Major Sequence Courses – Half Year Electives
It is recommended that courses be taken in suggested sequences. Studio Art & Design and Media Art & Design are Regents Level full year courses that each fulfill the Fine Arts Graduation Requirement. These initial courses serve as the prerequisite for the full year Art electives. A 5-unit visual art and design sequence must include Studio or Media Art & Design followed by Drawing & Painting. Students taking art and design courses are encouraged to keep a portfolio of their work.
Major Sequence Courses
711 Studio Art & Design E
Full Year – 1 Unit
Studio Art and Design is a Regents level introductory course exploring the elements and principles of design and the variety of course offerings available in the art department. Students will be exposed to drawing, painting, sculpture, electronic media and ceramics, among other media. Art appreciation, the history of art, art and design careers and a focus on cultural heritages will be included. This course, or Media Art & Design, is required of all students planning to have a sequence in art, and it meets the art graduation requirement. This course provides a broad, general background in the visual arts.
712 Media Art & Design
Full Year – 1 Unit
Media Art and Design is a Regents level introductory course exploring the elements and principles of design and the variety of course offerings available in the art department, with a strong emphasis in Digital Media. Students will be exposed to digital photography, graphic design, animation, film and video, along with some work in traditional media of drawing, painting and sculpture. 3D imaging and printing will also be explored. Students will use a range of software programs, including the Adobe Creative Suite, animation and movie making programs. Art appreciation, the history of art, art and design careers and the connection to cultural heritages will be included. This course, or Studio Art and Design is required of all students planning to have a sequence in art, and it meets the art graduation requirement. This course provides a broad, general background in digital media arts.
713 Drawing and Painting E (P)
Full Year – 1 Unit
Prerequisite: Studio or Media Art and Design or permission of supervisor
This full-year course will encourage students to develop visual awareness through the study of basic drawing and painting skills. Areas of study will include contour line, rendering, perspective, portrait and figure drawing. The course will investigate a variety of techniques and media including pencil, charcoal, ink, pastel, tempera, watercolor and acrylic paint. Art history and contemporary art are sources of inspiration. The observational drawing skills developed in this class are desirable for architecture and art and design portfolios.
742 Advanced Art & Design 1 E (P)
Full Year – 1 Unit
Prerequisite: Studio or Media Art and Design and a FSM of 90 or higher in Drawing & Painting is recommended or permission of the Department Supervisor.
This Honors level art course is third in the 5 unit sequence and is designed to improve artistic skills and facilitate the transition from high school art to college-level study. Students will receive intensive support and direction to develop skills emphasizing drawing, color theory, design, spatial representation, expressive content, and delivery of ideas in critiques and artist statements. Students will be introduced to the work of numerous artists and art historical periods, as well as creative careers and college programs. Students are expected to participate in field trips as part of the required course curriculum, and complete a summer art assignment.
743 UHS Advanced Art & Design 2 E (P)
Full Year – 1 Unit
Prerequisite: A FSM of 85 or higher in Advanced Art and Design 1
This Honors level course is fourth in the sequence and is ideal for the highly motivated art student who has demonstrated ability and achievement in Art and Design 1 and is interested in advanced study in a variety of art media. Students will be exposed to artist styles and art historical periods through project work, and develop communication skills in critiques and reflections. Portfolio presentation and observational drawing techniques that colleges look for are a focus in this course. Students are expected to participate in field trips and portfolio review events as part of required course curriculum and complete a summer portfolio assignment. This course earns three transcript credits from Russell Sage College. A tuition fee is required.
760 UHS Advanced Art & Design 3 E (P)
Full Year – 1 Unit
Prerequisite: For seniors only. A FSM of 85 or higher in UHS Advanced Art and Design 2 OR Advanced Art and Design 1 with summer pre-college study and permission of Department Supervisor.
In this College level course, students build on previous years work and produce a portfolio of upwards of 20 works. The focus is on technical skills and conceptual visual imagery including a sustained investigation of themes and media. Students will be expected to complete project work during the summer and are expected to participate in field trips and portfolio review events related to course curriculum. They will also plan, organize and install an end-of-the-year art exhibit. This course earns three transcript credits from Russell Sage College. A tuition fee is required.
