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MATHEMATICS
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Four Mathematics credits are required. A Mathematics Placement
Exam may be required of entering students.
HONORS MATHEMATICS:
We will add Honors sections of Algebra 1-2, Geometry, Algebra
3-4, and Pre-Calculus in 2006-2007, contingent on student
interest.
ALGEBRA 1-2:
This mathematics course provides a strong foundation of Algebra
concepts, techniques, and applications to prepare students
for more advanced work. Emphasis is placed on problem solving,
graphing, and data analysis; technology is employed as a mathematical
and learning tool. Pre-requisite: two semesters of Pre-Algebra.
GEOMETRY: This
mathematics course investigates the properties and relationships
of 2- and 3-dimensional shapes; students will apply spatial
reasoning, analyze mathematical situations, and use coordinate
geometry to describe spatial relationships. A variety of measurement
techniques and formulas will be explored. Pre-requisite: two
semesters of Algebra 1-2 (or four semesters in the Algebra
1A/1B sequence).
ALGEBRA 3-4:
This mathematics course progresses into advanced Algebra concepts,
techniques, and applications. Emphasis is placed on problem
solving, graphing, and data analysis; technology is employed
as a mathematical and learning tool. Pre-requisite: two semesters
of Geometry.
PRE-CALCULUS: This
course is designed to prepare students for a college-level
calculus class. Ideas from past courses are reviewed and unified,
significant ideas in trigonometry and complex numbers are
developed, and the idea of a mathematical limit is introduced.
Topics include the study of rational and polynomial functions,
as well as trigonometric functions, including graphing, using
inverse, and trig identities.
Pre-requisite: two semesters of Algebra 3-4.
SCIENCES
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Three science credits are required. All NSAA science courses
include a laboratory component.
SCIENCE FOUNDATIONS:
This science course introduces the scientific method and
the processes by which scientific inquiry generates knowledge;
controlled investigations will be conducted and results evaluated
and analyzed. This course is a broad survey of fundamental
ideas in chemistry, geology, meteorology, oceanography, ecology,
and astronomy.
BIOLOGY: This
science course is a study of life from its simplest to its
most complex forms. Topics studied include the scientific
method, cell basics, genetics, evolution, biodiversity, and
ecology. Major concepts include the organization of living
systems, the interdependence of organisms and their environment,
the history of science, and technology in society. Pre-requisite:
Science Foundations.
CHEMISTRY: This
science course provides students with a study of the composition,
properties, and changes associated with matter. Topics studied
include: atoms, molecules, and ions; stoichiometry (chemical
equations); periodic properties of the elements; chemical
bonding; molecular geometry; gases, liquids, and solids; solutions;
acids and bases, and more. Pre-requisite: Science Foundations
and Algebra 1-2.
ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY:
This science course is a study of the structure and function
of the human body and its systems. Topics include the scientific
method, cells and tissues, and skin. Major human systems studied
are as follows: skeletal, muscular, nervous, cardiovascular,
lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, and reproductive. Pre-requisite:
Biology. Offered alternate years.
PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY / ARCHAEOLOGY: The Physical Anthropology
portion of this science course reviews human genetics and
explores other aspects of human biology, including adaptation,
diversity, and population dynamics. The Archaeology portion
of this science course is a study of basic concepts, methods,
and research areas in the field. Topics include early cultural
remains, the Middle to Upper Paleolithic transition, the settlement
of the Americas, and the development of agriculture and complex
societies. Pre-requisite: Biology. Not offered 2006-2007.
PHYSICS: This
science course is a study of matter, energy, motion, and force.
Topics include the scientific method; physical, chemical,
and atomic properties of matter; relationships between force
and motion; the conservation, storage, and transfer of energy;
vibrations and waves; sound, light, and color; and electrostatics
and magnetism. Pre-requisites: Biology or Chemistry; Algebra
1-2.
