.  This knowledge will be applied to the creation of a series of digital images as well as the creation of a web site.  Students will formulate work plans for their achievement and manage their efforts so that given objectives are attained within specific deadlines similar to industrial and commercial environments.  By the end of this course students will have a thorough grounding in the principles and techniques applicable to digital imaging and web design as well as the careers available in this growing industry.

The aim of video production is to teach students the creative and technical

aspects of video production.  Students will be given specific problems that address digital video editing using software programs such as Adobe Premiere and iMovie.  Students will also be taught methodology of videography and production such as story boards, lighting effects, in-camera production and editing.    Students will also be required to use their growing knowledge of video editing as they critique a series of professionally edited movies and videos.  Students will be expected to produce several videos spanning a wide array of techniques and topics.  Additionally, students may be involved in documentation of district events when available and as needed.  By the end of this course, students will be aware of the principles and techniques pertinent to video production and the careers available.

 Credit:  1  unit (40 weeks)

DRAWING AND PAINTING I (6160)

This course is geared to exploratory experiences and techniques in drawing and painting with materials such as charcoal, pastels, pen and ink, watercolors, conte crayon, oils and acrylics.  A sketchbook must be maintained with assignments supplementary to class work.  An historical outline of major artists and art movements with emphasis on painting, sculpture, and architecture is included.

 Credit:                     1/2 unit (20 weeks)
Prerequisite:            Studio in Art

DRAWING AND PAINTING II (6165)

Advanced exploration of drawing and painting as a visual language continues.  Techniques for working with the human figure, portraits, landscapes, and perspective, with emphasis on composition of design will be stressed.  Further investigation into schools of painting and modern movements will attempt to increase awareness of our artistic heritage.  A sketchbook must be maintained with comprehensive weekly drawing assignments.

 Credit:  1/2 unit (20 weeks)

INTRODUCTION TO ART – UNDERSTANDING AND CREATION (6130 AND 6135)

This course is designed to fulfill the NYS Regents requirement for art.  It is presented in two parts.  The student will be exposed to the diversity of cultural heritage which has contributed to the visual arts through slides, video tapes, and CD roms.  Projects giving a variety of experiences in technique and media will be introduced.  Written and verbal critiques will be used to evaluate.  Students may elect one or both semesters towards meeting the fine arts requirement (they may choose 1/2 unit in Art and another 1/2 unit in Music).

 Credit:  1/2 unit (20 weeks) Part One – Non–sequential
Credit:  1/2 unit (20 weeks) Part Two

PHOTOGRAPHY I (6140)

This course is designed to introduce students to the many technical and creative aspects of photography.  Study of the camera will be covered along with film types, lighting conditions, and composition.  Darkroom practices such as film developing, printing and dry–mounting will also be explored.  Students are required to have a camera.

 Credit:  1/2 unit (20 weeks)              

PHOTOGRAPHY II (6145)

This is an advanced course that has been designed to help students use the camera and the enlarger creatively.  Emphasis will be placed on photography as an art form as well as a technical operation.  Advanced techniques and special effects such as double printing, kodalith, color toning, studio lighting, photo collage, solarization, and texture screen prints will be explored.  History of photography and how it relates to contemporary photography is included.  A weekly verbal and/or written critique will be an integral part of the course.

 Credit:  1/2 unit (20 weeks)
Prerequisite: Photography I

PHOTOGRAPHY III (6150)

Photography III is offered to the art/photography student who has successfully completed both Photo I and II.  Students will deal with extended techniques in black and white photos.  Included are kodalith, toning, distortion, double exposures, reticulation, and solarization.   Students will learn color processing from negatives.  Students will be instructed in the use of camera accessories and gadgets available to improve the photographic art.  A photo portfolio will be maintained and emphasis will be placed on photography as an art.  An extensive overview of photographic history will be included.  Students will be critiqued informally or as cause dictates.

Credit:  1 unit (40 weeks)
Prerequisite:    Photography I and II

PRINTMAKING I (6120)

This course is designed to introduce the student to the use of printmaking as a medium for artistic expression, creative and cognitive growth.  Basic techniques of printmaking will be explored such as monoprinting, linoleum and wood block printing, calligraphic printing,  dry point engraving and serigraphy with references to historical foundations.  A sketch/notebook will be maintained of assignments to supplement class work.  Design and composition, as well as creative problem solving, will be emphasized in all work.  Both verbal and written critiques will be employed to foster growth and as the basis for evaluation.

 Credit:  1/2 unit (20 weeks)

PRINTMAKING II (6125)

This course offers an advanced exploration of the printmaking medium and will continue to follow the historical, technical and critical approaches set forth in the introductory course.  The student will be afforded the opportunity for individual expression and creative growth.  A sketch/notebook will be kept, and both written and verbal critiques will be conducted.

 Credit:  1/2 unit (20 weeks)

PUBLICATION DESIGN I & II  (6180) & (6185)

This course provides for the learning and adaptation of basic skills for publishing techniques.  Skills such as theme development, planning, business related responsibilities, coverage and content, layout, copy writing/fitting, proofing, editing, typography, and digital imaging will be developed.  Production and computer application for school publications will be included.

