Academic Program Guide

Middle School students taking high school leveled math classes do not receive high school credit.

Media Lab (A110X)    Prerequisite: None             Grade: 7-8

This is an introductory course presenting students the opportunity to experiment with the techniques of animation. Students learn through production-based assignments. Students learn by doing the work, presenting their work to an audience and receiving feedback from peers, the teacher and self-reflection. A materials fee may be applied to this course.

Animation Moving Image 1 (A281X)         Prerequisite: None      Grade: 9-12

This course presents students the opportunity to experiment with techniques in animation with an emphasis on digital animation and the study of fundamental animation principles. Students learn through production-based assignments. Students learn by doing the work, presenting their work to an audience and receiving feedback from peers, the teacher and self-reflection. This course may be repeated for credit. A materials fee may be applied to this course.

Animation Moving Image 2 (A282X)   Prerequisite: Animation Moving Image 1    Grade: 9-12

Students have the opportunity to further develop their skills in the area of animation with an emphasis on physical animation. Building upon techniques learned in Animation Moving Image 1, students refine their skills and explore animation through intensive projects. Artistic voice is developed through material, setting, character and point of view exploration.  Skill proficiency in Stop Action Animation is required. This course may be repeated for credit. A materials fee may be applied to this course. 

Animation Studio (A285X)        Prerequisite: Animation Moving Image 1 & 2            Grade: 11-12

This is a studio-based course for students wishing to hone particular areas of their animation skills through independent and group projects. Students are encouraged to actively participate in curriculum choices to further individual art skills and interests. Students research and discuss contemporary animation artists and work both independently and in groups to showcase and grow their craft. Students learn through production-based assignments, presenting work to an audience and receiving feedback from peers, the teacher and self-reflection. This course may be repeated for credit.  A materials fee may be applied to this course.

Intro to Ceramics (F139X)  Prerequisite: None  Grade: 7-8

This is an introductory course for middle school students with little or no experience working with clay as an art medium. Students learn the essentials of working with clay, focusing on the three main hand building techniques: pinch, coil and slap construction. The are a variety of projects in this class - some are sculptural and others are functional. Students learn the basics of glaze application. Looking at ceramics in other cultures is discussed as it relates to class projects. This course may be repeated for credit. A materials fee may be applied to this course.

Ceramics 1 (F321X)      Prerequisite: None          Grade: 9-12

This course is designed for the high school student who wants to explore working with clay. Students may have some experience or not, as projects are aimed toward building and improving skills. The focus begins with hand building techniques; and throwing on the wheel is introduced later in this course. Students make projects that are functional (pots, bowls, etc.) and take on making sculptural projects as well. As the course continues, students learn about various glazing methods. We discuss ceramics from history and other cultures as they relate to projects. This course may be repeated for credit. A materials fee may be applied to this course.

Ceramics 2 (F322X)      Prerequisite: Ceramics 1      Grade: 10-12

This course is designed for the high school student who has successfully completed Ceramics 1 and wants to continue developing their skills working with clay. In this course, hand building projects include complex construction techniques. For students interested in throwing on the wheel, basic forms will be covered. A variety of finishing glazing techniques are introduced. Students develop ideas, share critiques and discuss the role of ceramics from history and in today's world. This course may be repeated for credit. A materials fee may be applied to this course.

Ceramics Studio (350X)      Prerequisites: Ceramics 2 (twice)         Grade: 12

This one-semester course is designed for 11th and 12th grade students who are dedicated and motivated to expand their ceramics skills. Students will choose an area of focus - whether it be hand building, throwing or both; and take time to develop their own ideas and work independently. Students research contemporary artists, share critiques and reflect on their growth over the semester. This course may be repeated for credit. A materials fee may be applied to this course.

Sculpture (F340)          Prerequisite: None          Grade: 9-12

In this course, students explore their creative ideas as they work the three-dimensional form. Over the semester students learn a range of sculpture methods and work with a variety of materials; such as papier-mâché, wire, plaster, cardboard and clay. As an introductory level course, the emphasis is on technical skills and craftsmanship. We discuss sculptors from the past through the present, particularly as they relate to the materials and methods we are using. This course may be repeated for credit. A materials fee may be applied to this course.

