Academic Courses

ENGLISH

MS Language Arts

Course Description : In this class, students will explore the foundations of reading both English Literature and informational texts as well as learning and perfecting academic writing skills. In addition, students will experience a wide range of literary and critical works in genres found in English Language Art courses including short stories, novels, literary criticism, biographies, memoirs, essays, poetry, drama, and non-fiction narratives. This course will focus on the craft and structure of writing across genres and cultures. Students will engage in a study of the rules and conventions of writing and examine texts for deeper meaning, point of view, supporting evidence and conclusions. The ultimate goals for this class are to foster students’ analytical and critical thinking skills that will enhance independent and informed thought; encourage appreciation for literature; and allow for articulate self-expression..

Creative Writing I-III

Course Description : In this course the students will focus on images, energy, tension, pattern, insight and revision in their writing process. Students are required to engage in the workshop process, both in small groups and with the whole class, and will publish at least two original works in NSAA's student produced online literary magazine Interwoven.

Literature & Composition

Course Description : In this class, students explore both English Literature and informational texts as well as learn and perfect academic writing skills. In addition, students will experience a wide range of literary and critical works in genres found in English Language Art courses including short stories, novels, literary criticism, biographies, memoirs, essays, poetry, drama, and non-fiction narratives. This course will focus on the craft and structure of writing across genres and cultures. Students will engage in a study of the rules and conventions of writing and examine texts for deeper meaning, point of view, supporting evidence, and conclusions. The ultimate goals for this class are to foster students’ analytical and critical thinking skills that will enhance independent and informed thought, encourage appreciation for literature and other genres of writing, and promote self-expression through speaking and writing.

Art History & Literature

Course Description : This course provides an introduction to art history and literature. In this class, students will study historically significant works in the fields of visual, performing, and literary arts which have influenced civilizations and have played a role in determining who we are as individuals. Students will interpret patterns, themes, ideas, beliefs, and turning points. In this class, students will also learn to identify, comprehend and discuss, in written and spoken form, historically significant works in the fields of visual, performing, and literary arts including techniques, media, themes, symbols, aesthetic philosophies, influences, and innovations. Students will also analyze current issues and events in the visual, performing, and literary arts including ethical concepts, principles, decision-making, and behaviors. This is a dual enrollment class available for college credit.

American Literature

Course Prerequisite: Freshman English

Course Description : This course provides a survey of the literature movements in America, from Pre-Columbian times to present day. Students will explore the perspective and context of different works of literature from each of the literary movements, and study how different groups and cultures create and communicate their American voice and experience. Additionally, students will practice writing and compositions skills, and should be prepared to analyze and discuss informational texts and challenging works of literature.

Society & Culture in Literature

English Composition

FOREIGN LANGUAGES

French 1-2

Course Description : French 1-2 introduces students to French culture through the study of the French language spoken throughout the francophone world. The skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening comprehension are developed with an emphasis on basic grammar and conversation.

French 3-4

Course Prerequisite: French 1-2

Course Description : This foreign language course reinforces the skills of French-language reading, writing, speaking, and listening comprehension. Conversational skill and more complex grammatical structures are emphasized, and further study of Francophone culture is pursued.

Spanish 1-2

Course Prerequisite: An eagerness to learn!

Course Description : This course will help the student build a strong foundation in the Spanish language. During the year, the student will develop the linguistic skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. To understand and /or to convey messages with all the learned linguistic skills 3 modes of communication in all these areas will be used: Interpersonal, Interpretive and Presentational. Also, the history, cultural attitudes and values of the Spanish-speaking world will be presented.

Spanish 3-4

Course Prerequisite: Spanish 1-2

Course Description : This course reviews the four skills introduced in Spanish 1-2: reading, writing, speaking, and listening comprehension. There is more emphasis on conversational skills and more challenging grammatical structures using the 3 modes of communication: Interpersonal, Interpretive and Presentational. Historical background, attitudes and values of the Spanish-speaking world will continue to be presented. Prerequisite: The student must have completed SPA 1-2

MATHEMATICS

MS Math A, B & C

Course Description : Middle school math covers a wide range of topics including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and statistics, aimed at building a strong mathematical foundation. Students in these courses will learn concepts such as operations with numbers, equations, geometric shapes, data analysis, and problem-solving strategies to develop their mathematical skills and prepare for more advanced math studies.