SOCIAL
SCIENCE
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Three credits of Social Science are required: Arizona History
/ Civics, World History / Geography, and either United States
History or A.P. United States History.
WORLD HISTORY /
GEOGRAPHY: This social science course is an investigation
of countries, cultures, and historical events around the world.
Countries on all seven continents will be studied through
historical, political, economic, and geographical lenses.
Historical topics cover a broad range, from the rise of civilizations
through the medieval world, the transition to modern times,
revolutionary times, industrialization, imperialism, and the
contemporary world.
GOVERNMENT / ECONOMICS:
This social science course introduces students to the requirements
of democratic citizenship. Part one of this course will develop
informed, responsible participation in American political
life by competent citizens committed to the fundamental values
and principles of American constitutional democracy, as students
gain an understanding of political relationships. The second
half of this course provides students with the opportunity
to learn how the nation's economy works, supply and demand
theories, banking and finance, demands of business ownership,
and how economic concerns affect governmental decisions and
society at-large. Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
Required for all students graduating in Spring 2008 or beyond.
UNITED STATES HISTORY:
This social science course examines themes and topics
in United States history and America's cultural heritage.
Historical events will be studied along with the dynamics
of political, economic, and cultural change from the Colonial
era through the late 20th century. First semester topics include
the American colonies, the American Revolution, the Constitution
and Bill of Rights, the War of 1812, the Civil War, Reconstruction,
and westward expansion. Second semester topics include the
Spanish American War, World War I, the Great Depression, the
New Deal, World War II and the Holocaust, the Cold War, the
civil rights movement, and the Vietnam war. Pre-requisite:
World History / Geography or Arizona History / Civics.
A.P. UNITED STATES
HISTORY: This history course is an advanced placement
version of U.S. History as described above. Emphasis is placed
on critical thinking and analysis of primary sources in addition
to mastering a broad body of historical knowledge. Reading
and writing assignments are extended in length and depth,
and students are prepared for the AP examination, including
the "document-based questions" featured there. Pre-requisite:
World History / Geography or Arizona History / Civics.
FOREIGN
LANGUAGE
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Two credits of the same foreign language are required.
FRENCH 1-2:
This foreign language course introduces students to French
culture through the study of the French language and those
who speak it. The skills of reading, writing, speaking, and
listening comprehension are developed with an emphasis on
basic grammar and conversation. This course is designed to
build a strong foundation in the French language. Cultural
attitudes, values, and history of the French-speaking world
will be explored.
FRENCH 3-4:
This foreign language course reinforces the skills of French-language
reading, writing, speaking, and listening comprehension. Conversational
skill and more complex grammatical structures is emphasized,
and further study of French culture is pursued. Objectives
include comprehension of authentic newspaper and magazine
articles; understanding idiom and humor; making persuasive
arguments; presenting a research project; and becoming conversant
with major French literature and authors. Pre-requisite: French
1-2.
SPANISH 1-2: This foreign language course introduces
students to Hispanic culture through the study of the Spanish
language and those who speak it. The skills of reading, writing,
speaking, and listening comprehension are developed with an
emphasis on basic grammar and conversation. This course is
designed to build a strong foundation in the Spanish language.
Cultural attitudes, values, and history of the Spanish-speaking
world will be explored.
SPANISH 3-4:
This foreign language course reinforces the skills of Spanish-language
reading, writing, speaking, and listening comprehension. Conversational
skill and more complex grammatical structures is emphasized,
and further study of Hispanic culture is pursued. Objectives
include comprehension of authentic newspaper and magazine
articles; understanding idiom and humor; making persuasive
arguments; presenting a research project; and becoming conversant
with major Spanish literature and authors. Pre-requisite:
Spanish 1-2.
ARTS
CURRICULUM
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All courses in this section satisfy elective arts and academic
requirements for NSAA's Tri-University endorsed diploma. A
total of nine elective credits are required; students have
the opportunity to take as many as twelve.