Half Year Electives
727 Fashion & Commercial Illustration E
Either Semester – 1/2 Unit
In this course students will develop drawing skills as they relate to illustration in many forms. Figure proportions, fashion styles and costume design will be covered, as well as illustration for books, magazines, product designs, the web design, and other applications. Exposure to and handling of various art materials, including digital technology is also a course objective.
737 Advanced Fashion & Commercial Illustration E (P)
Either Semester – 1/2 Unit
Prerequisite: A grade of 85 or higher in Fashion & Commercial Illustration.
In class with beginning students, those at the next level will work on a variety of illustrative drawings developing figure proportions and handling of art materials, including digital tools. Students will build on the skills learned at the introductory level and be held to a higher level of criteria in fashion design and commercial illustration assignments.
715 Painting E
Either Semester – 1/2 Unit
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop an understanding and appreciation for painting in acrylic and watercolor. The student will be introduced to the work of master painters and the history of painting, as well as contemporary artwork. The student will develop skills and techniques associated with painting media. Drawing skills are important and will be stressed when planning and developing compositions. Students will work with subject matter including still life, landscape and the human figure.
745 Advanced Painting E (P)
Either Semester – 1/2 Unit
Prerequisite: A grade of 85 or higher in Painting.
In class with beginning painting students, those at the next level will also work in both acrylic and watercolor media. Higher level criteria will be involved in painting assignments. Students will develop several paintings exploring themes with evidence of research in Art History, cultures and contemporary artists. UHS credit may be an option for advanced students. Proposal pending to earn three transcript credits from Russell Sage College. A tuition fee is required.
722 Ceramics 1 (Hand Built) E
First Semester – 1/2 Unit
Students will create work in pinch, coil and slab methods of clay construction. Students will complete a variety of hand-built projects based on techniques and styles from a number of cultures and periods of art history and contemporary art. Surface treatment, glazing and kiln firing will be covered.
752 UHS Advanced Ceramics 1 E (P)
First Semester – 1/2 Unit
Prerequisite: A grade of 85 or higher in Ceramics 1.
In class with Ceramics 1 students, students at the next level will work to further explore coil and slab construction techniques. New methods and techniques for hand building will also be introduced and explored. Higher level criteria will be involved in ceramics assignments. Students will be introduced to the art of several well-known ceramic artists and sculptors, and may learn how to combine clay with other media such as wood, metal, glass and fibers. Advanced students are eligible to earn college credit through Russell Sage College. A tuition fee is required.
723 Ceramics 2 (Intro to Wheelwork) E
Second Semester – 1/2 Unit
This course allows students the opportunity to work with clay on the pottery wheel. In addition students will explore advanced coil and slab building techniques while learning sculptural methods. These projects will be rooted in the styles and techniques of accomplished traditional and contemporary ceramic artists and sculptors.
753 Advanced Ceramics 2 E (P)
Second Semester – 1/2 Unit
Prerequisite: A grade of 85 or higher in Ceramics 2
In class with beginning wheelwork students, advanced students will work on a variety of challenging hand built and wheel projects. Higher level criteria will be involved in ceramics 2 assignments. The emphasis of this course will be the pottery wheel. Students will learn techniques for creating a variety of exciting forms on the wheel. Students will be introduced to work of well-known sculptors and ceramic artists. Advanced students are eligible to earn college credit through Russell Sage College. A tuition fee is required.
717 3D Design (Sculpture) E
Either Semester – 1/2 Unit
This course will provide students with an understanding and appreciation of sculptural forms and techniques. The students will explore the three-dimensional relationships of volume, mass, and surface treatment. Form and function applications in fields of product design and other creative careers will also be explored. Sculpture materials such as clay, wood, wire, plaster, glass and paper will be utilized. Work of contemporary 3D designers and sculptors will be introduced, in addition to the history of this 3D art form.
747 Advanced 3D Design E (P)
Either Semester – 1/2 Unit
Prerequisite: A grade of 85 or higher in 3D Design.
In class with first-time 3D Design students, advanced students will continue an in-depth exploration of various materials as they relate to volume, mass, and form. Higher level criteria using the design thinking process will be involved in sculpture assignments. Students will be expected to research objects, artists and styles for each 3D design completed during the semester.