Sculpture 2 (F341)         Prerequisite: Sculpture        Grade: 10-12

This course is designed for high school students who have taken Sculpture and want to continue to work with the three-dimensional form. Students improve skills and learn new sculpture techniques. Students work on more complex projects and learn methods for working with plaster, fabric and assemblage. Contemporary sculptors are introduced and the role of sculpture in today's world is discussed. A materials fee may be applied to this course.

Sculpture Studio (F342X)        Prerequisites: Sculpture 2    Grade: 12

This course is designed for students who can pace themselves and work on projects independently. Students develop their own ideas and choose materials accordingly. Students share in critiques and discuss contemporary sculpture. This course may be repeated for credit. A materials fee may be applied to this course.

Dance (P600X)      Prerequisite: None          Grade: 6

This course is an introduction to dance. It is designed to provided all 6th grade students exposure to dance as an art form.

Dance I (P620X)      Prerequisite: None          Grade: 7-12

This course is designed for the inexperienced dancer. This course introduces basic concepts of body alignment, rhythm, motor skills, movement combinations, and the vocabulary necessary to communicate in this art form. Students receive exposure to a wide variety of dance styles including but not limited to: ballet, jazz, modern, and other styles. Among the required assessments is a one-week open studio demonstration prior to the end of the semester. This course may be repeated for credit. A materials fee is applied to this course. Students are expected to provide their own daily dance attire appropriate to the style of dance study.

Beginning Dance (F820)        Prerequisite: Teacher Placement          Grade: 7-12

This daily course is an entry into a pathway endorsement in dance. Emphasis is on basic concepts of proper alignment and kinesthetic awareness, stretch and strengthening, rhythm, motor skill development through movement sequences and the vocabulary necessary to communicate in this art form. Students take ballet, tap, jazz, and are exposed to a variety of other styles in their technique classes. This is a performance-based course and students are required to participate in the Open Studio Week held mid-year and the Spring Dance recital (including dress rehearsals and pre-production work). Students are expected to provide their own daily dance attire appropriate to the style of dance study. A materials fee is applied in this course.

Intermediate Dance (F830)            Prerequisite: Beginning Dance &/or Teacher Placement          Grade: 7-12

This daily course is designed for students who wish to progress further along their dance pathway endorsement. Technique classes in modern/jazz, tap and ballet continue to emphasize proper alignment, kinesiology, stretch and strengthening exercises as well as more complex movement combinations. Exposure to other styles of dance will be introduced at this level. This is a performance-based course. All students are required to participate in the Open Studio Week (mid-year) and the Spring Dance Recital (including dress rehearsal and pre-production work). Students are expected to provide their own daily dance attire appropriate to the style of dance study. A materials fee is applied to this course.

Advanced Dance (F845)         Prerequisite: Intermediate Dance &/or Teacher Placement           Grade: 7-12

This daily course is designed for the serious-minded student who desires to continue study as a major or minor in college or pursue a career in dance. Students continue to execute more advanced exercises requiring knowledge of alignment, placement, kinesiology, and complex rhythm combinations through the study of ballet/pointe, modern/jazz, and tap. Students continue to explore a wide variety of dance styles and have the opportunity to experiment with choreography. Resume and portfolio creation and preparation for post-secondary auditions are a focus as students begin researching their college or career options. This is a performance-based class. All students are required to participate in the Open Studio Week (mid-year) and the Spring Dance Recital (including dress rehearsals and pre-production work). Students are expected to provide their own daily dance attire appropriate to the style of dance study. A materials fee is applied to this course.

Dance Performance Company (Dance West) (F850)       Prerequisite: Audition &/or Dance Staff recommendation. 

This course provides a variety of experiences in dance and movement. Concert & Repertoire Dance Focus prepares students for event performances, concerts, dance performances, etc.  Musical Theater Dance Focus, as a new addition to the Dance West and listed as Dance Ensemble, prepares students (dance, musical theater & vocal students) for musical theater performances.