Algebra 1-2

Course Description : This class covers math content from the Algebra standards including functions. linear equations/relationships/systems, and rates. Each day in class provides time for students to work with the teacher one-on-one as well as with each other in a group setting.

Geometry

Course Prerequisite: Algebra 1-2

Course Description : Geometry is an exploration of two and three dimensional space. Geometric figures and their related proportions, transformations, related theorems, calculations of area and volume, and even a foray into probability are within the scope of Geometry.

Algebra 3-4 / Algebra 5-6 (Year 2 Algebra)

Course Prerequisite: Algebra 1-2 & Geometry

Course Description : The mathematical models of Year 2 Algebra include the complex quadratic, polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, rational and radical functions and equations. Students practice advanced calculation and strengthen conceptual understanding of functions and function notation. Students will also spend some time with topics in series, sequences, probability, and statistics.

Personal Finance

Course Description: Personal Finance is a fourth year math course available only to seniors as an alternative to other advanced math options following completion of Algebra 3-4. Students work toward earning the Seal of Personal Finance for their high school diploma as per the eligibility and curriculum requirements outlined by the Arizona Department of Education. The objective is to ensure students have mastered personal financial literacy by covering topics such as budgeting, money management, relating income and careers, understanding credit and debt, microeconomics, and entrepreneurship. At the conclusion of the course, students must perform at a proficient level in advanced math on the NWEA academic assessment.

Trigonometry / Precalculus

Course Prerequisite: Algebra 3-4 (Course requires a TI-83 or TI-84 series graphing calculator)

Course Description : Precalculus revisits the algebraic models to study how the rates of change are changing and to strengthen conceptual understanding of function families and notation. Students may also spend some time with topics in polar coordinates and vectors.

Calculus

This is an Online Course

Course Prerequisite: Recommendation of placement from Trig/Precalc Instructor

Course Description : Calculus is an online course covering differential and integral calculus of a single variable. Students learn techniques of differentiation and integration, but spend most of their time focused on applications to physics, biology, and other fields of science.

SCIENCES

MS Honors Science Investigations

Course Description : As an HONORS course, students will be expected to do additional higher Depth of Knowledge problem-based lessons. Students will learn about the world around them by examining various fields of science. Students will learn to think like a scientist by discovering, studying, and experimenting. Students will construct and create projects to better synthesize the vast knowledge and teachings of the science fields listed below.

Physics— Students will Collect and analyze data demonstrating how electromagnetic forces can be attractive or repulsive and can vary in strength. Students will model how forces can cause changes in motion and how forces are responsible for the transfer of energy and the cycling of matter. We will investigate a wide variety of systems, from simple, short-term forces on individual objects to the deep, long-term forces that shape our planet. Students will use non-algebraic mathematics and computational thinking to explain Newton’s laws of motion.

Life Science— Students will evaluate, and communicate information to provide evidence that all living things are made of cells, cells come from existing cells, and cells are the basic structural and functional unit of all living things. Students will graphically present the relationship between major cell structures and cell functions (plant and animal) which will include how some plant cells convert light energy into food energy. Students will develop and use a model to explain how cells, tissues, and organ systems maintain life (animals). Students will form an argument for how organisms maintain internal stability and evaluate the effect of the external factors on organisms’ internal stability.

Earth Science— Students will construct a model that shows the cycling of matter and flow of energy in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere. Student will also construct a model to explain how the distribution of fossils and rocks, continental shapes, and seafloor structures provides evidence of the past plate motions. Students will analyze and interpret data to construct an explanation for how advances in technology has improved weather prediction.