714 UHS Metal and Jewelry Design E
Either Semester – 1/2 Unit
Students will create small metal art forms of personal adornment. Students will design and produce jewelry using traditional metalsmith techniques such as piercing, sawing, filing, polishing, soldering, and copper enameling. Students will consider the aesthetic qualities and functionality of their jewelry designs. Metal and jewelry design work involves developing drawing and design skills, and may explore 3D printed forms.
744 UHS Advanced Metal and Jewelry Design E (P)
Either Semester – 1/2 Unit
Prerequisite: A grade of 85 or higher in Metal and Jewelry Design.
In class with first-time students, advanced students will build on the skills learned in Metal & Jewelry Design. New techniques will be learned as well, such as cold connections, like rivets and tabs. Higher level criteria will be involved in advanced assignments. There is a heavy emphasis on drawing and design skills and opportunities for 3D printing. Self-driven research to develop design ideas is expected.
720 Spatial & Interior Design E
Either Semester – 1/2 Unit
This course will provide students the opportunity to explore and develop concepts of space, form, and three-dimensional problem solving techniques used when designing room interiors. Students will incorporate the elements and principles of design that shape relationships between people and their environments. Focus will be on developing drawing, sketching and modeling skills as they relate to linear perspective and the conceptual design of interior spaces people inhabit for living, working and recreation.
730 UHS Advanced Spatial & Interior Design E (P)
Either Semester – 1/2 Unit
Prerequisite: A grade of 85 or higher in Spatial & Interior Design
In class with beginning students, advanced students will further explore concepts of space, form, and three-dimensional problem-solving techniques used in interior design. Higher level criteria will be involved in advanced assignments. Continued development of drawing, sketching, modeling, and linear perspective skills will support conceptual design of interior spaces for living, working and recreation. Digital computer designing will be introduced. Advanced students are eligible to earn college credit through Russell Sage College. A tuition fee is required.
719 Graphic Design E
Either Semester – 1/2 Unit
This course will introduce students to skills and design techniques used by commercial artists working with Adobe Creative Suite software. In this course, students will learn about typography, logo, product, and publication design. Students will use problem solving, with design and computer skills to communicate visual messages with text in graphic design compositions. The class may work with local companies and the school district to create logos, billboards, t-shirts, and publications used in the community.
749 UHS Advanced Graphic Design E (P)
Either Semester – 1/2 Unit
Prerequisite: A grade of 85 or higher in Graphic Design.
In class with first-time Graphic Design students, students at the next level will further develop the graphic design related techniques learned at the introductory level. Higher level criteria will be involved in design assignments. Adobe Creative Suite software will be used to create projects for print. Students will continue to develop a portfolio of Graphic Design work. Emphasis will be placed on developing drawing skills related to designs. Advanced students are eligible to earn college credit through Russell Sage College. A tuition fee is required.
729 Animation and Character Design E
Either Semester – 1/2 Unit
In this course, students will study the art and history of animation and character development. The primary focus is on drawing through storyboarding, concept ideas and character design, which have applications to game design and storytelling. Figure drawing and proportion are important aspects of the illustrations. Animation projects will include media arts equipment and stop-action animation techniques including video editing using current animation software.
739 Advanced Animation and Character Design E (P)
Either Semester – 1/2 Unit
Prerequisite: A grade of 85 or higher in Animation and Cartooning.
In class with beginning Animation & Character Design students, advanced students will further explore concept and character development, reinforcing figure proportion drawing as well as explore a more in-depth use of animation software programs to create short animated films. Higher level criteria will be involved in advanced assignments.
724 Digital Photography E
Either Semester – 1/2 Unit
This course will introduce students to the study of manipulating and digitally enhancing photographic images. Studio, portrait, and environmental photography will be covered. Students will learn the functions and manual settings of a DSLR camera. They will sign a contract and be responsible for district equipment. Using digital software programs, including Adobe Photoshop, students will work with photographs on the computer and apply the elements and principles of art to create aesthetically strong art compositions using the software tools. Work of historical and contemporary photographers will be used as inspiration.
726 UHS Advanced Digital Photography E (P)
Either Semester – 1/2 Unit
Prerequisite: A grade of 85 or higher in Digital Photography.