 Credit:  1/2 unit (20 weeks) Part I
Credit:  1/2 unit (20 weeks) Part II

SCULPTURE I (6170)  (one section)

The goal of this course is to introduce the student to the sculptural arts.  This goal will be accomplished through a three–pronged approach.  The first is the exploration of the following work methods:  additive, subtractive, construction, and assemblage.  Secondly, a survey of sculpture's historical foundations and current movements will be introduced by slide and filmstrip presentation.  Lastly, both written and verbal critiques will be employed as tools to promote creative and technical growth along with evaluation.

 Credit:  1/2 unit (20 weeks)

SCULPTURE II (6175)  (one section)

This course offers an advanced exploration of the sculptural arts which will follow the three–pronged approach used in the introductory course.  The student will be afforded the opportunity for individual expression and creative growth.  Both written and verbal critique will be conducted.

 Credit:  1/2 unit (20 weeks)

STUDIO IN ART (6100)

This course provides an introduction to the elements and principles of design that are used to create a successful composition.  A variety of media will be utilized in assignments dealing with two and three dimensions.  The assignments will introduce techniques in drawing, painting, ceramics, lettering, sculpture, and printmaking with an emphasis on composition and design.  A sketchbook must be maintained with weekly drawing assignments on value and techniques.  History, aesthetics, criticism, and production will be included.  Students will begin to develop a portfolio.

 Credit:  1 unit (40 weeks)

ADVANCED PLACEMENT ART DRAWING STUDIO (6252)

Students will participate in studio (classroom) work to prepare a portfolio composed of the following pieces of work.  These include sixteen to twenty drawings in various media and styles, exhibiting varying viewpoints and perspectives of both still lives and human form.  There is also a body of work (concentration), which should be composed of  between fifteen to eighteen pieces of work  that deal with a specific problem  or theme (of their choosing).  In this body of work students should exhibit both intellectual and technical growth. Homework will be assigned as needed to facilitate portfolio completion and documentation in 35mm slide format by the middle of May.  All projects will be critiqued either verbally or in writing, and some critiques may be graded.  Students will be responsible for keeping a sketch/notebook.  Students should be willing to stay after school to work and critique at least three to six hours a month in order to complete the portfolio by mid-May.

 Credit:  1 unit (40 weeks)

ADVANCED PLACEMENT ART 2-D DESIGN PORTFOLIO (6257)

The AP Art Program in Studio Art is intended for highly motivated students who are seriously interested in the study of Art.  Students should be made aware that AP work involves significantly more commitment and accomplishment than the typical high school course.  Students should be willing to stay after school to work and critique at least 3 to 6 hours a month in order to complete the portfolio by mid-May.  Homework will be assigned as needed to facilitate portfolio completion and documentation in 35mm slide format by mid-May.  All projects will be critiqued either verbally or in writing; some critiques may be graded.  Students will be responsible for keeping a sketch/notebook.  Media used will include traditional 2-D material such as pen, pencil, painting materials, charcoal, pastel, collage, montage and digital images.

Specific requirements include: 
a. Quality section:  5 actual work
b. Concentration section: 12 slides (some may be details)
c. Breadth section: 12 slides, one slide each of different works

Credit:  1 unit (40 weeks)

ADVANCED PLACEMENT ART 3-D DESIGN PORTFOLIO (6258)

The AP Art Program in Studio Art is intended for highly motivated students who are seriously interested in the study of Art. Students should be made aware that AP work involves significantly more commitment and accomplishment than the typical high school course.  Students should be willing to stay after school to work and critique at least 3 to 6 hours a month in order to complete the portfolio by mid-May.  Homework will be assigned as needed to facilitate portfolio completion and documentation in 35mm slide format by mid-May.  All projects will be critiqued either verbally or in writing; some critiques may be graded.  Students will be responsible for keeping a sketch/notebook.  Media used will include traditional 3-D material such as ceramics, wire, wood, plaster as well as non-traditional such as found objects and metals.

Specific requirements include:
a. Quality section: 10 slides, consisting of 2 views each of 5 works
b. Concentration section: 12 slides (some may be details or 2nd views)
c. Breadth section: 16 slides each of different works

Credit:  1 unit (40 weeks)

INDEPENDENT STUDY

A student may elect to take an Independent Study in any advanced art area providing that he/she has achieved an A or B in the initial course.  (For example, if he/she desires  to do Independent Study in Drawing and Painting, he/she must have received an A or B in that course.)  Independent Study is motivated by the learner's aims and is free from constant supervision.  The student selecting Independent Study selects media and sets up assignments with the approval and guidance of the art faculty. An Independent Study Contract must be approved by the Principal.

ART SEQUENCE:

Students must successfully complete the following for a three year sequence in art:
– 1 unit of Studio in Art (1 full unit of credit)
–  4 art classes selected* from any of the l/2 unit or full unit Art courses except Introduction to Art
– Many of these courses are offered on a rotating basis and according to student demand; they are not available every year to make 4 units