MS Science Exploration & Inquiry

Course Description : Students will learn about the world around them by examining various fields of science. Students will learn to think like a scientist by discovering, studying, and experimenting. Students will construct and create projects to better synthesize the vast knowledge and teachings of the science fields listed below.

Earth Science--Astronomy—Students will examine characteristics of our planet such as why does the Earth have seasons and why there are various time spans for night and day. Students will examine why the Moon has phases and how it is involved in eclipses. Students will explore how ancient people believed the Earth was the center of the universe and how astronomers have discovered the various kinds of planets in our solar system. Students will examine the “life cycles” of stars, constellations, how the stars shine and the types of galaxies identified in the universe that have stars that are visible in the night sky.

Life Science--Ecology— Students will study the ecosystems of the world biome, which includes their energy levels pertaining to food webs, animal relationships related to the cycling of matter and flow of energy in ecosystems.. They will also demonstrate the interdependence of organisms and their environment including biotic and abiotic factors. Students will use evidence to construct an argument regarding the impact of human activities on the environment and how they positively and negatively affect the competition for energy and resources in ecosystems. Students will form an argument from evidence to support a claim about the factors that cause species to change and how humans can impact those factors.

Physical Science-- Students will analyze and interpret data to show that changes in states of matter are caused by different rates of movement of atoms in solids, liquids, and gases (Kinetic Theory). Students will investigate the variations in temperature and/or pressure that affect changes in state of matter. and how the particles of matter are made up of smaller particles called atoms. Students will analyze how energy exists in a system (kinetic theory) and how humans use technology to store (potential) and/or use (kinetic) energy. Develop and use a model to predict how forces act on objects at a distance.

MS Science Investigations

Course Description : Students will learn about the world around them by examining various fields of science. Students will learn to think like a scientist by discovering, studying, and experimenting. Students will construct and create projects to better synthesize the vast knowledge and teachings of the science fields listed below.

Physics— Students will Collect and analyze data demonstrating how electromagnetic forces can be attractive or repulsive and can vary in strength. Students will model how forces can cause changes in motion and how forces are responsible for the transfer of energy and the cycling of matter. We will investigate a wide variety of systems, from simple, short-term forces on individual objects to the deep, long-term forces that shape our planet. Students will use non-algebraic mathematics and computational thinking to explain Newton’s laws of motion.

Life Science— Students will evaluate, and communicate information to provide evidence that all living things are made of cells, cells come from existing cells, and cells are the basic structural and functional unit of all living things. Students will graphically present the relationship between major cell structures and cell functions (plant and animal) which will include how some plant cells convert light energy into food energy. Students will develop and use a model to explain how cells, tissues, and organ systems maintain life (animals). Students will form an argument for how organisms maintain internal stability and evaluate the effect of the external factors on organisms’ internal stability.

Earth Science—Students will construct a model that shows the cycling of matter and flow of energy in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere. Student will also construct a model to explain how the distribution of fossils and rocks, continental shapes, and seafloor structures provides evidence of the past plate motions. Students will analyze and interpret data to construct an explanation for how advances in technology has improved weather prediction.

MS Science Analysis & Survey

Course Description : Students will learn about the world around them by examining various fields of science. Students will learn to think like a scientist by discovering, studying, and experimenting. Students will construct and create projects to better synthesize the vast knowledge and teachings of the science fields listed below.

Life Sciences—Students will explore aspects of genetics from the cell level to the selection of breeding and mutations. Students will also determine how organisms survive and reproduce only to the extent that their own mechanisms and adaptations ,both behavioral and structural, will allow..

Earth Sciences—Students will investigate the geological time scale by looking for evidence for the evolutionary histories of life on Earth through the fossil record, similarities in the various structures among species, organism development, and genetic similarities across all organisms. Students will also analyze Earth's natural disasters and human activities that impact our planet both positively and negatively.

Physical Science: Physics— Students will describe the nature of a wave as a disturbance that moves through a medium, transporting energy without transporting matter. Students will distinguish local particle vibrations from overall wave motion and relate these distinctions to types of waves such as longitudinal, transverse and surface waves. Students will demonstrate understanding of wave properties such as wavelength, amplitude, frequency, period, and speed and mathematically relate these properties to one another. Students will apply the relationship among wave speed, frequency, and wavelength to solve problems and build an understanding of the relationship between energy and amplitude.

