Grade level: 9-12

Prerequisite: None

Suggested Course Preparation/Critical Skills: Students should be prepared to work in the art studio, which is much like a lab environment. Self discipline is necessary to be productive in such a work atmosphere where seating is not in rows and long term projects must be completed and turned in a timely fashion. Each student must be willing to work hard in this alternative workspace to be successful.

 

Course Description: Students will survey the basics of Art in a studio environment. The Elements of Art and the Principles of Design will be learned and practiced, students will study drawing, color theory, perspective, painting, aesthetic valuing and the critiquing process, major movements in art and the contributions of individuals and peoples to the art of today.   Careers in the Arts will be explored.

 

 Major Projects/Assignments: Design Folder, Color Wheel, Perspective Drawing, 7-Part Drawing.

Approximate homework assigned: 30 minutes weekly, if student works at normal pace in class. 

 

Graduation Requirement: VPA

UC/CSU a-g Requirement: f

Grade level: 10-12

 

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Art 1-2 with a grade of C or better, or a portfolio of work that shows proficiency equivalent to a year in Beginning Art, to be determined by the instructor. Suggested Course Preparation/Critical Skills: Students should have the commitment to improve their skills as an artist, and be willing to revise and rework, as part of the process of making art. A certain level of maturity is required as students begin the group critiquing process. 

 

Course Description: Students will pursue greater depth drawing, painting, design, graphics and printmaking. Studio experiences will provide further knowledge of the artist’s methods and materials. Advanced skills of observing and recording nature will be combined with study of historical styles of art. During this course studio art work in the classroom will provide for creative expression, visual perception and technical experiences. The students will study great works of art to illustrate lessons in aesthetic judgments and historical insights. The course will also include films, slides and demonstrations. 

 Major Projects/Assignments: Distorted Self-Portrait, Pen and Ink Still Life, Colored Pencil ‘Garbage’ 

Approximate homework assigned: 30 minutes weekly, if student works at normal pace in class. 

 

Graduation Requirement: VPA

UC/CSU a-g Requirement: f

 

Grade level: 11-12

Prerequisite: Enrolling students should have completed the prerequisites with a B or better. Students should be well developed with drawing and painting skills and understand how to use the design elements and principals successfully. Summer classes, including figure drawing, at the Academy of Art or another prominent summer art program are highly recommended. Summer assignments from the A.P. teacher are mandatory.

Suggested Course Preparation/Critical Skills: Enrolling students should have completed the prerequisites with a B or better. Students should be well developed with drawing and painting skills and understand how to use the design elements and principals successfully. Summer classes, includingfigure drawing, at the Academy of Art or another prominent summer art program are highly recommended. 

Summer assignments from the A.P. teacher are mandatory.

 

Course Description: At course end each student will turn in a portfolio to the College Board that consists of 24 art works. Students can choose to complete the drawing portfolio or the design portfolio. Both portfolios follow the same requirements, but have different assignments. Through slides and other visual samples, students become more aware of the contemporary art world. Critiques are held every three weeks. Grading will be based on the College Board Rubric, however points are given for participation and completing all assignments by the end of each semester.

 Major Projects/Assignments: The portfolio consists of 24 high quality artworks, 12 of which are to be completed in class, 12 of which are completed outside of class time.

Approximate daily homework assigned: one to two hours. 

Graduation Requirement: VPA

UC/CSU a-g Requirement: f

 

Grade level: 9-12

 

Prerequisite: None

Suggested Course Preparation/Critical Skills: Students should have the capacity to work independently with guidance, even more so than ceramics 1-2. Students should also have the maturity to take responsibility for a shared studio community. It is essential that students have good attendance as the studio time is a requirement to complete course goals and objectives.