PERFORMING
ARTS: DANCE
All performing arts courses include a history component.
INTRODUCTION TO
DANCE: This survey performing arts course explores the
fundamentals of a variety of dance genres, including modern,
ballet, jazz, ballroom, and dance from other cultures around
the world. Students will build an appreciation for these dance
forms as both performers and audience members. No prior dance
experience is necessary.
BALLET I: This
performing arts course is an introduction to and appreciation
of ballet vocabulary and its principles of movement, technique,
and value. This course introduces the student to fundamentals
of human movement as applied to ballet technique; students
dance, stretch, and strengthen to condition the body. Pre-requisite:
Introduction to Dance.
BALLET II-III: This
performing arts course continues instruction in classical
ballet technique, history, the storylines of significant classical
ballets, and ballet vocabulary. Students practice a structured
ballet barre daily followed with center work. Students will
develop dances and practice extended movement sequences, as
well as analyzing the role of dance in society, and the communication
of abstract ideas through dance. Pre-requisite: Ballet I /
II.
JAZZ I: This
performing arts course is an introduction to the techniques
of jazz dance that places the art form in its historical context
as an American vernacular form. Students will build a beginning
technical jazz vocabulary with a focus on rhythmic exercises,
isolations, flexibility, basic turns, jumps, and locomotor
combinations. Pre-requisite: Introduction to Dance.
JAZZ II-III: This
performing arts course pursues the mastery of basic jazz technique
along with more complex center floor combinations. Emphasis
is placed on performance qualities and musicality, technique,
virtuosity, and creativity. Students will develop dances and
practice extended movement sequences, as well as analyzing
the role of dance in society, and the communication of abstract
ideas through dance. Pre-requisite: Jazz I / II.
MODERN DANCE I:
This performing arts course includes elementary modern dance
techniques, designed to develop the mind, body, and spirit
to communicate expressively through movement. Structured technical
exercises that condition the body for strength, coordination,
and flexibility are developed. Physical activities which focus
on the aspects of space, time, shape, and movement dynamics
are explored through individual and group participation. In
addition to teaching the basic principles of proper body alignment,
balance and rhythm, an overview of the historical background
of modern dance will be provided. Pre-requisite: Introduction
to Dance.
MODERN DANCE II-III:
This performing arts course is geared toward intermediate
level combinations of movement which promote the understanding
of modern dance theory and technique. Students will focus
on correct alignment, fall and recovery, centering, and proper
articulation of the joints; these are developed through warm-up
exercises, center floor work and larger locomotor combinations.
Elements of improvisation and composition are introduced.
Students further explore the process of movement abstraction
and the development of performance skills, as well as continuing
to investigate the role of dance in society. Pre-requisite:
Modern I.
CHOREOGRAPHY:
This performing arts course introduces basic improvisational
and choreographic principles with emphasis on improvisation,
form, content, and evaluative skills. Students are exposed
to the audition process as they gain experience in performing.
Students will identify and demonstrate a range of choreographic
processes, structures, and forms; develop and sustain a portfolio
of created works demonstrating their progression of knowledge
and skills; create a dance and revise it over time, articulating
the reasons for artistic decisions and what was lost and gained
through those decisions, and refine technique through self-evaluation
and class critique. Pre-Requisite: any Advanced level dance
course, either prior or concurrent.
PERFORMING
ARTS: MUSIC, INSTRUMENTAL
All performing arts courses include a history component.
MUSIC THEORY I:
This performing arts course introduces music theory and
ear training, and is designed to lay a foundation for musical
development and accomplishment. Theory is the descriptive
language of music, and as such, is extremely useful for the
developing musician. The aim of this course is to train one
to speak this language and to train the ear to recognize and
identify that of which music theory speaks. Topics include
singing in solfege; identifying intervals, rhythmic phrases,
and chords by sight and sound; major and minor scales and
modes; key and modal structures; orchestration; and composing.