Chemistry—The students will then explore what matter is and will review its phases. They will examine elements and atoms, including the structure of and organization of atoms on the periodic table. Also about how and why atoms join together to form compounds and molecules. They will analyze the differences between mixtures and solutions and how a solution can be described. Finally, the students will delve into the different types of chemical reactions, how they occur and how the reactions can be manipulated with a catalyst or an inhibitor.

Physics

Rio Salado Dual Enrollment Course

Course Prerequisite: Co-enrollment in Algebra 3-4 (Year 2) or higher

Course Description : This is a conceptual physics course using student-centered, inquiry-based modeling techniques. The content covers classical mechanics (velocity, acceleration, force, circular motion, momentum, and energy) and may include special topics into climate change, electricity, light, thermodynamics, and/or magnetism.

Biology

Course Description : This course covers life and its interactions with the nonliving environment from the scientific point of view. It is intended as a survey of both the principles of biology and the practice of science. This course will have particular emphasis on Ecology, although cover the breadth of the material over the year.

Chemistry

Course Description : This course covers matter, its properties and the interactions and changes it undergoes. Students will use chemical properties to make predictions, discover commonalities between different elements and compounds and understand how chemistry molds and affects your life.

Anatomy & Physiology

Course Description : This course explores the structure and relationships between body parts and how those parts come together to function and keep the body alive.

Environmental and Sustainability Science

The Environmental Science/Sustainability course will start with ecological principles of earth and its systems; first teaching how our world works and how we have come to understand its function. Building on these principles, the students will learn how to think about these functions in terms of systems, using different ecosystems and their interactions with the world around them as tangible examples. By the end of this class, students will understand how we depend on the sustainable use of natural resources and be able to use tools of a sustainability professional to instill change in the systems they interact with on a daily basis. The goal of this course is to help students make connections, deepen understanding, and further change towards a brighter future.

SOCIAL SCIENCES

MS American History & Global Studies

Course Description : In this course students will focus on American History from the Civil War up to the Great Depression. There will be an emphasis on American foreign relations through the study of Imperialism, Immigration, and World War I.

MS US Constitution & Geography

Course Description : The purpose of the U.S. Constitution and Geography course is to introduce students to the fundamentals of American government and how it affects their everyday lives. We will be studying the creation of our law making system by examining significant founding documents, people, and events that have shaped our government. We will evaluate our laws, how they are made and enforced, and how and why our government works for the people. Through our involvement in debate, simulation, research, reflections, and fun activities, students will develop critical thinking and valuable communication skills. We will also explore the current day constitutional issues and events. In addition, this course will focus on information literacy and how to evaluate primary, secondary and online source materials. The geography portion of this course will focus on the five themes of geography and challenge students to develop geographic skills, including learning to interpret maps and analyze data. Students will also study both American and global current events as they relate to both the U.S. Constitution and world geography.

US / Arizona History

Course Description : Students will immerse themselves within the story of our country. They will discover the beauty and sadness, the heroes and villains, the famous and unknown that make up the complex drama that is The United States of America.

Advanced US / Arizona History

Course Description : Advanced U.S. History Seminar is designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester introductory college or university U.S. history course. In this class, students investigate significant events, individuals, developments, and processes in nine historical periods from approximately 1491 to the present. Students develop and use the same skills, practices, and methods employed by historians: analyzing primary and secondary sources; developing historical arguments; making historical comparisons; and utilizing reasoning about contextualization, causation, and continuity and change over time. The course also provides seven themes that students explore throughout the course in order to make connections among historical developments in different times and places: American and national identity; migration and settlement; politics and power; work, exchange, and technology; America in the world; geography and the environment; and culture and society. Weekly Socratic Seminars are an integral part of this course.