 

Course Description: In Multimedia Art and Design we will explore a wide swath of computer graphics emphasizing artistry and art history using the computer as a creative art tool. Course materials will focus on students learning to identify, describe and apply the elements and principals of design, identifying and applying styles and themes explored from art history, and technical concepts used in digital art creation such as layering, brushes, interface usage, masking, raster and vector graphic types, and effectively using filters. In the spring students will focus on animation to create personal expressive artwork while learning about applications that use timelines, fundamentals of animation, character animation, and interactive graphics like web pages. In addition to the Adobe CS2 Design Suite, students will gain familiarity with a wide array of online workflow tools and procedures including online image archiving, forum usage, online linking of images and content, and web 2.0 technologies. 

 

 Major Projects/Assignments: Digital collage, surrealist digital painting, designing for your personal ‘brand’, portfolio web site, flash vignette, abstract animation, interactive web page design.

Approximate homework assigned daily: 30 min. – 1 hour weekly for sketching assignments

 

Graduation Requirement: VPA

UC/CSU a-g Requirement: f

Grade level: 10-12

 

Prerequisite: Multimedia Art and Design 1-2 or teacher approval of past experience

Suggested Course Preparation/Critical Skills: Art 1-2 or Drawing 1-2 is recommended, and sculpture experience is very helpful.

 

Course Description: In 3D Modeling and Animation students will be using AutoDesk Maya as a tool for creating 3D models, texturing models, and animating 3D projects. The course will focus on broader 3D concepts (workflows) and not particulars about the Maya software. The goal is that students will be able to quickly gain comfort in any 3D design software that allows polygonal modeling, texturing, and timeline animation. Topics covered include modeling an interior space, modeling a 3D character, basic lighting techniques, polygonal modeling techniques, creating forms from curves, applying textures, creating custom textures, referencing projects, rigging, skin weighting, and basic animation.

 

Fall: Designing an interior room set, re-creating a historic monument., beginning character modeling and animation. Spring: Rigging and texturing a unique character model, UV layout, skinning and weighting. basic animation concepts through creating realistic character animations. Students create an animated vignette. 

Approximate homework assigned daily: 30 min. – 1 hour weekly for sketching assignments

 

Graduation Requirement: VPA

UC/CSU a-g Requirement: f

 

Grade Level: 9-12

 

Prerequisite: none

Students should have the capacity to work independently with guidance. Students should also have the maturity to take responsibility for a shared studio community. It is essential that students have good attendance as the studio space is a requirement to complete work.  

.

Course Description: The beginning section of ceramics focuses on introducing students to the foundations of creating artwork in clay. In the Fall, students will learn many vessel making techniques emphasizing the pottery wheel, and including pinching, slab and coil construction techniques. We also include small research projects to learn about ceramics artwork from other cultures, using the computer to effectively gather and present information. In the Spring we continue exploring ways to create clay vessels, and also tackle sculpted forms including a life-like animal sculpture, mask making, musical instrument construction and relief carving. Though out the course students will learn how to apply design decisions to their artwork, roughing out ideas through sketching, and about low fire, high fire, over-glaze and under- glaze surface decoration. In the Spring students will also take part in a collaborative art history research

project including short video projects and a research entry on the class web page.

Major Projects/Assignments: Fall: Pinch pot or coil pot introduction, 3 Wheel thrown pots, decorated slab box, 3 advanced wheel thrown pots. Spring: Goblet or Greek inspired vase, animal maquette, animal sculpture, mask, musical instrument, art history research project.

Approximate homework assigned daily: 30 minutes a week sketching assignments

Graduation Requirement: VPA

UC/CSU a-g Requirement: f

 

Grade level: 10-12

 

Prerequisite: Ceramics 1 and 2

Suggested Course Preparation/Critical Skills: Students should have the capacity to work independently with guidance, even more so than ceramics 1-2. Students should also have the maturity to take responsibility for a shared studio community. It is essential that students have good attendance as the studio time is a requirement to complete course goals and objectives.