GUITAR I: This
performing arts course will train beginning or inexperienced
guitarists in fundamental technique and sight reading, laying
a proper foundation for further achievement. Both classical
and contemporary styles are covered, and students will learn
traditional as well as contemporary techniques and improvisational
approaches. Subjects include standard notation and tablature;
scales, modes and arpeggios; solo and ensemble performance;
chord charts and harmonic accompaniment, and more. Pre-requisite:
Music Theory I, prior or concurrent.
GUITAR II-III:
This performing arts course will train intermediate or advanced
guitarists toward developing a personal style and accumulating
a repertoire. Both classical and contemporary styles are covered,
and students will learn traditional as well as contemporary
techniques and improvisational approaches. Subjects include
standard notation up to seventh position; tablature; scales,
modes and arpeggios; solo and ensemble performance and memorization;
arranging guitar music from non-guitar sources, and more.
PIANO STUDIES I-II: This performing arts course provides
group instruction designed for the beginning through intermediate
piano student. Pupils learn to read music and develop technical
facility at the piano through preparation and performance
of progressively difficult music. Emphasis will be placed
on the elements of musical organization, expression and style.
Keyboard ensemble activities provide additional opportunities
for musical development, and students explore music in a variety
of styles, both classical and contemporary.
Pre-requisite: Music Theory I, prior or concurrent.
JAZZ ENSEMBLE:
This performing arts course provides student musicians with
the opportunity to hone their ensemble and improvisation skills
in the genre of jazz, experiencing music from bebop and free
jazz to new swing, jazz rock, and fusion. Students will practice
the composition of original music and interpretation of classic
works. Pre-requisite: Music Theory I.
MUSIC ENSEMBLE:
This performing arts course gives musicians the opportunity
to grow in all aspects of their musicianship through continuous
ensemble playing. The course will focus on contemporary and
classical styles, ranging from jazz and blues to various forms
of pop and rock. Players of any acoustic instruments are welcome;
students are required to bring their own instrument. Students
will focus on interpreting melodies and harmonies from music
and memory, making and executing artistic performance decisions,
analyzing and arranging music, and increasing musical awareness
of and response to fellow ensemble players. Pre-requisite:
Music Theory I (prior or concurrent).
PERFORMING
ARTS: MUSIC, VOCAL
All performing arts courses include a history component.
VOCAL DEVELOPMENT
I-IV: This performing arts course aims to improve the
singer's basic knowledge of vocal techniques: proper posture
and breath support, tonal resonance, good articulation, proper
vowel placement, control of dynamic level and phrases, and
correct pronunciation. Students' main objective is to learn
songs in different styles and perform them with a strong understanding
of the intentions and requirements of those styles. Students
practice sight singing and memorization, gain a basic understanding
of music theory, observe and critique performances, and practice
self-reflection and awareness of their developing skills.
No previous vocal experience is required; students may continue
to elect this course for credit each year.
VOCAL PERFORMANCE
I-III: This performing arts course may be elected by students
who have mastered the skills introduced in Vocal Development.
A working knowledge of sight reading is required, and students
are strongly encouraged to audition for regional performances.
This course extends students' knowledge of music history and
theory as well as their aptitude in sight-singing, ear training,
and vocal techniques. Pre-requisite: Vocal Development and
audition.
MIXED CHORUS (Bella
Voce): In this performing arts course, students will sing/perform
a large and varied repertoire of ensemble music with improved
expression and technical accuracy. Students will sight-read
music accurately and expressively; demonstrate the ability
to read a full instrumental or vocal score; describe how the
elements of music, transpositions, and clefs are used in a
full score, and improvise stylistically appropriate harmonizing
parts in a variety of styles. All songs are performed from
memory and some without accompaniment. Pre-requisite: Vocal
Development and audition.