Dance West: Concert & Repertoire Dance Focus:  This class is designed to accommodate students who have chosen dance as a career pathway and desire more technical/performance experience. Dancers are selected through audition and/or recommendation from the ACMA Dance Staff. This course replicates the training, performance, rehearsal schedule, experience with guest artists, and responsibilities associated with the professional world of dance.  "Dance West In Concert," lecture/demonstrations, "ACMA" special events, and community engagements, including performances with the Oregon Symphony are required commitments.  The repertoire includes work reflecting diversity, historical significance, human expression, and will challenge students' technical, creative and performance abilities. Rehearsals are held 3-5 times per week depending on the students' placement in the company. In addition, students are required to attend daily technique classes. This course may be repeated for credit.  A materials fee is applied to this course. Levels of placement within the company are determined by the ACMA Dance Staff.

Dance Ensemble (F870)

Dance West: Musical Theater Dance Focus:  This dance course is designed for students who have chosen to focus on Dance, Theatre, Musicals and/or Vocals, and a desire towards more experience in movement to prepare their mind and body for theatrical performances. Students learn how to audition, have exposure to vocal and scene study, learn the physical and technical discipline associated with the protocols of dance and musical theatre. Students experience pre- and post- production work. This course includes workshops and collaboration opportunities with ACMA's Theatre and Vocal Music directors to participate in musical theatre opportunities - including recitals and short musical productions. This class pairs well with vocal and theatre students interested in expanding their musical theatre experiences and skills.  This course may be repeated for credit.  A materials fee is applied to this course.

2D 3D Design (F135X)          Prerequisite: None           Grade: 7-8

Students explore design literacy and communication through 2D and 3D projects. Graphic design, printmaking, collage and idea mapping are explored through 2D design. Object and physical/spatial design are explored through 3D design. This course is analog-based; however, students are introduced to Adobe Creative Suite and 3D modeling. This course is a foundational middle school prerequisite for further courses in the design pathway. A materials fee may be applied to this course. 

Graphic Design (F261X)         Prerequisite:  8th - 2D3D Art and 2D3D Design and  8-12th  Digital Art & Computer Design  Grades: 8-12

This course focuses on artistic expression and it's relation to the design process through the exploration of the purposeful arrangement of images, symbols, and text to communicate a message. Introduction to the use of adobe software for graphic production and creation are a part of this course. This course may be repeated for credit. A materials fee may be applied to this course.

Digital Art & Computer Design (F271X)    Prerequisite:   8th 2D3D Art and 2D3D Design    Grades 8-12

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of digital imaging and modeling as tools for making contemporary digital art and design. Using various applications, students continue to develop the use of line, shape, value, mass, texture and pattern. Students learn to apply this knowledge to achieve certain effects: harmony, contrast, balance, symmetry, rhythm, movement, perspective and space illusion. Students learn to export, save, publish and print work using: Adobe Illustrator, Fresco, and InDesign (vector programs), Adobe Photoshop (a raster or bit mapped program) and basic 3D modeling in SketchUp, Blender and Adobe programs. This course is a prerequisite for other courses in the design pathway. This course may be repeated for credit.

Intro to Film (A124X)         Prerequisite: None       Grade: 7-8

This introductory course focuses on communicating stories and information using the visual language of film. Students learn about the workflow of all three production phases, from pre- through post- production. Students learn basic cinematic techniques and gain experience with industry-standard hardware and software. Students are expected to focus on both individual and collaborative skills.  A materials fee may be applied to this course.

Filmmaking 1 (A240X)        Prerequisite: None          Grade: 9-12

This course introduces high school students to the principles of film making. Students gain experience is all three production phases, from pre- through post- production. Students develop and apply their understanding of cinematic techniques and gain experience with industry-standard hardware and software. This course is for students who can work well with others in the creative, supportive and collaborative manner required in film making.  This course may be repeated for credit. A materials fee may be applied to this course.

Filmmaking 2 (A242X)          Prerequisite: Filmmaking 1 (or Intro to Film in MS)           Grade: 9-12

This course builds on the foundational skills introduced in Filmmaking 1 and allows students to develop their artistic voice by communicating various stories.  Students further their experience in all three production phases, with an emphasis on creating quality pre-production materials. Students continue developing their understanding of cinematic techniques and use of industry-standard hardware and software. Individual and group projects are completed in a variety of genres. This course may be repeated for credit. A materials fee may be applied to this course.