World History / Geography

Course Description : A study of World History is integral to analyze the human experience through time, to recognize the relationships of events and people, and to interpret significant patterns, themes, ideas, beliefs, and turning points in history. Students should be able to apply the lessons of World History to their lives as citizens of the United States and of the world community.

Advanced World History / Geography

Government & Economics

Course Description : This course introduces students to the foundations and requirements of democratic citizenship. It will develop informed, responsible participation in American civic and political life by competent citizens committed to the fundamental values and principles of American constitutional democracy.

Performing Arts Courses

MUSIC

MS Piano Studies

Course Description : This piano class will strengthen your knowledge of the piano and add to your knowledge of music. Using keyboards, you will learn practice techniques and piano skills. You will not only learn basic skills and techniques, you will learn how to perform various pieces of music.

MS Vocal Ensemble

Course Description : This course is centered around introductory vocal technique and performance within an ensemble setting. Students will learn how to collaborate with their peers through song and will explore a variety of genres and types of vocal works. Additionally, this class will touch on introductory level music theory and ear training.

Piano Studies 1

Course Description : This piano class will strengthen your knowledge of the piano and add to your knowledge of music. Using keyboards, you will learn practice techniques and piano skills. You will not only learn basic skills and techniques, you will learn how to perform various pieces of music.

Piano Studies 2

Course Description : This piano class will strengthen your knowledge of the piano and add to your knowledge of music. Using keyboards, you will learn practice techniques and piano skills. You will not only learn basic skills and techniques, you will learn how to perform various pieces of music.

Vocal Ensemble

Course Description : This course is centered around vocal techniques and performance within an ensemble setting. Students will expand their knowledge and experience in performance and musical collaboration within their ensemble, with potential opportunity to work with instrumental musicians as well. This class will focus on a wide variety of vocal music while also covering basic music notation, sight reading, aural perception, and musical analysis.

Advanced Vocal Studies

Course Description : This course is centered around vocal techniques and performance both within an ensemble and as a solo performer. Students will receive individualized instruction in vocal performance in addition to ensemble instruction. Repertoire for this class will be varied and occasionally left up to the student’s discretion – with instructor approval. Due to the nature of this course, topics such as music theory and analysis, music notation, sight reading, and aural perception will be explored more thoroughly than other vocal courses. Additionally, students will be required to sign and adhere to an advanced performing arts course contract.

Guitar

Course Description : In this class students will develop skills in reading music on the guitar as well as fretboard harmony and technique. Different chord and scale exercises will be given throughout the year. Improvisation workshops will also be done as a way to bring these skills together in practice.

Advanced Guitar

Course Description: In this course students will continue to build on foundations in improvisation, reading and fretboard harmony. Students will be required to work on solo pieces to refine their technique as well as participate in regular improvisational workshops. Before auditioning into this class, students should feel comfortable reading through the 5th position on the guitar.

Contemporary Ensemble

Course Prerequisite: Music Theory and/or at least one year of training on their instrument at the High School level, Audition is required for placement

Course Description: In this class students will explore multiple genres of modern music and their conventions. Additionally, students will discover improvisational methods related to modern music styles.

Jazz Ensemble

Course Prerequisite: Music Theory and/or at least one year of training on their instrument at the High School level, Audition is required for placement

Course Description: This class will cover the fundamentals of jazz music including; improvisation, different styles of jazz, jazz theory and the history and culture of the music. Students will learn about all of this through performing and rehearsing during class and extra listening examples to provide context.

Music Theory

Course Description: In this class students will explore concepts as such tonal harmony and counterpoint. Throughout the year, they will develop their skills in music theory through exercises such as analysis and composition.

DANCE

MS Dance 1

Course Description: This is an introductory class presenting all genres of dance. Students will perform in at least 2 shows and begin exploring choreography design.

MS Dance 2

Course Description: This class is for the beginning/intermediate dancer furthering their technique in all genres of dance and focusing on performance. They were also to expand on elements of choreography previously taught.

