THIS COURSE IS NOT BEING OFFERED IN THE 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR.

This course introduces students to the major themes, issues, and approaches to art history. Although the primary focus will be on western art, non-western cultures will be explored as well. The full range of artistic expression will be considered, including painting, architecture, sculpture, prints, photography, and the decorative arts. Major goals of the course include recognizing and analyzing major styles and artistic movements from a variety of periods throughout history, thinking critically about artistic meaning, and understanding art's role within a broader historical context. Issues for discussion include the changing definition of beauty over time and in different cultures, the role of the modern museum, and the nature of modernity, especially in relation to architecture and urban development. Museum and gallery visits—looking at original works of art—are an essential component of the class.

The fine arts requirement for graduation is 1.5 credits or three semesters in either the visual or performing arts. Only 1/3 of the requirement may be fulfilled by art history.

This course may be taken for a full year (1 credit) or for the fall or spring semester (1/2 credit).

This course may not be taken as a 7th course.

Prerequisite: Global History II

4 periods per cycle

Grades 11 and 12

THIS COURSE IS NOT BEING OFFERED IN THE 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR.

This course introduces students to the major themes, issues, and approaches to art history. Although the primary focus will be on western art, non-western cultures will be explored as well. The full range of artistic expression will be considered, including painting, architecture, sculpture, prints, photography, and the decorative arts. Major goals of the course include recognizing and analyzing major styles and artistic movements from a variety of periods throughout history, thinking critically about artistic meaning, and understanding art's role within a broader historical context. Issues for discussion include the changing definition of beauty over time and in different cultures, the role of the modern museum, and the nature of modernity, especially in relation to architecture and urban development. Museum and gallery visits—looking at original works of art—are an essential component of the class.

The fine arts requirement for graduation is 1.5 credits or three semesters in either the visual or performing arts. Only 1/3 of the requirement may be fulfilled by art history.

This course may be taken for a full year (1 credit) or for the fall or spring semester (1/2 credit).

This course may not be taken as a 7th course.

Prerequisite: Global History II

4 periods per cycle

Grades 11 and 12

This course provides students with exposure to the basic elements of visual language. It is designed to give students a solid foundation in art-making, visual literacy and critical thinking in regards to two-dimensional art and design, leading the way to more advanced art & design courses. Drawing, painting, watercolor, pastel, collage, and printmaking are among the methods this course may cover. Concepts such as composition, contrast, perspective, principles of design, and the basics of color theory will be explored. Students will be encouraged to develop their own unique visual voice as their skills develop.  Projects are augmented with trips to museums both virtually and in person as well as critiques and discussions.

This course may be taken for a full year (1 credit) or for the fall or spring semester (1/2 credit).

Pass/Fail

3 periods per cycle

This course provides students with exposure to the basic elements of visual language. It is designed to give students a solid foundation in art-making, visual literacy and critical thinking in regards to three-dimensional art and design, leading the way to more advanced art & design courses. Carving, assemblage and mixed media are among the methods this course may cover. Students will be exposed to the possibilities of using sound, light and motion within their works.  Concepts such as composition, contrast, texture, form, principles of design, and the basics of color theory will be explored. Students will be encouraged to develop their own unique visual voice as their skills develop.  Projects are augmented with trips to museums both virtually and in person as well as critiques and discussions. 

This course may be taken for a full year (1 credit) or for the fall or spring semester (1/2 credit).

Pass/Fail

3 periods per cycle

Students will build on the foundation of art & design that they have begun in their previous experiences. Class projects will focus on continuing to learn ways to shape space through printmaking, painting, drawing, and other media. Assignments are sustained over a greater period of time than in the introductory course. Students are encouraged to pursue innovative paths and explore relationships between concept, material, and context in unexpected ways, developing a body of work that demonstrates creative risk-taking and an informed relationship with the materials they work with. Studio time will be augmented with trips to area galleries, museums both in person and virtually as well as critique and class discussions. 
 
This course may be taken for a full year (1 credit) or for the fall or spring semester (1/2 credit).
 
