Academics
Activities
AP Art History
Code: 2049-2050
Credit: 1 credit
Elective/Required: Elective 10-12 (May not be repeated once successfully completed)
Prerequisite: None
Course Description: Advanced Placement Art History is an introductory college-level art history course. Students cultivate their understanding of art history through analyzing works of art and placing them in historical context as they explore concepts like culture and cultural interactions, theories and interpretations of art, the impact of materials, processes, and techniques on art and art making, and understanding purpose and audience in art historical analysis.
Skills Needed to be Successful in the Class: The AP Art History course welcomes students into the global art world to engage with its forms and content as they research, discuss, read, and write about art, artists, art making, and responses to and interpretations of art. Students learn and apply skills of visual, contextual, and comparative analysis to engage with a variety of art forms, developing understanding of individual works and interconnections across history.
Learning Goals: The student will be able to:
Examine 250 works of art which have been chosen for this course, by which students will actively engage to develop enduring understands of art making and artistic developments throughout.
Investigate individual works of art to make connections and understandings of art from diverse cultures.
Read content in the field of art and research art concepts.
Express their understanding and analysis of art concepts and cultural contexts in short essays and long essays, according to the guidelines of The College Board.
Careers Related to Content
Advertising, animation, archeology, architecture, art history, art sales, cartooning, commercial art, education, engineering, fashion design, film, glass making, graphic design, house painting, illustration, industrial design, interior design, jewelry, landscape architecture, museum curator, museum education, sculpting, newspaper layout, painting, photography, printmaking, sign painting, textile design, theater design, and weaving.
Art I
Code: 2002
Credit: ½ credit
Elective/Required: Elective 9-12 (May not be repeated once successfully completed)
Prerequisite: None
Course Description: The course is designed to acquaint students with basic creative thinking and problem solving techniques involved in visual arts.
Skills Needed to be Successful in the Class: Students must have good listening skills, the ability to follow instructions, a good work ethic, and manual dexterity. They should also have the ability to generate and refine ideas for art work. There is an emphasis placed on developing freehand drawing skills.
Learning Goals: The student will be able to:
Identify and implement the elements and principles of art.
Demonstrate an obvious growth in drawing skills.
Demonstrate responsible attitude toward the care of workspace, and the safe use of tools and equipment.
Careers Related to Content
Advertising, animation, archeology, architecture, art history, art sales, cartooning, commercial art, education, engineering, fashion design, film, glass making, graphic design, house painting, illustration, industrial design, interior design, jewelry, landscape architecture, museum curator, museum education, sculpting, newspaper layout, painting, photography, printmaking, sign painting, textile design, theater design, and weaving
Drawing
Code: 2009
Credit: ½ credit
Elective/Required: Elective 9-12 (May not be repeated once successfully completed)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Art I or with instructor’s approval
Course Description: This course is a survey of contemporary practices and techniques with various drawing media and subject matter. Students will develop skills in problem solving, visualization, communication, and self-expression. Assignments may include urban art, portraiture, figure drawing, still life, illustration, distorted grids, conceptual arts, and more. New techniques are introduced each semester.
Skills Needed to be Successful in the Class: Students must be attentive, self-motivated, and have the ability to generate ideas and produce original art work. Students should also be open to constructive criticism and be willing to communicate ideas verbally as well as in writing.
Learning Goals – The student will be able to:
Develop visual problem solving skills.
Express their ideas with a variety of materials and techniques.
Create original artwork worthy of critique.
Careers Related to Content
Professional Artist, Illustrator, Cartoon and Character Design, Fashion Design, Architecture, Interior and /or Furniture Design, Set Design, Visual Communications, Advertising and Marketing, Product Design, and many more.
Advanced Drawing
Code: 2023
Credit: ½ credit
Elective/Required: Elective 10-12 (may be taken up to four semesters)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Drawing or with instructor’s approval.