MS Jr. Dance Company

Course Description: Jr. Dance Company consists of intermediate and advanced technical dancers who are interested in exploring the art of choreography and taking on more challenging roles. This group will also be more involved in Tempe arts events.

Dance Development

Course Description: This is a beginning level course introducing all genres of dance as well as focusing on performance and developing choreography design.

Dance Technique

Course Prerequisite: Audition is required for placement

Course Description: This is a course designed for the intermediate/advanced dancer focused on progressing dancers’ technique, performance and choreography design.

Dance Company

Course Prerequisite: Audition is required for placement. Students must simultaneously be enrolled in Dance Technique class and available to step in and teach assist as needed throughout the school year.

Course Description: The &8 Dance Company is by audition only. NSAA Dance Company is composed of Intermediate/advanced technical dancers who are interested in exploring more about the art of choreography. Members of the dance company will choreograph, teach, and perform dances enhancing their well-rounded dance education. The Company consists of freshmen through senior dancers who perform in all NSAA productions.

THEATRE ARTS

MS Drama

Course Description: Middle School Drama will focus on establishing a core basic knowledge of theatrical elements and skills. Students are required to participate in performances both in class and in our final performances in each semester. Our spring play is a large production that will require a high amount of effort and is generally very challenging. This class will encourage creativity, trust, bravery, social skills and speaking skills, collaboration and respect.

Theatrical Design & Production

Course Description: NSAA’s Theatrical Design & Production course has been designed to introduce students to the many technical aspects of performing arts, and to give them opportunities to develop their skills in both theory and practice. Students will read a variety of plays and will exercise their technical skills in the development of theoretical productions. Students will also participate in the various performances produced by the NSAA Performing Arts Department.

Beginning/Intermediate Acting

Course Description: Beginning/Intermediate Acting will focus on core basic knowledge of theatrical elements and skills. Topics covered throughout this course will include (but are not limited to) Acting, Directing, Play writing, Technical Theatre Elements and Collaboration & Ensemble-building. Students will be expected to participate in theatrical games & improvisations, focusing exercises, monologue work, scene work and ensemble work. Students are also required to participate in performances both in class and in our final performances at the end of each semester. This class will encourage creativity, trust, bravery and respect.

Advanced Acting

Course Prerequisite: Audition is required for placement

Course Description: Advanced Acting will focus on using core basic knowledge of theatrical elements and skills acquired in Beginning Acting. Topics covered throughout this course will include (but are not limited to) Acting, Directing, Playwriting, Acting for Film, Classical Theatrical Styles (Shakespeare, Restoration, Chekhov), Technical Theatre Elements and Collaboration & Ensemble-building. Students will be expected to participate in theatrical games & improvisations, focusing exercises, monologue work, scene work and ensemble work. Students are also required to participate in performances both in class and in our final performances at the end of each semester. This class will encourage creativity, trust, bravery and respect.

Musical Theatre

Course Prerequisite: Audition is required for placement

Course Description: Musical Theatre will focus on improving vocal, dance and acting skills to enable students to grow as Musical Theatre artists. Students will be expected to participate in theatrical games & improvisations, vocal solo work, vocal duet work, vocal ensemble work and learning & performing Musical Theatre dance pieces. Students are required to participate in performances both in class and in our fully produced Musicals each semester. This class is rigorous & demanding and will often require after-school rehearsals. Students are encouraged to act professionally and are held to high level of accountability as placement in this class is competitive.

Visual Arts Courses

Examples of Student Work from our Visual Arts Course Offerings

DRAWING & PAINTING

MS Visual Arts Foundation

Course Description: This course will introduce students to basis foundations of the elements of art and the design principles as a basis for creating art. Students will explore a variety of art process, materials and artists. Students will create artworks that support personal growth and creative expression Assignments/projects will have applications and knowledge in various artistic art styles, art media, cultures and historical periods.

Printmaking & Textile Design

Course Description: This course introduces the basics of printmaking and textile design in the context of historical/cultural/ contemporary fine arts. Students will explore various traditional and non-traditional printmaking and textile processes including: mono-printing, monotype, block printing and screen-printing hand stitching and weaving, dyeing, fabric construction and manipulation. An emphasis will be placed on experimentation, self-expression, and supporting practical technical skills.