 

Course Description: Advanced Ceramics (3-8) takes the skills from ceramics 1-2 and continues to hone and layer on more advanced techniques. Students will work with large more complex design problems, and be expected to create their own design projects from a list of prompts. In each semester students will each do one teacher directed project and two student designed projects. Students may concentrate on pottery, hand building, or sculpture, and may include multimedia or other mediums in their work.

 

Major Projects/Assignments: Portfolio development, critique and creation including video elements, fountain design/creation, projects comparing/contrasting styles and themes from art history.

Approximate homework assigned daily: 30 min. – 1 hour weekly for sketching assignments

 

Graduation Requirement: VPA

UC/CSU a-g Requirement: f

 

Grade level: 9-12

 

Prerequisite: None.

Suggested Course Preparation/Critical Skills: Students should be prepared to work in the art studio, which is much like a lab environment. Self-discipline is necessary to be productive in such a work atmosphere where seating is not in rows and long-term projects must be completed and turned in in a timely fashion. Each student must be willing to work hard in this alternative workspace to be successful

 

Course Description: This course introduces the studio arts pertaining to drawing.   Various drawing techniques will be introduced to the student, and will also study color theory. Students will employ the elements and principles of art to produce creative drawings in various mediums. Students will also gain the ability to analyze and respond to various works, including their own. Furthermore, students will be study numerous cultural and historical styles and motifs. Through critiques, students will display the ability to value and appreciate works of art aesthetically, as well as understand the relationship between art, culture and history. 

Major Projects/Assignments:  Distorted self-portrait, pen and ink still life, colored pencil ‘garbage,’ 

Approximate homework assigned: 30 minutes weekly, if student works at normal pace in class. 

 

Graduation Requirement: VPA

UC/CSU a-g Requirement: f

 

Grade level: 10-12

 

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Drawing 1-2 with a grade of C or better, or a portfolio of work that shows proficiency equivalent to a year in Beginning Art, to be determined by the instructor.

Suggested Course Preparation/Critical Skills: Students should have the commitment to improve their skills as an artist, and be willing to revise and rework, as part of the process of making art. A certain level of maturity is required as students begin the group critiquing process. 

 

Students will pursue greater depth drawing, and design. Studio experiences will provide further knowledge of the artist’s methods and materials. Advanced skills of observing and recording nature will be combined with study of historical styles of art. During this course, studio artwork in the classroom will provide for creative expression, visual perception and technical experiences. The students will study great works of art to illustrate lessons in aesthetic judgments and historical insights. The course will also include films, slides and demonstrations. 

 

Major Projects/Assignments: Self-portrait, life study, 3-point perspective drawing

Approximate homework assigned: 30 minutes weekly, if student works at normal pace in class. 

Graduation Requirement: VPA

UC/CSU a-g Requirement: f

 

Grade level: 9-12

 

Prerequisite: none

Course Description: This introductory course offers the student training in acting skills through an introduction to dramatic conflict by encouraging sensitivity and awareness of human relationships based on observation of oneself and others. Acting methods and practices of the modern actor will be introduced through exercise work, improvisation, and scene study. There will be frequent in-class performance opportunities. Attendance at school theatre productions is an important part of learning this subject and attendance will be required. The course will help build creativity and develop the capacity to make informed aesthetic evaluations. Students will develop poise, confidence, ease and a greater facility in oral presentations

 

Major Projects/Assignments: Physical and vocal development and fundamentals of improvisation, open scene study– development of given circumstances, character scene analysis, presentation techniques and monologues, contemporary scene study and actor collaboration.

Approximate homework assigned daily: script memorization and scene/exercise preparation.

Graduation Requirement: VPA

UC/CSU a-g Requirement: f

 

Grade level: 10-12

 

Prerequisite: Drama 1-2 or permission of Instructor

Suggested Course Preparation/Critical Skills: Principles of theatre. Acting fundamentals.