Prerequisite: Intro to Art & Design or permission of department head.
 
Pass/Fail

3 periods per cycle

Grades 10, 11, and 12

Students will build on the foundation of art & design that they have begun in their previous experiences. Class projects will focus on continuing to learn ways to shape space through modelling, carving, assemblage, and mixed media. Assignments are sustained over a greater period of time than in the introductory course. Students are encouraged to pursue innovative paths and explore relationships between concept, material, and context in unexpected ways, developing a body of work that demonstrates creative risk-taking and an informed relationship with the materials they work with. Studio time will be augmented with trips to area galleries, museums both in person and virtually as well as critique and class discussions. 
 
This course may be taken for a full year (1 credit) or for the fall or spring semester (1/2 credit).
 
Prerequisite: Intro to Art & Design or permission of department head.
 
Pass/Fail

3 periods per cycle

 
Grades 10, 11, and 12

This course is open to students who are committed to developing a portfolio within the broad context of art and design.  Students will be working through a series of themes but will have choices when it comes to the media and process to complete these artistic challenges.  Projects may include any media, including but not limited to traditional two-dimensional media.  Critical thinking, self-initiated research, and active participation in group discussions and critiques are encourage in this class. Lectures, trips to museums and galleries, and research into past and current artists, designers, critics, and art historians will allow students to place their ideas within an historical context, deepening their understanding of their own work. 

This course may be taken for a full year (1 credit) or for the fall or spring semester (1/2 credit).

Prerequisite: Intermediate Art & Design and/ or permission of department head required

Pass/Fail
 
4 periods per cycle
 
Grades 11 and 12

This course is open to students who are committed to developing a focused body of artwork in collaboration with a member of the Visual Arts Department faculty. Students will be encouraged to define and work within a focused subject relevant to their experiences. Projects may include any media, including but not limited to traditional media—i.e., digital, photography, ceramics, two dimensional or sculptural. Ultimately, students will develop a unique body of work, an artist's statement, and a portfolio suitable for presentation purposes. Critical thinking, self-initiated research, and active participation in group discussions and critiques are central to this class. Students will be urged to explore the city's abundant array of arts institutions, learn how to engage in active field research, and to establish meaningful contact between artist and gallery. Lectures, trips to museums and galleries, and research into past and current artists, designers, critics, and art historians will allow students to place their ideas within an historical context, deepening their understanding of their own work.

This course may be taken for a full year (1 credit) or for the fall or spring semester (1/2 credit).

Prerequisite: Advanced Art & Design, Ceramics, or Advanced Photography and permission of department head required

Pass/Fail
 
4 periods per cycle
 
Grades 11 and 12

This is a one-semester course that provides students with a general exposure to the mechanics of the camera and the aesthetics of photography. No previous experience is necessary. Students are introduced to both camera and darkroom work. Assignments involve the creative use of vision as it translates into making fine pictures. 

Pass/Fail

3 periods per cycle

This is a yearlong sequence that begins each fall. Assignments are sustained over a greater period of time than in the introductory course. Students work in both digital color and black-and-white silver print formats.

This course may be taken for a full year (1 credit) or for the fall semester (1/2 credit).

Prerequisite: Intro. to Photography

3 periods per cycle

Grades 10, 11, and 12

This is a yearlong sequence that begins in the fall. In this course, students move toward a personal vision that involves working in series. Students employ either digital or darkroom pathways to creating portfolios. Seniors may elect to create websites for their pictures in support of their college applications. 

This course may be taken for a full year (1 credit) or for the fall semester (1/2 credit).

Prerequisite: Intermediate Photography

3 periods per cycle

Grades 11 and 12

Basic, intermediate and advanced ceramics provide instruction in a wide range of techniques in the ceramic arts, including hand-building, wheel -throwing and glazing. Classes are designed to accommodate the skill level of each student. The ceramics studio in the Brass Arts Pavilion is fully equipped with electric wheels and two kilns for firing. Students are encouraged to visit museums and galleries and to display their work in exhibitions at school.

This course will be offered in the fall and spring semesters.

3 periods per cycle