Drawing 1

Course Description: This class will cover the fundamentals of drawing in charcoal and graphite. Student will be taught techniques to improve dexterity and control of media, methods of improving observational skills and developing believable form and space in a work of art.

Drawing 2

Course Prerequisite: Drawing 1

Course Description: Students will learn the elements of composition & design by studying master works of art. From this students will transition to creating works of art based on these design principles.

Drawing 3

Course Prerequisite: Drawing 1 & 2

Course Description: Students will independently create a body of work. This class will explore a variety of drawing techniques in order to expand the student's expressive range.

Life Drawing

Course Prerequisite: Drawing 1

Course Description: Life Drawing explores the human form in charcoal. Through the year students will learn to interpret rhythm and movement of the body as well how to construct with 3 dimensional structures and anatomy as it relates to drawing.

Life Drawing 2

Course Prerequisite: Drawing 1, Life Drawing 1

Course Description: Students will learn advanced drawing techniques, draw from master works and create narrative pieces based on their understanding of the human figure.

Painting 1

Course Description: Painting 1 will provide students with a foundation in painting art history, application of paint, color theory, creating and organizing composition, observational painting, building painting supports and to discover, develop and progress each student’s individual creative voice with thought of meaning and content.

Painting 2, 3

Course Prerequisite: Painting 1 or Instructor Approval

Course Description: Painting 2,3 students will build off the foundation of the previous Painting classes as they progress and grow in these areas while creating their own body of work. The advanced students will also be creating work for public art exhibits and for their portfolios for college.

Mixed Media 1

Course Description: This Mixed Media class will provide students with a foundation in painting/mixed media contemporary art, application of paint acrylic mediums and various other mediums such as beeswax, oil pastels, collage, oil paint, papermaking, screen printing, linoleum block printing and bookmaking. There will be development, progression and expansion of knowledge in color theory, creating and organizing composition and building painting supports Along with students studying these techniques and mediums, they will discover and further develop their own artist voice along with deeper understanding and representation of content in their ideas and work.

Mixed Media 2, 3

Course Prerequisite: Mixed Media 1 or Instructor Approval

Course Description: Mixed Media 2 students will build off the foundation of the previous Mixed Media classes as they progress and grow in these areas while creating their own body of work. The advanced students will also be creating work for public art exhibits and for their portfolios for college.

3-D DESIGN

Jewelry Design

Course Prerequisite: Visual Arts Foundations

Course Description: This is an introductory jewelry design course. Students will explore basic jewelry concepts, designs and techniques. Students will use these applications to create a variety of handmade wearable jewelry and small metal objects using non-ferrous metals and alternative materials and fused glass.

Jewelry Design II & III

Course Description: Students will continue to refine and expand their knowledge in jewelry fabrication and small metals techniques-building off existing knowledge gained from Jewelry I. The focus of Jewelry II is an exploration of new processes and techniques & trends in jewelry making. Students may choose to concentrate on wearable or non-wearable art pieces in metal & alternative materials.

Ceramics 1-3

Course Prerequisite: Not afraid to make a mess, like to draw, and love making things!

Course Description: Explore the foundations of Ceramics through hand-building and wheel-throwing, as well as following a variety of finishing techniques. In conjunction with the assigned projects, we will have slideshows and videos modeling a variety of ceramic styles and techniques from around the world. We will use the four major clay forming methods: pinch, coil, slab and wheel. Students will work on a variety of sculptural projects throughout the year, allowing for creative freedom within each project. We will explore several different surface-decorating methods and materials.

Some will involve impressions into the clay or carving away the surface, adding to the clay surface, and applying a finishing surface. We can also decorate the damp un-fired surface with liquid colored clay mixtures known as engobes.

After finishing all assembly and surface decoration of the damp clay, we allow the wares to dry. When dry they are bisque-fired, an initial firing making the clay structure permanent., impervious to water, allowing us to coat the surface with liquid glazes. A final firing fuses the glaze materials into a hard, durable, glassy coating that seals the porous clay surface.