 

Course Description: This intermediate course offers the student an opportunity to increase mastery of individual acting skills, understand dramatic form, read and perform exemplary classical and contemporary dramatic literature, and understand the process of effective evaluation. Acting methods and practices of the modern actor will be introduced through exercise work, improvisation and scene study. Theatre elements that affect the actor will be defined and examined. There will be frequent in-class performance opportunities. The course focuses on individual skill craftwork to strengthen self-concept, as well as scene teamwork to create a greater readiness for ensemble development. An introduction to Classical Theatre will be included.

 

Major Projects/Assignments: Physical and vocal development, storytelling, improvisation techniques, contemporary scene study – skill craftwork, character scene analysis, audition techniques and monologues, classic contemporary scene study and play production

Approximate homework assigned daily: script memorization and scene/exercise preparation

 

Graduation Requirement: VPA

UC/CSU a-g Requirement: f

 

 

Grade level: 11-12

 

Prerequisite: Drama 1-2, 3-4, or permission of Instructor

Suggested Course Preparation/Critical Skills: Principles of Theatre. Acting Fundamentals.

 

Course Description: This advanced course offers the student an opportunity to increase mastery of individual acting skills, understand dramatic form, read and perform exemplary classical, contemporary and original/new works dramatic literature, and understand the process of effective evaluation. Acting methods and practices of the modern actor will be introduced through exercise work, improvisation and scene study. Theatre elements that affect the actor will be defined and examined. There will be frequent in-class performance opportunities. The course focuses on individual skill craftwork to strengthen self-concept, scene teamwork, and ensemble development. Classical Theatre and Student Workshop/Directing and Producing will be included.

 

Major Projects/Assignments: Physical and vocal development, storytelling, improvisation techniques, contemporary scene study – skill craftwork, character scene analysis, audition techniques and monologues, classic contemporary scene study and play production.

Approximate homework assigned daily: script memorization and scene/exercise preparation

 

Graduation Requirement: VPA

UC/CSU a-g Requirement: f

Grade level: 10-12

Prerequisite: none

 

Course Description: This course will give students a greater appreciation and understanding of film as an art form and as a means of communication. Through readings, screenings, and research, students will gain a fundamental knowledge of the craft and history of the American cinema and will develop critical skills in literary and film analysis. In addition, students will attain a greater appreciation and understanding of the films they watch, both inside and outside of class. The course will focus on the contribution made by directors, screenwriters, visual artists and producers in order to help students better understand how films are structured and how imagery, camera work and story conventions are utilized to convey meaning to an audience. The course will explore the way film sheds light – both through its subject matter as well as its omissions – on the history, culture, and values of the past hundred years. A parallel focus will be on how film has progressed technologically from the silent era to the digital age. We will also examine the special problems inherent in adapting literature into film versus the challenges of creating original stories for the screen.

 

Major Projects/Assignments: Analysis of standard storyline structure, genre importance and analysis, film history jigsaw projects, filmmakers and directors projects, creation of a film project from pitch to screenplay to product, the screenwriting process.

Approximate homework assigned daily: Cinema Reports, Project preparation, Film analysis worksheets.

 

 

Grade level: 9-12

 

Prerequisite: Middle School Experience in Wind Band, or Instructor’s consent

Suggested Course Preparation/Critical Skills: Intermediate Band is a continuation of the middle school wind band program. Enrolled students should have successfully participated in the wind band program at their middle school. Students should demonstrate proficient rehearsal and performance etiquette, and be able to sight-read and perform at a high school entry level.

 

Course Description: Students will rehearse and perform a variety of music from the wind band repertoire. Students will develop technical skills on their instrument as well as study music theory, music history, and rehearsal and performance techniques.

 

Major Projects/Assignments: The Intermediate Band performs outside of class throughout the school year. Participation in all performances is mandatory. 

Approximate homework assigned daily: Students are expected to learn their individual parts on their own and demonstrate regular progress in rehearsals. The amount of outside of class practice time will vary with the individual student.

