Art

Grade level: 9-12
Recommended background: C or better in Art 1
College eligibility: UC and CSU approved college preparatory Fine Art; subject F requirement

This is an intermediary art course. Further refinement of drawing and painting skills will be the primary focus, but various art making practices and new media may be introduced such as pastel painting, colored pencil, mixed media, scratchboard, and mask painting. Visual literacy and visual communication skills will be further developed. Historical and contemporary topics will be evident in student work and /or through class discussion.

Grade level: 9-12
Recommended background: C or better in Art 2
College eligibility: UC and CSU approved college preparatory Fine Art; subject F requirement

This is an advanced level course focused around a specialized area of art and / or around the exploration of a variety of media and techniques. In addition, Students will be directed in developing their own creative voice and work for a portfolio. Advanced visual literacy and visual communication skills will be further developed. Historical and contemporary topics will be evident in student work and /or through class discussion.

Grade level: 11-12
Recommended background: none
College eligibility: does not meet A-G requirements

Students will focus on building their personal portfolio and gain entrepreneurial skills required to become a successful artist. Advanced Visual Communications coordinates 2-D and 3-D studio work and cultural studies together with an emphasis on careers in the art field. Selected cultures of Meso-American, Italian, German, French, Middle Eastern and Asian art will be introduced and students will produce projects that relate to each unique culture to be included in their portfolio. Language and cultural studies will be taught on a daily basis so as to appreciate historical and cultural differences. The art elements and principles of design composition serve as a foundation for each unit covered and attention will be given to visual studio work. Students will gain knowledge and an appreciation for various art forms and entrepreneurship skills that will lead to a successful career in the visual communications field.

Grade level: 10-12
Recommended background: Art 1 and 2
College eligibility: UC and CSU approved college preparatory Fine Art; subject F requirement

Recommended: B or better in Art 2, or evaluation of student portfolio. This course is designed for the student who is seriously interested in art as a potential college major or career. The curriculum will include the development of a portfolio that may be used for college admission and submitted to the College Board for the AP Examination. Students will be required to complete homework assignments outside of class and to maintain a sketchbook. Only students enrolled in the AP Art course will be allowed to register and submit an AP Portfolio in May.

Recommended background: None
College eligibility: UC and CSU approved college preparatory Fine Art; subject F requirement

This is a basic design course for students primarily interested in three-dimensional materials. Design for both aesthetic and functional objects is emphasized. Whether the objects are utilitarian or aesthetic, a regard for quality of workmanship and design is stressed. Not only do students explore a variety of media such as clay, leather, wood, metal, enamels, etc., they also gain an appreciation for handcrafted articles as they reflect our past and present culture.

Grade level: 10-12
Recommended background: C or better in 3-D Design 1
College eligibility: UC and CSU approved college preparatory Fine Art; subject F requirement

Students will further their knowledge and appreciation of design with more depth and complexity, as well as increase their skills in handling materials and tools. Various new media are introduced and experimentation and individualized instruction are encouraged. The skills learned are useful for future employment in an art-oriented occupation, for communicating ideas and preparing for further education.

Grade level: 10-12
Recommended background: C or better in 3-D Design 2
College eligibility: UC and CSU approved college preparatory Fine Art; subject F requirement

For the advanced design student who has professional or vocational goals in a particular area. The student will develop a high level of skill in a specific medium. The student will be encouraged to make contact with professional people in their specific fields and research techniques in the medium, culminating with a brief report. Specific projects will result from a student/teacher conference that will outline the projects to be completed each semester.

Grade level: 10-12
Recommended: C or better in Ceramics 1-2. 
College eligibility: UC and CSU approved college preparatory Fine Art; subject F requirement

The student will continue refinement in basic hand-building and potter’s wheel techniques. Exploration in decorating methods and self-directed projects will be developed.

The student will work with a developing style and strive for a specific direction such as hand building, wheel, sculpture or a combination thereof. More emphasis will be placed on creative solutions, advanced decorating methods that may include glaze application, glaze calculations, glaze mixing and firing techniques.

Grade level: 10-12
Recommended background: completion of Art 1 or 3D Design 1
College eligibility: UC and CSU approved college preparatory Fine Art; subject F requirement

This is an introductory art course where students will learn to use the Elements and Principles of Art and Design such as line, space, value, texture, balance, and contrast to create a well-composed photograph. Basic camera operation will be covered. Experiences working with traditional photographic methods such as film may be explored as well as digital-based images or a combination of the two. A basic history of photography will also be covered.