In this course we deal with issues of practical function in throwing, but avoid thinking only in terms of function. Remember that every pot is an expressive, sculptural piece, which communicates a message through surface, form and function. Consider ergonomics -the way the pot feels and functions in a utilitarian sense. How does it fit in the hand or on the lip? How well does it serve its intended purpose? Consider the overall design - the interaction of shape, balance, color, contrast, pattern and texture. Consider gesture - the essential, physical expression of the pot.

In the past, ceramics were often viewed only as functional craft, but today clay is seen as a fine art form. Consider that everything you make in this course is a statement of your feelings and beliefs. You have the opportunity to do things that are unique and original, and with that in mind, remember that ceramic objects can survive into eternity.

Fashion Design

Course Prerequisite: Visual Arts Foundations

Course Description: Fashion Design course will consist of learning the parts and functions of the sewing machine, sketching designs, using patterns, and design a collection for the spring fashion show.

Costume Design

Course Prerequisite: Visual Arts Foundations

Course Description: Costume Design course will consist of studying the fashions of the 1950’s, sketching designs inspired by the 1950’s, creating designs inspired by the 1950’s, researching current trends, and designers inspired by the 1950’s. Student will also create a process book of the research and process of their collection.

DIGITAL ARTS, PHOTOGRAPHY & FILM

Digital Mixed Media 1-2

Course Prerequisite: Visual Arts Foundations

Course Description: Digital Mixed Media is an exploration of media concepts generated by technological means. Adobe Creative Suite products are the main focus, combined with traditional techniques of drawing, photography, and other forms of 2 dimensional artmaking.

Publication Design

Course Prerequisite: Responsibility & Accountability

Course Description: Publication Design produces the yearbooks for Middle and High School. Mixed into the responsibilities and juggling of logistic resources that are a highlight of producing these, we explore design of informational materials, and a brief history of written language and font design.

Film Workshop

Course Description: This course provides an overview of film as an art form, and basic filmmaking techniques. Students will study the great films of cinema history, with special focus given to different aspects of filmmaking, including the fundamental principles of movies, form and narrative, mise-en-scene and design, directing, cinematography, screen acting, editing, sound, and writing. Students will work in teams and individually to create short digital film projects, with special focus given to the pre-production, production, and post production stages.

Introduction to Photography (Photo 1)

Course Description: This visual arts course is an introduction to 35mm darkroom photography. Students will be learning how to use a film camera and process silver gelatin prints. Lectures, discussions and research will focus on broadening knowledge of photography’s history, important movements and contemporary themes. Through in-class demonstrations and hands-on class time, students will develop a technical understanding of light and photographic mechanisms. In this course students will create pinhole cameras, develop B&W film, make photograms and create traditional darkroom prints as well as explore experimental processes.

Advanced Photography (Photo 2-4)

Course Prerequisite: Introduction to Photography (Photo 1)

Course Description: This visual arts course is a continued exploration of darkroom photography through assigned and independent projects, slide lectures, reading discussions and a research assignment. Lectures, discussions and research will focus on broadening knowledge of photography’s history, contemporary themes and essential critical theory of understanding photographs. Through in-class demonstrations and hands-on class time, students will explore experimental processes including ortholitho film, cyanotypes, and salt prints. This course will emphasize the inspiration behind a photograph and the ideas expressed as a result. Articulation of these ideas as well as constructive criticism and problem solving will be practiced regularly in project critiques.

Digital Photography 1-4

Course Prerequisite: Students must begin with Digital Photo I and progress through Advanced Digital courses

Course Description: This visual arts course is an introduction to digital photography and image editing software. Students will be learning how to use a DSLR camera and create digital prints. Lectures, discussions and research will focus on broadening knowledge of photography’s history, important movements and contemporary themes. Through in-class demonstrations and exercises, students will develop a technical understanding of light, digital photographic mechanisms, editing and sequencing.