Graduation Requirement: VPA

UC/CSU a-g Requirement: f

 

Grade level: 10-12

 

Prerequisite: Instructor’s consent by audition

Suggested Course Preparation/Critical Skills: A wind ensemble is essentially a large chamber group with one player per part. Students in a wind ensemble must be able learn, rehearse, and perform in this chamber setting. Students should demonstrate mastery of rehearsal and performance etiquette, and be able to sight-read and perform at an advanced high school level.

 

Course Description: Students will rehearse and perform a variety of music from the wind band repertoire. Students will develop technical skills on their instrument as well as study music theory, music history, and rehearsal and performance techniques.

 

Major Projects/Assignments: The Advanced Band performs outside of class throughout the school year, including but not limited to SMUHSD In Concert Music Festival, and CMEA (and/or comparable) Festivals. Participation in all performances is mandatory. 

Approximate homework assigned daily: Students are expected to learn their individual parts on their own and demonstrate regular progress in rehearsals. The amount of outside of class practice time will vary with the individual student.

Graduation Requirement: Fine Arts

UC/CSU a-g Requirement: f

 

Grade level: 9-12

 

Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in Intermediate or Advanced Band, and Instructor’s consent.

Suggested Course Preparation/Critical Skills: Students should demonstrate mastery of rehearsal and performance etiquette, and be able to sight-read and perform at an advanced high school level.

 

Course Description: Students will rehearse and perform a variety of music from the jazz band repertoire. Students will develop technical skills on their instrument as well as study improvisation, music theory, composition/arranging, jazz history, and rehearsal and performance techniques.

 

Major Projects/Assignments: The Jazz Ensemble performs outside of class throughout the school year, including but not limited to CMEA (and/or comparable) Festivals. Participation in all performances is mandatory. 

Approximate homework assigned daily: Students are expected to learn their individual parts on their own and demonstrate regular progress in rehearsals. The amount of outside of class practice time will vary with the individual student. There is a music history project due at the end of the first semester, and a composition/arranging project due at the end of the second semester.

Graduation Requirement: Fine Arts

UC/CSU a-g Requirement: f

 

Grade level: 9-12

 

Prerequisite: none

Suggested Course Preparation/Critical Skills: Enrolling students should have an ability to actively

participate in the choral rehearsal process.

 

Course Description: In this entry-level choir, students will learn the basics of singing and reading music. Open to all grade levels, with NO AUDITION NECESSARY. Students will sing repertoire from various eras of musical history and from a variety of music styles: including gospel, musical theater, pop, and classical. While learning rehearsal and performance techniques, the students analyze compositional elements in cultural and historical contexts. 

 

Major Projects/Assignments: The rehearsal and performance schedule will require a time commitment outside of the regular school day/calendar to include concerts, festivals, and a concert tour. 

Approximate homework assigned daily: Students are expected to be prepared for class each day knowing the material presented and rehearsed in previous classes. Amount of outside practice time will vary with each individual student.

Graduation Requirement: VPA

UC/CSU a-g Requirement: f

 

 

Grade level: 10-12

Prerequisite: Chorus 1-2 and/or instructor’s consent 

Suggested Course Preparation/Critical Skills: Enrolling students should have successful completion of Chorus 1-2, basic vocal performance skills, basic music reading skills, and an ability to actively participate in the choral rehearsal process.

 

Course Description: In this advanced choir, students will learn advanced skills of singing and reading music. Students will sing advanced repertoire from various eras of musical history and from a variety of music styles: including gospel, musical theater, pop, and classical. While learning rehearsal and performance techniques, the students analyze compositional elements in cultural and historical contexts. 

 

Major Projects/Assignments: The rehearsal and performance schedule will require a time commitment outside of the regular school day/calendar to include but not limited to concerts, festivals, a concert tour, SMUHSD In Concert Music Festival, Solo/Ensemble Festival, etc. Participation in all performances is mandatory. 

Approximate homework assigned daily: Students are expected to be prepared for class each day knowing the material presented and rehearsed in previous classes. Weekly sectionals and practice will be assigned.

Graduation Requirement: VPA

UC/CSU a-g Requirement: f