WOMEN'S ENSEMBLE:
In this performing arts course, female students will sing/perform
a large and varied repertoire of ensemble music with expression
and technical accuracy. Students will sight-read music accurately
and expressively; demonstrate the ability to read a full instrumental
or vocal score; describe how the elements of music, transpositions,
and clefs are used in a full score, and improvise stylistically
appropriate harmonizing parts in a variety of styles. Pre-requisite:
Entry by audition only; also Vocal Development either before
Women's Ensemble or along with it.
PERFORMING ARTS: THEATER
All performing arts courses include a history component.
THEATER STUDIES:
This new performing arts course will begin Fall 2006.
It will provide an overview of theater's history, styles,
social context, and practical application. Students will also
be exposed to play analysis and basic performance techniques.
This course is required for all Acting and Musical Theater
majors.
THEATER PRODUCTION:
This new performing arts course will begin Fall 2006.
Students will gain experience in all the behind-the-scenes
components of theater, including stagecraft, theater tech
and production, acting, and directing.
ACTING I: This
performing arts course introduces basic principles of acting.
Beginning Acting teaches the basic skills, concepts, and methods
of modern realistic acting technique including terminology,
scene and character analysis, exercises, improvisation, and
audition improvisation. Students will strengthen powers of
concentration, focus, analysis, imagination, creativity, and
empathy that are critical to every art form. No prior theater
experience is necessary.
ACTING II: This
performing arts course is a continuation of the study of acting
through investigating various methods of creating character,
text analysis, and performance techniques. Students will explore
a broad range of acting techniques; continue to solidify their
understanding of the basic methods of building a character;
continue the cultivation of artistic aesthetic, along with
physical, emotional and imaginative awareness as they relate
to scene and monologue study and presentation. Pre-requisite:
Acting I.
ACTING III:
This performing arts course is an advanced study of acting
techniques with focus on the major periods of acting from
the myths of origin through early American non-realistic genres.
Students will analyze a variety of dramatic texts from cultural
and historical perspectives to determine production requirements
and develop designs that clearly support the text. They will
research and use cultural, historical, and symbolic clues
to interpret, and to make visual and sound production choices
for, an improvisation or scripted scene. Students will also
critique dramatic works in terms of other aesthetic philosophies.
Students will create and organize a monologue morgue for future
auditions. Pre-requisite: Acting II.
MUSICAL THEATER
I-III: This performing arts course explores the history
of the American Musical Theater as well as developing basic
skills necessary for performing in Musical Theater. Students
will explore Musical Theater and its historical evolution
as a performing art form, and will showcase their development
in a variety of Musical Theater presentational styles. Students
will develop their acting, movement, and vocal performance
techniques through active participation and reflection. Pre-requisites:
Acting I and Vocal Development I. Vocal Development I may
be prior or concurrent.
VISUAL
ARTS: GENERAL
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All visual arts courses include a history component.
VISUAL ARTS FOUNDATIONS:
This visual arts course focuses on developing the artist's
creativity. Through exploring past art movements and discussions
of art history and theory, each student will begin the search
for his or her own, honest voice. In the exploration of art
history, the students will create their own versions of these
ideas and add to their physical skills. In addition, the assignments
will contain most of the skills needed to learn the fundamentals
of the given medium; the course explores drawing, painting,
2-D design, and 3-D design. This course is the foundation
for all advanced visual arts courses.
VISUAL ARTS: DRAWING
& PAINTING
All visual arts courses include a history component.
DRAWING I-III:
This visual arts course extends students' drawing skills in
the following areas: perspective, value, composition, techniques
for copying images, and it introduces new drawing techniques.
Students build an understanding of those basic elements while
having more freedom in their assignments. Verbal and written
artistic abilities are also a focus, as the students will
further develop their art vocabulary, critique and discussion
skills, and the study of art history. Pre-requisite: Visual
Arts Foundations (prior or concurrent).
LIFE DRAWING I-II:
This visual arts course is a studio art class that teaches
the student to draw the human figure using a variety of techniques.
