Fine Arts Courses

Art I

Grades 9 – 12
Pre-requisites: None
Duration: Full Year
Credits: 1.0
Weighting: 4.0
Course no.: 730

Art I is designed to reinforce and build on knowledge and skills developed at the elementary and
middle school levels. It is the foundation level for art study throughout high school. The course is
primarily devoted to deliberate and systematic presentations of various art processes, procedures, theories, and historical developments. Students will have experiences in producing twodimensional and three–dimensional artworks. The course emphasizes the study of the elements of art and principles of design, color theory, vocabulary, art criticism, art history, and safety in the art room. The approach to art experiences during this time is experimental in terms of materials. Students are provided a strong foundation in design, drawing and vocabulary in a
teacher-structured environment. Problem solving and decision making are emphasized
throughout Art I.

Art II

2007-2008 Art II Syllabus

Grades 10 – 12
Pre-requisites: Art I
Duration: Full Year
Credits: 1.0
Weighting: 4.0
Course no.: 734

Art II builds on the student’s technical skills and foundation of knowledge developed in Art I.
The study of the elements of art and principles of design, color theory, vocabulary, and art
history continues in Art II in a continued teacher-directed situation. Various art processes,
procedures, and theories are presented in a problem-solving manner which allows for
independent choices and personal solutions to problems. The approach to art experiences is less experimental and based more on informed choices. Student research of art and artists is a major source for gaining knowledge and understanding of past and present art forms. A greater flexible and fluent use of the elements of art and principles of design, color, theory, and vocabulary is stressed in Art II.

Art III

Pre-requisites: Art II and Teacher Recommendation
Duration: Full Year
Credits: 1.0
Weighting: 4.0
Course no.: 735

Art III builds on skills from Art II with a more in-depth approach to the study of art processes
and techniques, aesthetic issues, art criticism and art history. This becomes a more student
directed environment. Teacher helps students form goals, set deadlines and channel a body of
work in a particular direction. Knowledge of the arts in relation to culture, history, other
disciplines, and careers will be promoted through visual, verbal, and written means. Art history,
criticism, and aesthetics will be studied in conjunction with selected artworks and will lead to
development of a personal philosophy of art. In Art III, students will assemble a portfolio based
on technical quality, personal style, direction, and its intended purpose.

Art IV

Pre-requisites: Art III and Teacher Recommendation
Duration: Full Year
Credits: 1.0
Weighting: 4.0
Course no.: 736

Art IV builds on skills from Art III with a continuation of an in-depth approach to the study of
art processes and techniques, aesthetic issues, art criticism and art history. Teacher directed
initially, with a focus on channeling each student towards and accomplishing individual artistic
goal, which each student will set at the onset of the course. Art production is conceptually based and is generated through collaboration between teacher and student. Students will become familiar with careers, and develop work habits of professionals. Knowledge of the arts in
relation to culture, history, other disciplines, and careers will be promoted through visual, verbal,
and written means. Art history, criticism, and aesthetics will be studied in conjunction with
selected artworks and will lead to development of a personal philosophy of art. In Art IV,
students will use a variety of media in traditional and unique ways to assemble a portfolio based
on technical quality, personal style, direction, and its intended purpose.

AP Studio Art

Grades 10-12
Pre-requisites: Art III and Teacher Approval
Duration: Full Year
Credits: 1.0
Weighting: 5.0
Course no.: 738

AP studio art is an intense, college level studio art course. Students select to develop a portfolio
throughout the year in one of three possible areas of study: Drawing, 2D design, or 3D design.
The finished portfolios are reviewed by the AP board and passing work is awarded college
credit. AP art is designed to encourage artistic growth and exploration.

Drama I

2007-2008 Drama I Syllabus

Pre-requisites: None
Duration: May be taken more than once for credit.
Credits: 1.0
Weighting: 4.0
Course no.: 760

Acting class is based on developing basic acting skills for the stage. While students do not actively participate in the production of a play, they learn skills that will assist them in the after school drama production, for which anyone can audition. (Rehearsals begin second semester.) Students will learn stage confidence, projection, diction, stage movement, how to read a script, and character development. The class is project based, so students will work on the presentation of scenes, by themselves and with others in the class.

Advanced Drama

2007-2008 Advanced Drama Syllabus

Pre-requisites: Drama and/or Approval from Advanced Drama Teacher
Duration: May be taken more than once for credit.
Credits: 1.0
Weighting: 4.0
Course no.: 762

This class will teach students how to put together a play production from the position of a master artist. Each student will write an original script, cast it with other students in the class, rehearse the production, and design and carry out all of the support artistry. Each student will be responsible for a fully realized performance at the end of the school year. Class time will be
comprised of lessons in play writing techniques, character development (from a writer’s
perspective, an actor’s perspective, and a director’s perspective), and the fundamentals of
blocking, as well as lessons in the support roles in theatre such as make-up, costuming, lighting, sound, and set designs. In addition, the students in this class comprise the cast of the annual Halloween/Shakespeare/Comedy, written by the teacher. Cooperation with others and team spirit are keys to a student’s success in this class.

Band

2007-2008 Band Syllabus

Pre-requisites: One Year’s Previous Experience or teacher's recommendation
Duration: Full Year
Credits: 1.0
Weighting 4.0
Course no: 780
May be taken more than once for credit

This course is designed for students who have played in band in middle school or who have at
least one year of playing experience. The students will play a variety of styles of music, from
classical to jazz and pop, and in the process will continue to develop their music reading skills
and instrumental abilities. The band will perform for the school, the local community and
festivals and/or competitions. Instruction on the following instruments will be offered: flute,
oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, bass and percussion.

Concert Band

Pre-requisites: One Year’s Previous Experience or more
Duration: Full Year
Credits: 1.0
Weighting 4.0
Course no: 782
May be taken more than once for credit

This course is designed for advanced students who have had one or more years of experience
playing in a high school band. The students will work on advanced band literature as well as
improving their music reading and instrumental technique. The band will perform many
different styles of music including classical, pop and jazz, and will play at school, in the
community and at competitive levels. Depending on instrumentation and interest, there is a
possibility of forming a jazz ensemble as well. With the instructor’s approval, some 9th graders
may be allowed to take this course.

Chorus

Pre-requisites: None
Duration: Full Year
Credits: 1.0
Weighting 4.0
Course no: 785
May be taken more than once for credit

This course will allow vocalists of all levels to participate in ensemble singing. A variety of
musical styles will be covered as the chorus will sing for school functions, concerts and around
the community as the opportunity arises. Musicianship will be taught in the ensemble setting
including musical style, intonation, blend, sol-fege, theory and performance. This course may be
taken twice in any year by a student to earn a full credit in chorus.

updated as of: 11/16/2007