Academic Courses
ENGLISH
MS Language Arts
Instructor: Karly Stapleton | Room: 6A | Hours: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
Course Description : 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.
AP Language & Composition
Rio Salado Dual Enrollment Course
Instructor: Eric Day | Room: 3A | Hour: 3rd
Course Prerequisites: Freshman & Sophomore English
Course Description : AP Literature students will study fiction, poetry, and drama from the Ancient, Classical, Medieval, Renaissance, Victorian, Realist, Modern, and Postmodern periods.
World Literature
Instructor: Kimberly Allen & Jens Winship | Room: 2A, 2B, 3B | Hours: 2nd, 3rd, 6th, 7th
Course Description : This course will focus on critical thinking, reading and comprehending, and developing proficiency and personal style in writing for various purposes across time and cultures. We will be focusing on how the circumstances and perspectives of peoples and cultures contributed to their worldview and writing style. Students can expect to engage in projects like in-class essays, formal and informal discussions and debates, peer editing, creative vocabulary building, book reports, research projects, skits, speeches, hands-on crafts, plays, and presentations.
Creative Writing I-3
Instructor: Luke Young | Room: 2A | Hour: 4th
Course Description : Creative Writing is a reading and writing-intensive yearlong course. Writers compose original fiction and poetry and engage in regular workshops wherein we comment upon student work. We study published writing with an eye toward emulation and attend at least one public reading per year. Writers will build a significant body of polished work by year's end.
English Literature & Composition
Instructor: Jo Anne Craig | Room: 2A | Hours: 3rd
Course Description : In NSAA English Composition & Literature, students practice and perfect the writing skills they need to succeed in high school and college as well as 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. The ultimate goals of 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.
Humanities in the Modern World
Instructor: Jo Anne Craig & Matt Ventre | Room: 2A | Hour: Zero
Course Prerequisite: A or B in ELA and Social Studies Courses
Course Description : Humanities and the Modern World is an honors course which offers a chronological survey of literature, art, music, and philosophy from the 1900s through present day. Students will learn to examine and critically analyze major forms of artistic expression from diverse cultures and understand their contributions to modern society. The course will integrate the study of history, politics, and philosophy with the examination of works by major artists and musicians from this time period.
American Literature
Instructor: Eric Day | Room: 3A | Hours: 1st
Course Prerequisite: Freshman English
Course Description : In Literature & Rhetoric students study novels, non-fiction memoirs, drama, and poetry. Students write from personal experience and compose argumentative essays that are guided by the following truism: that which can be asserted without evidence can be dismissed without evidence.
FOREIGN LANGUAGES
French 1-2
Instructor: Kimberly Allen | Room: 3B | Hour: 4th
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
Instructor: Kimberly Allen | Room: 3B | Hour: 6th
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
Instructor: Yolanda Ratliff | Room: 3B | Hours: 3rd
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. Also, the history, cultural attitudes and values of the Spanish-speaking world will be presented.
Spanish 3-4
Instructor: Yolanda Ratliff | Room: 3B | Hours: 1st, 5th
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. Historical background, attitudes and values of the Spanish-speaking world will continue to be presented.
MATHEMATICS
MS Math A
Instructor: Derek Reading | Room: 7A | Hour: 1st
Course Description : This class covers content from the 6th grade Arizona math standards, which include ratios & proportional relationships, the number system, expressions & equations, geometry, and statistics & probability.
MS Math B
Instructor: Derek Reading | Room: 7A | Hour: 2nd
Course Description : This class covers content from the 7th grade Arizona math standards, which include ratios & proportional relationships, the number system, expressions & equations, geometry, and statistics & probability.
MS Math BC
Instructor: Derek Reading | Room: 7A | Hour: 3rd
Course Description : This class covers content from the 7th and 8th grade Arizona math standards, which include ratios & proportional relationships, the number system, expressions & equations, functions, geometry, and statistics & probability. This class is essentially a hybrid of a fast-paced Math B and a slow-paced Math C.
MS Math C
Instructor: Derek Reading | Room: 7A | Hour: 4th
Course Description : This class covers content from the 8th grade Arizona math standards, which include the number system, expressions & equations, functions, geometry, and statistics & probability.
Algebra 1-2
Instructor: Katy Cardenas | Room: 2A | Hours: 5th, 7th
Course Description : This class covers math content from the Algebra standards. 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
Instructor: Hank Fries | Room: 2B | Hours: 5th, 6th
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)
Instructor: Jill Kennedy | Room: 4B | Hours: 2nd, 4th, 6th
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.
Precalculus / Precalculus 2
Instructor: Jill Kennedy | Room: 4B | Hours: 3rd, 5th
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
Coordinator: JoAnne Craig
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 Science Exploration & Inquiry
Instructor: Jane Dowell | Room: 5A | Hour: 2nd
Course Description : This class includes the scientific studies of the following categories: Astronomy—Students will explore characteristics of our planet, our solar system, constellations galaxies and how those entities interact in the universe.