Both skeletal and muscular anatomies are studied, and students
will draw from live models (parental consent for model drawing
is required in order to elect this course). Topics include
"sighting" the model, gesture drawing, enveloping,
blocking in light and shadow, and the model in motion, among
others. Pre-requisite: Visual Arts Foundations.
PAINTING I: This
visual arts course provides an introduction to the materials,
techniques, and concepts of painting, with an emphasis on
individual exploration. Topics include surface quality, value,
contrast, hue, saturation, opacity, transparency, color relativity,
diffusion, pattern concepts, and more.
Pre-requisite: Visual Arts Foundations (prior or concurrent).
PAINTING II-III:
In this visual arts course, intermediate-level students
build upon their foundation-level painting skills. Advanced
students will work in a largely self-directed manner with
an emphasis on cultivating an original style. Students will
develop their body of work to prepare a portfolio for college
admissions while deepening their understanding through the
study of painting history.
Pre-requisite: Painting I / II.
PAINTING - MIXED
MEDIA: This advanced visual arts course is an experimental
2-dimensional mixed media course with foundations in painting.
Projects will include oil, acrylic, encaustic, collage, and
fiber arts. Students will learn to incorporate mixed media
elements into their own developing portfolio. Pre-requisite:
Painting I.
VISUAL
ARTS: 2-D DESIGN
All visual arts courses include a history component.
DIGITAL ARTS I:
This visual arts course is an introduction to digital arts.
Students will learn to create original artworks using the
computer as a creative tool. Artworks will be created in Adobe
Photoshop; students will learn to use a scanner and digital
camera to manipulate the images. Digital arts history, theory,
and design fundamentals for digital image-making will be addressed
throughout the course. Course projects include digital art
studies, retouching, compositing, illustration, identity design,
color matching and composition studies, photorealistic imaging,
color correction, and art exhibition development. Pre-requisite:
Visual Arts Foundations (prior or concurrent).
DIGITAL ARTS II-III:
This visual arts course is an upper-level course in digital
arts. Students will learn Adobe Illustrator in addition to
Adobe Photoshop. Digital arts history, theory, and design
fundamentals for digital image-making will be addressed throughout
the course. Students will look at artists' work that uses
the computer as a medium, and discuss digital arts in the
context of the wider art world and culture. Course projects
in Illustrator include selection, drawing, and pen tools,
layers, transformations, distortions, type tools, and modifying
paths and shapes. Students will create a body of work for
their final portfolio requirements using both Photoshop and
Illustrator. Pre-requisite: Digital Arts I.
FILM & DIGITAL
VIDEO: This visual arts course provides an overview of
basic filmmaking techniques using digital media. It focuses
on the basics of visual storytelling. Students will be exposed
to film history and the various artistic movements since the
beginning of cinema as an art form, and will explore the effects
of culture on theater, television, and film. Students will
develop criteria for analyzing and evaluating script, acting,
design, and direction, based on artistic choices in traditional
theater, film, and new art forms. Pre-requisite: Digital Arts
I or Photography I.
PHOTOGRAPHY I: This
visual arts course is an introduction to black and white photography.
We learn the technical aspects of photography including camera
parts and functions, film processing, and all facets of printing
a black and white photograph. We discuss the photography within
its context in the art world. We hold class critiques and
begin to develop a vocabulary specific to the medium. By the
end of the class, students will be competent in the basic
steps necessary to conceive a black and white photograph,
and able to produce prints which are not only technically
proficient, but also meaningful to them as artists. Pre-requisites:
Students must have a 35mm manual camera; Visual Arts Foundations
(prior or concurrent).
PHOTOGRAPHY II-III:
This visual arts course is an intermediate course in black
and white photography, designed for students who have a solid
basic knowledge of shooting, processing, and printing silver
gelatin, black and white prints. Students will refine and
expand their technical knowledge, learn better darkroom control
and a variety of techniques in print manipulation. They will
also be introduced to hand-coated emulsions and alternative
printing surfaces. Through reading, writing, and critiques,
the class will explore various genres and styles of photography,
along with some of the ideas and works of both contemporary
and historical photographers. Pre-requisite: Photography I..