Film Seminar (A242X)       Prerequisite: Filmmaking 2         Grade: 11-12

This course utilizes a workshop format dedicated to the perfecting of film skills through student-generated work. Students create their own films from start to finish and participate in the development process, including pitching their pre- production materials and presenting a Final Cut. Projects may include senior showcase films, or films created for submission to film festivals. This course may be repeated for credit. A materials fee may be applied to this course.

Documentary Film (A255X)            Prerequisite: Filmmaking 1        Grade: 10-12.

This course is offered in alternating years (see forecasting card for offering).  The course focuses on the techniques and demands of the documentary film genre. Students explore the rules and methods of developing and presenting a story or subject. Students view different documentary films, learn the history of the art form and create several different types of documentaries. A materials fee may be applied to this course.

Community Film Project (A260X)           Prerequisites: Filmmaking 1        Grade: 11-12.

This course is offered in alternating years (see forecasting card for offering).  Students work in teams to produce film projects for non-profit agencies and groups in our community. Students work with clients to produce films that communicate awareness, educational out-reach or public service information. A materials fee may be applied to this class.

TV News/Documentary (A235X)         Prerequisite: None           Grade: 11-12

This course is offered in alternating years - (see forecasting card for offering).  This is a dynamic, fun and engaging performance-based course for those who love the various aspects of TV News (writing, filming, acting, directing, and editing). Students work together to produce TV news programming, including documentary film segments. This course may be repeated for credit. A materials fee may be applied to this course.

History of the Motion Picture (A270X)         Prerequisite: None        Grade: 10-12

This course examines the history of motion pictures as an art form through lecture, class discussion, written critiques and screening of films from the silent to modern era. This is a college level course for students with an interest in how the motion picture art form evolved over time. Parent permission is required for some the films shown in this course.

Scriptwriting (for Film) (A275X)          Prerequisite: None         Grade: 9-12

This is a dynamic, fun and engaging performance-based course for those who love to write, act, direct, edit and photograph film. Students learn how to write scripts to industry standards, write their own original scripts, workshop and perform those scripts in class and then turn the scripts into short films. A materials fee may be applied to this course.

Musical Theater (F546X)    Prerequisite:   Dance 1 or higher or Concert Choir  Grade:  8-12

This new course is for students interested in Musical Theatre.  It is a collaboration between the dance and vocal music departments.  Students will rehearse, perform, direct and choreograph various scenes from the Broadway genre.  Students will learn a process of characterization and design around musicality, lyric analysis and dance techniques. 

Concert Choir (F630)         Prerequisite: 6th Grade - Audition             Grade: 6-12

This course focuses on music reading, choral literacy, music theory, musicianship, performance, and exposure to all types of music. Opportunities for solo work are encouraged. Travel to outside performances will be at the discretion of the director. This course may be repeated for credit. Performance attire is required. A materials fee may be applied to this course.

Music Theory (F650X)         Prerequisite: None        Grade: 9-12

This course is offered in alternating years (see forecasting card for offering). It is an introduction to the fundamentals of music theory.  Students develop an understanding of reading, writing, and the practice of Western music theory. Students study harmony, rhythm, music notation, and music terminology. Students are engaged in a variety of activities including class discussion, composition, and aural skills practice. This course may be repeated for credit.  A materials fee may be applied to this course.

AP Music Theory (F654)           Prerequisite: Experience with music strongly recommended           Grade: 10-12

This course is offered in alternating years (see forecasting card for offering). In this course students explore the language of music. Students develop an understanding of notations, sight-reading, aural skills and harmony. Students learn the principles of music, including harmonic progression, melodic relationships, composition techniques and forms. This course may be repeated for credit. A materials fee may be added to this course. A fee is required for the AP exam.