In class with Intro Digital Photography students, students at the next level will work with the digital camera and build on their photo manipulation software skills. Students will compose photographs that solve design problems that create strong art compositions rich in the use of the elements and principles of art/design. Students will sign a contract and be responsible for district equipment. Higher level criteria will be involved in advanced assignments. Advanced students are eligible to earn college credit through Russell Sage College. A tuition fee is required.
728 Digital Film & Video E
Either Semester – 1/2 Unit
This course is designed to introduce students to the creative aspects of film making and video as an art form. Students will learn to use film language both as a viewer and as a creator. Students will become skilled in film and video production, including script writing, designing a storyboard, camera handling, filming, editing, and utilizing sound. Students will create and screen their own films demonstrating original ideas. The history of film and the work of accomplished film and video artists will be covered. Students will sign a contract and be responsible for district equipment.
758 Advanced Digital Film & Video E (P)
Either Semester – 1/2 Unit
Prerequisite: A grade of 85 or higher in Digital Film and Video.
In class with Intro Film and Video students, advanced level students will work on challenging projects that will further develop their cinematic skills. Students will watch, critique and review classic films and learn how to use movie editing and music composition software in preparation for creating their own individual films. Higher level criteria will be involved in advanced assignments. Students will sign a contract and be responsible for district equipment.
759 UHS Art History E (P)
Either Semester – 1/2 Unit
Prerequisite: FSM of 85 or higher in Regents level English and Regents level Social Studies.
This course is an introductory college course that surveys great works of art, artists, and art historical movements from prehistory to the present. Works of painting, sculpture, architecture, and decorative arts will be used to make analytic comparisons and explore the relationship between these works and the cultures that made them. Students will experience, research, and write about art and architecture throughout time. Students are eligible for college credit. A tuition fee is required.
738 Art & Design Foundations 1
Full Year – 1 Unit
Supervisor Recommendation Required
This course will build students’ knowledge about cultures and society, develop interpersonal skills, aptitudes and abilities in handling a range of materials to create art and design products. Students will create and collaborate on artwork through an exploration of a variety of 2D and 3D media to master foundational skills and competencies. Students will learn from one another, developing problem solving skills, and building a sense of community in the classroom and beyond. They will develop artistic purpose and communicate intent through project work. Learning how to think about and respond to art and how it connects to cultures and society will an important theme of the course.
748 Art & Design Foundations 2
Full Year – 1 Unit
Supervisor Recommendation Required
This course will continue to develop students’ knowledge about cultures and society. Students will continue to focus on effective interpersonal skills, aptitudes and abilities in handling a range of materials to create art and design products. Students will create and collaborate on artwork through an exploration of a variety of 2D and 3D media to reinforce and master skills and competencies. Students will learn from one another, develop problem solving skills, and contribute to a sense of community in the classroom and beyond. They will continue to develop artistic purpose and communicate intent through project work. Learning how to think about and respond to art and how it connects to cultures and society will be further expanded.
Recommended Sequence of Courses in Art & Design to prepare for admission to college programs in Visual and Media Arts. Other art electives are strongly encouraged in addition to those listed below to enhance the student’s portfolio and may be taken as space in their schedule allows. Students interested in Architecture college programs are highly encouraged to build an art portfolio to be prepared for admission requirements.
8th Grade | 9th Grade | 10th Grade | 11th Grade | 12th Grade |
---|---|---|---|---|
Accelerated Studio Art & Design | Drawing & Painting | Advanced Art & Design 1 | UHS Advanced Art & Design 2 | UHS Advanced Art & Design 3 UHS Art History |
Studio Art & Design or Media Art & Design | Drawing & Painting | Advanced Art & Design 1 | UHS Advanced Art & Design 2 UHS Art History | |
Accelerated Studio Art & Design | Drawing & Painting | Any of the half year Art & Design electives offered as an introductory & advanced option, in addition to UHS Art History. | Any of the half year Art & Design electives offered as an introductory and advanced option, in addition to UHS Art History. | Any of the half year Art & Design electives offered as an introductory and advanced option, in addition to UHS Art History. |
Studio Art & Design or Media Art & Design | Application for an Independent Study in any elective area may follow successful completion of the intro and advanced level of any art & design elective. | Application for an Independent Study in any elective area may follow successful completion of the intro and advanced level of any art & design elective. |