VISUAL
ARTS: 3-D DESIGN
All visual arts courses include a history component.
CERAMICS I:
This visual arts course offers an introduction to ceramic
hand building and decorating methods. Students will achieve
a basic awareness of historical and contemporary ceramics,
and the ethnic and cultural diversity in ceramic form and
process worldwide. Elements of ceramics include basic wheel-throwing
techniques, glaze materials, firing methods, and clay materials,
as well as an appreciation of fine craft enhanced by creative
visualization and self-expression. Pre-requisite: Visual Arts
Foundations (prior or concurrent).
CERAMICS II-III:
This visual arts course offers a further exploration of
ceramic hand building and decorating methods. Students learn
a variety of surface decoration methods and materials while
developing their understanding of every pot as an expressive,
sculptural piece that communicates a message through surface,
form, and function. Students consider elements of design and
physical expression while increasing their aesthetic and technical
understanding of ceramics as a fine art form. Pre-requisite:
Ceramics I.
FASHION DESIGN I:
This visual arts course will explore the history of fashion,
societal influences, important designers throughout time,
and fashion versus function. Drawing, research, and illustrating
will occupy the bulk of instructional time, with sewing machine
work beginning later in the school year. Students will learn
pattern making, and how to use the tools involved with designing
patterns and clothing. Pre-requisite: Visual Arts Foundations
(prior or concurrent).
FASHION DESIGN II-III:
This visual arts course is a continuation of its beginning
level; in addition to extending topics noted above, students
will construct a full line that will be the highlight of the
school's fashion shows. These students will eventually be
able to sell their clothing in the school's Fashion Boutique,
which they will be responsible for managing and styling. They
will also dress the window display, which is updated regularly,
allowing passers-by an ongoing look into the progress of student
creations. Pre-requisite: Fashion Design I / II.
MIXED MEDIA / SCULPTURE:
This visual arts course incorporates a broad array of
media to explore 3-dimensional form. Projects will emphasize
spatial and design principles as well as employ an extensive
exploration of natural and man-made materials. Assignments
will include low-relief collage, altered books, found object
and organic constructions, and "live" sculpture
and installation. Pre-requisite: Visual Arts Foundations.
LITERARY
ARTS
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CREATIVE WRITING
I: This literary arts course focuses on the development
of each student's individual writing voice through the guided
exploration of a wide range of genres and modes of discourse.
This course stresses the writing process, including prewriting,
composition, revision, and reflection. Students experience
a workshop environment in which they read and respond to one
another's works.
CREATIVE WRITING
II-III: This literary arts course is an in-depth continuation
of Creative Writing I that allows students to further develop
their creative writing talents. Students share their writing
in a workshop setting as they edit and revise. Students read
critically the work of major authors, conduct research, and
make submissions of their own polished writing to literary
journals. Pre-requisite: Creative Writing I / II.
PUBLICATION DESIGN:
This literary arts course provides instruction in publication
creation, design, and management. Fall semester focuses on
the basics of visual communication, including typography,
spacing, and composition, along with the social, historical,
and contemporary contexts of design. Students work in Photoshop,
InDesign, and Quark. During the spring, students create the
contents, design, and print details of NSAA's yearbook. Students
are assigned specific staff duties as they meet the challenges
of deadlines, revisions, and cooperative design. This course
replaces the course called Yearbook.
WRITING FOR JOURNALISM:
This literary arts course instructs students in the basics
of literary journalism. Students study the profession of journalism,
journalistic law and ethics, the characteristics and constraints
of journalistic writing, and the editing process. Interviewing,
fact-finding, and reporting are all major elements of the
course, and students write in a variety of journalistic styles
as they explore the roles of media in contemporary culture.
Offered alternate years.
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