Program of Studies Program of Studies 2019-2020 | Page 16

Honors Drawing
1 credit
Grades 10, 11 and 12
Prerequisite: Visual Arts I
Students will be introduced to the methods, materials
and aesthetics of drawing, working with such media
as graphite, conté, charcoal, pastels and ink. Emphasis
is on direct observation and learning to see in graphic
terms. The subject matter and content will include
still life, landscape, animals, architecture and the
human form including self-portraiture. Through
class lectures and demonstrations students will
study the history of drawing and will develop their
ability to read the finer aesthetic qualities found
within works of art. Weekly sketchbook drawing is a
necessary part of successfully completing this course.
Written and oral critiques make up the remaining
requirements. Success in this class is dependent upon
the completion of all studio assignments including the
sketchbook.
Honors Painting
1 credit
Grades 10, 11 and 12
Prerequisite: Visual Arts I
Students will explore the beginning techniques,
processes, and aesthetic issues of working in tempera,
watercolor, acrylic and other paint-based media. Goals
for this class include learning how to see and use color
with sensitivity and sophistication, understanding
and applying the science of color, and how to use
painting tools effectively. Students will study a wide
range of subject matter including still life, landscape,
portraiture, abstract and non-objective themes. Art
history, art criticism and aesthetics will be an integral
part of coursework.
Honors Fine Art Portfolio Preparation
0.5 credit
Grades 11 and 12
Fall Semester Only
Prerequisite: two studio electives
Students will create a fine arts portfolio to present to
art college review committees. Students will create
and organize their best artwork for the application
process in digital form. A variety of media will be
explored to benefit the breadth of individual student
portfolios. Art schools will be invited to present their
programs to the class, and to answer any questions
students may have. This class is highly recommended
for students bound for art school.
Honors Visual Arts
0.5 credit
Grades 11 and 12
Spring Semester
Prerequisite: two studio electives
This is an advanced and rigorous course designed for
the serious artist seeking to create a sophisticated
body of work. A variety of media will be explored and
may include drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture,
printmaking, bookmaking, photography, and mixed
media. The elements of art and the principles of
design will be emphasized, as well as art history, art
criticism and aesthetics. Students are expected to
dedicate time in and out of class researching, creating
independently, and critiquing. Intense pace and high
quality work creation is expected. This class is highly
recommended for students bound for art school.
AP Studio Art (2D Design, Drawing or 3D Design)
1 credit
Grades 11 and 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Visual
Arts 1 with a B or higher, three studio electives
with a B or higher, and portfolio evaluation with
Instructor before scheduling
Advanced Placement Studio Art is a course designed
for the student who plans to major in visual art
after high school. AP Studio Art is not based on a
written exam; instead, students submit portfolios
for evaluation at the end of the school year. The
AP Studio Art Program consists of three portfolio
options — 2D Design, 3D Design and Drawing, which
correspond to the most common college foundation
courses. Students must meet prerequisites, schedule
a portfolio evaluation and gain instructor permission
prior to enrollment in the class. Summer coursework
is assigned upon acceptance in the spring, and is due
the first day of school in the fall. Coursework during
the school year is rigorous and requires an advanced
skill set in diverse media, technique in the art-making
process, complex concept and ideation, and high-
paced sophisticated work production. Students must
submit a portfolio and written commentary in May to
the AP College Board.