Course Description: This advanced course is meant to further challenge students with materials and subject matter. Students will continue to develop skills in problem solving, visualization, communication, and self-expression. Different techniques and materials are featured each semester. Students in advanced drawing are encouraged to develop a portfolio of original artwork.
Skills Needed to be Successful in the Class: Students must be attentive, self-motivated, and have the ability to generate ideas and produce original artwork. Students should also be open to constructive criticism and be willing to communicate ideas verbally as well as in writing.
Learning Goals-The student will be able to:
Develop visual problem solving skills.
Express their ideas with a variety of materials and techniques.
Create original artwork worthy of critique.
Develop a portfolio of artwork.
Careers Related to Content
Professional Artist, Illustrator, Cartoon and Character Design, Fashion Design, Architecture, Interior and/or Furniture Design, Visual Communications, Advertising and Marketing, Product Design, and many more.
Painting
Code: 2011
Credit: ½ credit
Elective/Required: Elective 9-12 (May not be repeated once successfully completed)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Art I or instructor’s approval.
Course Description: Designed to provide a starting point from which to build a working knowledge of painting techniques, color, and media materials. Students are assigned specific projects that relate to media, technique and styles. Different techniques and projects are featured each semester so students will acquire new skills during each class taken.
Skills Needed to be Successful in the Class: Students must have good listening skills, the ability to follow instructions, a good work ethic, manual dexterity, and internal motivation. They should also have the ability to generate and refine ideas for art work. Good problem solving skills are important.
Learning Goals: The student will be able to:
Develop skills in solving a broad range of visual problems.
Demonstrate correct technical processes for specific results.
Demonstrate responsible attitudes toward the care and safe use of tools and equipment.
Develop skills in critiquing his/her work and work of others.
Careers Related to Content
Advertising, animation, archeology, architecture, art history, art sales, cartooning, commercial art, education, engineering, fashion design, film, glass making, graphic design, house painting, illustration, industrial design, interior design, jewelry, landscape architecture, museum curator, museum education, sculpting, newspaper layout, painting, photography, printmaking, sign painting, textile design, theater design, and weaving.
Advanced Painting
Code: 2025
Credit: ½ credit
Elective/Required: Elective 10-12 (Instructors approval needed to take Advanced Painting more than 4 semesters; only one class per semester may be taken at a time)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Painting or with instructor’s approval.
Course Description: Designed to provide students with an opportunity to expand knowledge and skills beyond basic fundamental techniques of working with paint. Students are assigned specific projects that relate to media, technique, and styles. Different techniques and projects are featured each semester so students will acquire new skills during each class taken.
Skills Needed to be successful in the class: Students must have good listening skills, the ability to follow instructions, a good work ethic, manual dexterity, and internal motivation. They should also have the ability to generate and refine ideas for art work. Good problem solving skills are important.
Learning Goals: The student will be able to:
Develop skills in solving a broad range of visual problems.
Demonstrate correct technical processes for specific results.
Demonstrate responsible attitudes toward the care and safe use of tools and equipment.
Develop skills in critiquing his/her work and work of others.
Careers Related to Content
Advertising, animation, archeology, architecture, art history, art sales, cartooning, commercial art, education, engineering, fashion design, film, glass making, graphic design, house painting, illustration, industrial design, interior design, jewelry, landscape architecture, museum curator, museum education, sculpting, newspaper layout, painting, photography, printmaking, sign painting, textile design, theater design, and weaving.
Digital Photography
Code: 2040
Credit: ½ credit
Elective/Required: Elective 9-12 (May not be repeated once successfully completed.) Prerequisite: Access to MCSD Google accounts.
Course Description: Digital Photography will teach students how to use the different functions that are found with a manual camera. The class will also work with students to teach them about the end result of the photo. Students will also be learning how to use Photoshop to alter their work.
Skills Needed to be Successful in the Class:
Learning Goals- The student will be able to:
Define and show differences in aperture and shutter speed.
Demonstrate and provide self-examples of the rules of composition.
Demonstrate and provide self-examples of the elements and principles of art.
Understand how Photoshop can be used to be able to alter/repair digital photography.