Ecology— Students will study the ecosystems of the world biome, which includes their energy levels pertaining to food webs, animal relationships and human impact on those ecological system.
Physics-- Students will examine both the types of energy and how energy exists in a system. Also investigate the states of matter with relation to the kinetic theory.
Students construct and create projects based on these curriculum's to better synthesize the vast knowledge and teachings of science.
MS Science Investigations
Instructor: Jane Dowell | Room: 5A | Hour: 1st
Course Description : This class includes the scientific studies of the following categories:
Life Sciences—Students will explore characteristics of cells, both plant and animal, and their processes that help life exist on our planet.
Meteorology— Students will study the elements of atmosphere and how temperature, wind and water interact to create our weather and global climates.
Earth Sciences—Students will investigate the various cycles of our planet that include but are not limited to the nitrogen cycle, carbon cycle, rock and mineral cycles and how all these cycle are constantly changing the surfaces of our planet.
Physics-- Students will examine the electromagnetic spectrum waves, motion of objects, balanced & unbalanced forces and how they all relate to Newton’s laws of motion.
Students construct and create projects based on these curriculum's to better synthesize the vast knowledge and teachings of science.
MS Science Analysis & Survey
Instructor: Jane Dowell | Room: 5A | Hours: 3rd, 4th
Course Description : This class includes the scientific studies of the following categories:
Life Sciences—Students will explore aspects of genetics from the cell level to the selection of breeding and mutations. Students will also research animal adaptations both behavioral and structural.
Earth Sciences—Students will investigate the geological time scale, natural disasters and how humans impact our planet both positively and negatively.
Physics-- Students will examine the light and sound wave characteristics.
Chemistry—Students will analyze the atomic theory, elemental properties in both as pure substances and mixtures, and chemical changes of these substances.
Students construct and create projects based on these curriculum's to better synthesize the vast knowledge and teachings of science.
Physics
Rio Salado Dual Enrollment Course
Instructor: Jill Kennedy | Room: 4B | Hour: 1st
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
Instructor: Alexander Mutsaers | Room: 4A | Hours: 5th
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
Instructor: Alexander Mutsaers | Room: 4A | Hours: 2nd, 4th
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.
Environmental Science
Instructor: Alexander Mutsaers | Room: 4A | Hour: 1st, 7th
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 environmental science and the practice of science.
SOCIAL SCIENCES
MS Social Studies
Instructor: Maddie Faigel | Room: 6B | Hours: 1st, 3rd, 4th
Course Description : In our first semester we will study citizenship and American government. Our goal will be to have a sturdy understanding of how our state and federal government is run and how citizens support and engage with the aforementioned government. Second Semester will be American history from The Progressive Era to the near present. Together, we will explore themes and topics in American political, cultural, military, and artistic history. Major units include the Progressive Era, World Wars One and Two, The Great Depression, Post-War America, and the 1960s. Students will explore history from all perspectives and will be expected to have an open mind and heart to the many different perspectives in the American Experience
US History
Rio Salado Dual Enrollment Course (alternate years)
Instructor: Mark Freedman | Room: 3A | Hours: 5th, 6th, 7th
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.
World History
Instructor: Claire Warden | Room: 2B | Hours: 2nd, 4th
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.
Government & Economics
Instructor: Jens Winship | Room: 2B | Hours: Zero, 1st
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
Instructor: Marcos Crego | Room: Piano Room | Hour: 4th, 5th
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 1
Instructor: Marcos Crego | Room: Piano Room | Hour: 3rd
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
Instructor: Marcos Crego | Room: Piano Room | Hour: 4th
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 Show Choir
Instructor: Melissa Cyrnek | Room: Music Room & Dance Room | Hour: 6th
Course Description : This performing arts course aims to improve the singer’s vocal techniques: proper posture and breath support, tonal resonance, articulation, vowel placement, control of dynamic level and phrases, and pronunciation. Students will prepare and perform choreographed musical numbers & medleys.
Vocal Development
Instructor: Sandra Bassett | Room: Music Room | Hour: 6th
Course Description : This performing arts course aims to improve the singer’s vocal techniques: proper posture and breath support, tonal resonance, articulation, vowel placement, control of dynamic level and phrases, and pronunciation.
Vocal Performance
Instructor: Sandra Bassett | Room: Music Room | Hour: 2nd
Course Prerequisite: Music Theory, Audition is required for placement
Course Description : This performing arts course aims to improve the singer’s vocal techniques: proper posture and breath support, tonal resonance, articulation, vowel placement, control of dynamic level and phrases, and 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. A working knowledge of sight reading is required, and students are strongly encouraged to audition for regional performances.
MS Music Beginnings
Instructor: Vincent Thiefain | Room: Green Room | Hour: 6th
Course Description : Music Beginnings will explore the history of music leading up to the modern day and will develop fundamental skills to help students to become stronger musicians. This class is designed to help students explore and define a musical path to pursue into high school years.