Advanced Vocal Ensemble (F670)            Prerequisite: Concert Choir (2 semesters) or Audition.           Grade: 9-12

This course (known as ACMA Synergy) is an auditioned group for experienced choral singers. This course is designed to further refine music reading, choral literacy, music theory, musicianship, performance and exposure to all types of music for ensemble singing. Opportunities for solo work, competition and outside performances are available. This course may be repeated for credit. Performance attire is required. A materials fee may be applied to this course.

Music Production (F681X)          Prerequisite: None               Grade 9-12

This course is offered in alternating years (see forecasting card for offering). This class allows students to create, arrange and perform music by applying basic techniques used in Logic Pro (software) and learn to use the production equipment in our Production Studio. Students analyze compositions for musical elements and incorporate outside songs and videos into the Logic Pro composition software to compose and arrange their own music. A materials fee may be applied to this course.

Beginning Jazz Band (F718)             Prerequisite: None            Grade: 7-12

This course is performance-based, with a focus on learning to play a concert-band-related instrument. Students will be learning basic techniques and instrumental skills. This is a beginning level course that will familiarize students with the fundamental skills and concepts of music. A materials fee may be applied to this course.

Intermediate Jazz Band (F719)         Prerequisite: Audition             Grade: 7-12

In this course, students expand their understanding of music fundamentals. big Band styles and improvisation are emphasized. This band will participate in two concerts per school year and possible perform at regional or out-of-state jazz festivals. This course may be repeated for credit. A materials fee may be applied to this course.

Jazz Band (Advanced) (F720)          Prerequisite: Audition              Grade: 7-12

This course is for students who study privately on their instruments and who have shown a very high work ethic. This band will participate in a minimum of two concerts per school year, perform at regional and out-of-state jazz festivals, and participate in local performance opportunities. This course may be repeated for credit. A materials fee may be applied to this course.

Concert Orchestra (F755)              Prerequisite: Audition               Grade: 7-12

This full classical orchestra (strings, woodwinds, brass & percussion) provides students, who have intermediate-to-advanced instrumental skills, opportunities to perform small chamber ensemble music and larger orchestra literature. Students study and perform in a variety of classical musical styles. A materials fee may be applied to this course.

Advanced Instrumental Ensemble (F775)             Prerequisite: Audition or Teacher Recommendation               Grade: 7-12

This course is offered in alternating years (see forecasting card for offering). This yearlong course is designed to give students opportunities to perform in small groups and experience different types of music (Ex: jazz, classical, etc.). This course is open to orchestra, intermediate and advanced music students, grades 7-12, including pianists and vocalists. A materials fee may be applied to this course.

Photography 1 (F410X)       Prerequisite: None              Grade: 8-12

In this one-semester course students learn basic camera and darkroom skills. Using the black/white process from the film exposure to the finished print. The emphasis in this course is on mastering the craft, which is essential to making successful and compelling photographs. We also discuss the aesthetics of historic and contemporary photos, and present compositional tools and ideas to help students understand the many approaches used in photography. This course may be repeated for credit. This course is a prerequisite for all other courses in the Photography pathway.  A materials fee may be applied to this course.

Photography 2 (F429X)        Prerequisite: Photography 1            Grade: 9-12

Building on the skills and ideas developed in Photography 1, this is a one-semester course dedicated to improving darkroom skills and broadening the student's conceptual approach to image making. Assignments explore historic and contemporary photographic concerns, and the pleasure of closely observing our world in a powerful way. This course may be taken concurrently with Photo Studio and repeated for credit. A materials fee may be applied to this course.

Photo Studio (F460X)         Prerequisite: Photography 2 or Digital Image 2             Grade: 10-12

Students in this course employ the skills they have learned in previous photo classes to create a high-quality photographic portfolio. Students may use film or digital imaging technology (or both) as tools to explore a theme of their own interest. This course is the culmination of the photo pathway and is meant to be repeated.  A materials fee may be applied to this course.

Digital Image 1 (F465X)        Prerequisite: Photography 1             Grade: 9-12

Introduces students to digital cameras and digital image processing software. Emphasis in this course is "straight photography" and photographic composition grounded in the elements and principles of good design, exposure control and effective use of light. Assignments are intended to guide students' interest in "seeing" the world around them in creative and meaningful compositions, and "finishing" the photographs with image software such as Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. We cover camera and image formats as well. A materials fee may be applied to this course.