Careers Related to Content
Free Lance Photographer, Wedding Photographer, Studio Photographer, Fashion Photographer, Designer, Graphic Designer, Journalism, Artist
Advanced Digital Photography
Code: 2041
Credit: 1/2 credit
Elective/Required: Elective 10-12 (May be repeated with instructor’s permission)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Digital Photography or with instructor’s approval. Access to MCSD Google accounts.
Course Description: Advanced Digital Photography will allow students to build from the basic functions that are found with a manual camera. Students will also be leaning heavily on the use of Adobe Photoshop software to alter their work digitally in the Mac Lab.
Skills needed to be Successful in the Class:
Learning Goals: The student will be able to:
Define and show differences in aperture and shutter speed.
Create both correct examples and compositions that appropriately go against the rules of composition.
Demonstrate and provide self-examples of the elements and principles of art.
Understand how Photoshop can be used to alter/repair digital photography.
Careers Related to Content
Free Lance Photographer, Wedding Photographer, Studio Photographer, Fashion Photographer, Designer, Graphic Designer, Journalism, Artist
Pottery
Code: 2013
Credit: ½ credit
Elective/Required: Elective 9-12 (May not be repeated once successfully completed)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Art I or with instructor’s approval.
Course Description: Designed to learn the fundamental techniques of working with clay. Students are required to produce a specific number of processes and forms. Course meets daily for one semester.
Skills Needed to be Successful in the Class: Students must have good listening skills, the ability to follow instructions, a good work ethic, manual dexterity, and be motivated. They should also have the ability to generate and refine ideas for art work. Good problem solving skills are important.
Learning Goals: The student will be able to:
Develop skills in solving a broad range of visual problems.
Demonstrate correct technical processes for specific results.
Demonstrate responsible attitudes toward the care and safe use of tools and equipment.
Careers Related to Content
Advertising, animation, archeology, architecture, art history, art sales, cartooning, commercial art, education, engineering, fashion design, film, glass making, graphic design, house painting, illustration, industrial design, interior design, jewelry, landscape architecture, museum curator, museum education, sculpting, newspaper layout, painting, photography, printmaking, sign painting, textile design, theater design, and weaving.
Advanced Pottery
Code: 2015
Credit: ½ credit
Elective/Required: Elective 10-12 (May be taken up to 4 semesters; only one class per semester may be taken at a time)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Pottery or instructor’s approval.
Course Description: Designed to provide students with an opportunity to expand knowledge and skills beyond basic fundamental techniques of working with clay. Students are required to produce a specific number of processes and forms. Different techniques and projects are featured each semester so student will acquire new skills during each class taken. Course meets daily for one semester.
Skills Needed to be Successful in the Class: Students must have good listening skills, the ability to follow instructions, a good work ethic, manual dexterity, and be motivated. They should also have the ability to generate and refine ideas for art work. Good problem solving skills are important.
Learning Goals: The student will be able to:
Develop skills in solving a broad range of visual problems.
Demonstrate correct technical processes for specific results.
Demonstrate responsible attitudes toward the care and safe use of tools and equipment.
Careers Related to Content
Advertising, animation, archeology, architecture, art history, art sales, cartooning, commercial art, education, engineering, fashion design, film, glass making, graphic design, house painting, illustration, industrial design, interior design, jewelry, landscape architecture, museum curator, museum education, sculpting, newspaper layout, painting, photography, printmaking, sign painting, textile design, theater design, and weaving.
3-D Concepts
Code: 2003
Credit: ½ credit
Elective/Required: Elective 9-12(may be taken more than once)
Prerequisite: Successfully completion of Art I or Art instructor approval.
Course Description: This course is an exploration of three-dimensional materials and processes. Additive, subtractive, and constructive processes are emphasized. Students will become acquainted with techniques such as basket making, papermaking, paper manipulation, printing and sculpture. Different techniques and projects are featured each semester so students will acquire new skills during each class taken.