Guitar
Instructor: Matt Ventre | Room: Music Room | Hour: 3rd
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.
Contemporary Ensemble
Instructor: Matt Ventre | Room: Music Room | Hour: 2nd
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
Instructor: Vincent Thiefain | Room: Music Room | Hour: 4th
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
Instructor: Matt Ventre | Room: Music Room | Hour: 1st
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
Instructor: Melissa Cyrnek | Room: Dance Room | Hour: 4th
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
Instructor: Melissa Cyrnek | Room: Dance Room | Hour: 5th
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 expand on elements of choreography designed previously taught.
Dance Development
Instructor: Melissa Cyrnek | Room: Dance Room | Hour: 4th
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
Instructor: Melissa Cyrnek | Room: Dance Room | Hour: 1st
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
Instructor: Melissa Cyrnek | Room: Dance Room | Hour: 3rd
Course Prerequisite: Audition is required for placement
Course Description: This is an advanced course requiring students to focus on choreography design and performance. It requires commitment and rehearsal time outside of class time. Students are expected to be role models and maintain their GPA as well as follow student conduct rules.
THEATRE ARTS
MS Drama
Instructor: Maddie Faigel | Room: Green Room/Theater | Hour: 6th
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 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
Instructor: Jens Winship | Room: Theater | Hour: 2nd, 3rd
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
Instructor: Luke Young | Room: Green Room | Hour: 5th
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
Instructor: Amy Abbruscato | Room: Green Room/Theater | Hour: 6th
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
Instructor: Amy Abbruscato | Room: Green Room/Theater | Hour: 4th
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
DRAWING & PAINTING
MS Visual Arts Foundation
Instructor: Linda Parker | Room: 7B | Hours: 4th, 5th, 6th
Course Description: This course will prepare students for further study in all visual art courses. Through the use of the art concepts- the elements and principles of design (the building blocks of art), students will explore the world of artistic expression in its various forms. This course includes interactive activities and multicultural studio projects representing a wide variety of cultures, artistic styles, art media and historical periods.
Visual Arts Foundation: Printmaking
Instructor: Linda Parker | Room: 7B | Hour: 3rd
Course Description: In this course, emphasis is placed on the design principles (the building blocks of artmaking) and composition while learning a range of printmaking methods. The printmaking processes include (relief printing, intaglio, and lithography, monotype, screen processes), tools, inks, plate preparation, and registration. Students will be introduced to a brief history of printmaking and how contemporary artists used print techniques to show expression and communication.
Drawing 1
Instructor: Matt Dickson | Room: The Loft | Hour: 4th, 6th
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
Instructor: Matt Dickson | Room: The Loft | Hour: 2nd
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
Instructor: Matt Dickson | Room: The Loft | Hour: 4th, 6th
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
Instructor: Matt Dickson | Room: The Loft | Hour: 2nd
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
Instructor: Matt Dickson | Room: The Loft | Hour: 2nd
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
Instructor: Kyllan Maney | Room: Painting Room | Hour: 3rd
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
Instructor: Kyllan Maney | Room: Painting Room | Hour: 3rd
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
Instructor: Kyllan Maney | Room: Painting Room | Hours: 1st, 5th
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
Instructor: Kyllan Maney | Room: Painting Room | Hours: 1st, 5th
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
Instructor: Linda Parker | Room: Ceramics Room | Hour: 1st
Course Prerequisite: Visual Arts Foundations
Course Description: This course is an introductory to basic jewelry/metalsmithing design as a three-dimensional art form. Students are introduced to the basic experience in the design and fabrication of jewelry and small-scale metals works. Students will explore and utilize various materials, techniques, and art concepts in jewelry design and small-scale metal works.
Ceramics 1-3
Instructor: Christy Weiser | Room: Ceramics Room | Hours: 2nd, 4th, 6th
Course Prerequisite: Not afraid to make a mess, like to draw, and love making things!
Course Description: In conjunction with assigned projects we will have videos of ceramics styles and techniques from around the world through history, and many demonstrations of forming and decorating. We will use the four major clay-forming methods,pinch,coil,slab and wheel, in variety of vessel and sculptural projects.
Fashion Design
Instructor: Martha Pena | Room: 1A | Hour: 1st
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
Instructor: Martha Pena | Room: 1A | Hour: 3rd
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
Instructor: Hank Fries | Room: Digital Arts Lab | Hour: 3rd
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
Instructor: Hank Fries | Room: Digital Arts Lab | Hour: 1st
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
Instructor: Jason Silva | Room: Digital Arts Lab | Hour: 6th
Course Description: The 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.
Introduction to Photography (Photo 1)
Instructor: Claire Warden | Room: Photo Room | Hour: 3rd
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)
Instructor: Claire Warden | Room: Photo Room | Hour: 1st
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
Instructor: Claire Warden | Room: Digital Arts Lab | Hour: 5th
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.