Digital Image 2 (F466X)      Prerequisite: Digital Image 1        Grade: 9-12

This course will further students' digital imaging skills through assignments intended to familiarize students with the history of photography. Students recreate the look of historic photographic processes using modern digital tools to express contemporary images. Image layering and collaging is explored.  A materials fee may be applied to this course.

Musical Theatre Production (Theatre/Drama F140X & Choir F190X)   Prerequisite: None.  Grades: 7 & 8

This second semester course is a two-course combination of Theatre & Choir.  The purpose of this course is to provide an opportunity for middle school students to produce a musical production over the course of a semester.  This course is a rigorous, highly participatory class - all students will work to prepare and present a production.  You must sign up for both Theatre/Drama and Choir to take this combination course.

Theatre Design 1 (F501)       Prerequisite: 8th Grade - Theatre 1       Grade: 8-12

A studio course, students study a play and develop designs for costumes, sets, lights, sounds, properties and makeup. This course is foundational for Technical Theatre students.   A materials fee may be applied to this course. 

Theatre Management (F510X)          Prerequisite: Theatre 2, Tech Theatre 1          Grade: 10-12

This course is offered in alternating years (see forecasting card for offering). It is for the serious-minded theatre pathway student and is a continuation of Theatre 2. This course is designed to prepare students for college theatre and/ professional life. Students explore the business of working in the theatre. This course will focus on auditioning, directing, producing, and making connections to the Portland theatre community. This course may be repeated for credit. A materials fee may be applied to this course.

Tech Theatre 1 (F515)     Prerequisite: Theatre Design & Teacher Approval          Grade: 9-12

This course is designed for students to learn elements of technical theatre (set construction, lighting & sound design and application). This course is responsible for preparing the theatre for performances. Students are expected to work independently on short and long-term projects. This course requires a high level of personal responsibility. This course may be repeated for credit. A materials fee may be applied to this course.

Tech Theatre 2 (F516)         Prerequisite: Tech Theatre 1 & Teacher Approval          Grade: 10-12

This course is for experienced theatre tech students. Students are expected to present a portfolio in Lighting, Scenic, Sound, Costume or Makeup Design, a short Film, Stage Management, or Theatre Marketing. Students questioning whether they are capable of presenting a portfolio in one of these areas by the end of first semester - should enroll in Tech Theatre 1. A materials fee may be applied to this course.

Theatre 1 (F521X)       Prerequisite: None              Grade: 7-12

This course focuses on the development of creative expression. Students develop introductory skills in performance, play production, and theatrical design. Public performances are required.  A materials fee may be applied in this course.

Theatre 2 (F522X)          Prerequisite: Theatre 1         Grade: 8-12

This course is designed for students to study the physical aspects of acting - movement, gesture and body language, and voice through the practice of " Viewpoints".  We apply the skills we are working on to the development of original, devised theatre pieces. Performances are required. This course may be repeated for credit. A materials fee may be applied to this course.

Acting 1 (F531X)        Prerequisite: None             Grade: 9-12

In this course students develop skills and study methods of acting technique, conduct script analyses from an acting perspective, develop an increased capacity for specificity in acting choices, and apply objective, obstacle, tactic, and given circumstances to scene work. Students are responsible for participation in theatre exercises, scene memorization, conducting analyses of scenes and monologues, and a final collaborative presentation and performance. Public performances are required. This course may be repeated for credit. A materials fee may be applied to this course.

Acting 2 (F532X)      Prerequisite: Acting 1         Grade: 10-12

This course is a continued practice of developing scenes and monologues started in Acting 1. Participation in Regional Acting Competition or similar professional audition experience is required. A materials fee may be applied to this course.

Acting 3 (F533X)    Prerequisite: Acting 2     Grade: 11-12

This course is a continued practice of developing scenes and monologues started in Acting 1 and 2. Participation in regional Acting Competition or similar professional audition experience is required. A materials fee may be applied to this course.