Skills Needed to be Successful in the Class: Students must have good listening skills, a good work ethic, manual dexterity, and the ability to generate and refine ideas for art work.
Learning Goals: The student will be able to:
Develop skills in solving a broad range of visual problems which will contribute to problem solving skills in general.
Demonstrate correct technical processes for specific results.
Use craftsmanship in completing assignments and apply this knowledge to life-time hobbies.
Demonstrate responsible attitudes toward the care and safe use of tools and equipment.
Careers Related to Content
Advertising, animation, archeology, architecture, art history, art sales, cartooning, commercial art, education, engineering, fashion design, film, glass making, graphic design, house painting, illustration, industrial design, interior design, jewelry, landscape architecture, museum curator, museum education, sculpting, newspaper layout, painting, photography, printmaking, sign painting, textile design, theater design, and weaving.
Design
Code: 2005
Credit: ½ credit
Elective/Required: Elective 9-12 (May not be repeated once successfully completed.)
Prerequisite: None
Course Description: This course is an introduction to the practical application and methodologies of Graphic Design using Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Students learn the design process, gaining skills in problem solving, ideation, and visual communication. Projects may include basic typography and layout, photo-manipulation and collage, as well as logo, business card and postcard design.
Skills Needed to be Successful in the Class: Students must be self-motivated, good listeners, have problem solving skills and the ability to generate ideas and refine those ideas into their design work.
Learning Goals: The student will be able to:
Develop visual problem solving skills.
Identify the design process and methods.
Create original artwork using Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.
Gain skills needed for advanced courses in Graphic Design, and Web Design.
Careers Related to Content
Graphic Design, Illustration, Photography and Digital Imagery, Fashion Design, Advertising and Marketing, Journalism, Type Design, Web Design, Game Design, Cartoon and Character Design, Packaging, Architecture, and many more.
Graphic Design
Code: 2008
Credit: ½ credit
Elective/Required: Elective 9-12 (May not be repeated once successfully completed)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Design or with instructor’s approval. Access to MCSD Google accounts.
Course Description: This course explores several aspects of the graphics industry such as Graphic Design, Illustration, Digital Photography, Advertising, and Animation. Students refine their skills with the design process and learn more about contemporary methods used by practicing professionals. Projects may include Typography, Applied Design, Packaging, Photo Manipulation, Digital Collage, Animation and more. New techniques are introduced each semester.
Skills Needed to be Successful in the Class: Students must be self-motivated, good listeners, and have advanced problem solving and ideation skills. In addition, students must be willing to work both independently and in small groups.
Learning Goals: The student will be able to:
Create original artwork with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash and InDesign.
Develop advanced skills in Layout Design, Typography, and Digital Graphics.
Increase knowledge of design methods and contemporary practices in design.
Careers Related to Content
Graphic Design, Illustration, Photography and Digital Imagery, Fashion Design, Advertising and Marketing, Journalism, Type Design, Web Design, Game Design, Cartoon and Character Design, Packaging, Architecture, Interactive Media, and many more.
Advanced Graphic Design
Code: 2029
Credit: ½ credit
Elective/Required: Elective 10-12 (may be taken up to two semesters)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Graphic Design or with instructor’s approval. Access to MCSD Google accounts.
Course Description: Students will be working on more challenging and contemporary projects in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator. Advanced techniques will be taught with an emphasis on independent learning and exploration.
Skills Needed to be Successful in the Class: Students must be self-motivated, good listeners, and have advanced problem solving and ideation skills. In addition, students must be willing to work both independently and in small groups.
Learning Goals: The student will be able to:
Create original artwork with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator.
Develop advanced skills in Layout Design, Typography, and Digital Graphics.
Increase knowledge of design methods and contemporary practices in design.
Create a portfolio of original work.
Careers Related to Content
Graphic Design, Illustration, Photography and Digital Imagery, Fashion Design, Advertising and Marketing, Journalism, Type Design, Web Design, Game Design, Cartoon and Character Design, Packaging, Architecture, Interactive Media, and many more.