Theatre Ensemble (F550X)     Prerequisite: Any previous Theatre pathway course / Teacher Approval        Grade: 9-12

This second semester course is focused on the creation of student directed, designed, acted and teched one acts. This is a student-run course taking finished products to a variety of venues - State Thespian Festival, One-Act Competition, or performances at ACMA. All participants should know how they can contribute daily to the production. This course works with Playwright for material.

Courses can be found under English Language Arts Electives.  This tab is an acknowledgment of Writing as an Art.

2D 3D Art (F130X)              Prerequisite: None           Grade: 7 & 8

This course is designed to build a foundation in 2D and 3D art forms, techniques, and media. The four main areas explored are drawing, painting, sculpture and collage. Concepts include: perspective, abstraction, representation, and personal expression. This course is a foundational middle school prerequisite for further courses in the art pathways. A materials fee may be applied in this course.

Art History & Aesthetics (F205X)             Prerequisite: None         Grade: 9-12

This course is a rigorous overview of 30,000+ years of art-making by humans. Focusing mostly on the development of European and American art, students learn the evolution of western thought and ideals as well as the connection between history, culture and art. Starting with prehistoric cave painting and ending in the modern era, students explore the major changes in western art culture - emphasizing the relationship of art and the people who created it.

Mindfulness  Through Art (F214X)        Prerequisite: None        Grade: 10-12

This class uses art as a form of meditation. We will create activities that teach students the use art outside of school as a form of mindfulness. Students use guided art making to relax, practice being in the moment, stress and anxiety relief and increase self-confidence. Students explore various topics and explore processing their thoughts on those topics through art making. Students are graded for participation, the use of journals and completion of artistic exercises and projects. 

Draw & Paint 1 (F241X)         Prerequisite: Grade 8 (2D3D Art & 2D3D Design),  Grades 9-12  (None)  

This course is designed for students to build a foundation in both drawing and painting. Working from observation, imagination and other sources, students explore materials and techniques throughout the semester including: graphite, colored pencil, watercolor and acrylic paint. Projects include representational work, abstraction, as well as more expressive / experimental forms of drawing and painting. Students participate in class critiques to reflect and discuss their work. This course may be repeated for credit. A materials fee may be applied to this course.

Draw & Paint 2 (F242X)         Prerequisite: Draw & Paint 1         Grade: 9-12

This course is designed for students who have successfully completed Draw and Paint 1 and wish to continue to develop their skills and ideas relating to 2D art. Students build a diverse portfolio of varied media including graphite, charcoal/pastel, ink, watercolor/gouache and acrylic. Emphasis is placed on creative problem solving, technical expansion of skills, dynamic composition development and individual growth. Students participate in class critiques to reflect and discuss their work. This course may be repeated for credit. A material fee may be applied to this course.

Printmaking (F243X)        Prerequisite: Draw & Paint 1       Grade: 9-12

This course is designed for students who have an interest in drawing and painting and want to explore other media / processes. During the course we cover basic printmaking techniques and make work using a professional printing press. Processes covered in this class include: collagraphy. relief printing (linoleum), mono printing, intaglio (dry-point etching), and screen printing. This course may be repeated for credit. A materials fee may be applied to this course.

Advanced Art (F360)        Prerequisite: Draw & Paint 1 and Draw & Paint 2 twice           Grade: 11-12

This full-year class is designed for the serious-minded artist with emphasis on developing a 2D portfolio. Students are expected to have a thorough background in painting and drawing and a commitment to completing a range of portfolio projects in a variety of media. Students are required to keep a sketchbook and participate in class critiques. This class may be repeated for credit. A materials fee may be applied to this class.

AP Studio Art 2D (F387)        Prerequisite: Advanced Art       Grade: 12

The Advanced Placement (AP) program in Art is a national program designed for students who wish to pursue college-level studies while in high school. This course will allow highly motivated and committed students to develop a "Sustained Investigation" portfolio of up to 15 works of art based on a particular visual idea determined by the student. Students who score well receive college credit and appropriate college placement from participating colleges. Students are required to submit a portfolio of 8 works to the Scholastic Art competition. This course may be repeated for credit. A materials fee may be applied to this course.