701 BASIC ART
1.0 credit
This course is designed for the student who likes to draw. The
program acquaints students with the fundamentals of different media and
techniques including drawing, painting, printmaking, perspective studies,
color, lettering, and applied design. Basic Art is a prerequisite
to Advanced Art Studio.
Projects will include drawings of still life, human figures, and studies
using the basic design elements. Students will apply what they have
learned in watercolor, tempera paint, and acrylic paint, as well as other
media. Assignments will be given using calligraphy, silkscreen, scratchboard,
and applied design.
The student will be introduced to contemporary local artists as well
as to the art and styles of the past.
One half of the final grade is based on projects which should be well-presented
and completed on time. The projects should show that thought and
time have been put into their production. Students will also be graded
on class participation which will include attendance, punctuality, clean-up,
behavior, and productive use of class time. We hope to encourage
good employability skills and student responsibility for their own behavior
and learning.
702 POTTERY
1.0 credit
This course teaches basic skills in pottery. This program begins
by refining techniques in hand-built pottery: pinch, coil, and slab methods.
Vocabulary and clay knowledge will be expanded. Students will spend
the remainder of the course learning pot making on the potter’s wheel,
glaze chemistry, and kiln work.
Among the pieces to be completed will be cylinders, pots with handles,
plates, canisters with lids, pitchers, lanterns, banks, and clay sculptures.
One half of the final grade is based on projects which must be fired
to be graded. These projects should show that thought and time were
put into their production. Students will also be graded on class
participation to encourage good employability skills and responsibility
for their own behavior and learning. The participation grade will
include attendance, punctuality, clean-up, teamwork, behavior, and productive
use of class time. We hope to encourage good employability skills
and student responsibility for their own behavior and learning.
703 CRAFTS
1.0 credit
This course is designed to introduce the student to a variety of crafts
media. An emphasis is put on design, texture, and color.
Projects will include linoleum block printing, sculpture, painting,
jewelry, batik, stitchery, weaving, leathercraft, string art, pen and ink,
and applied design.
Each student will be expected to meet the individual project requirements.
Projects must be submitted on time, complete and well-presented.
The projects should show that thought and time have been put into their
production. One half of the final grade is based on projects.
Students will also be graded on class participation which will include
attendance, punctuality, clean-up, behavior, and productive use of class
time. We hope to encourage good employability skills and student
responsibility for their own behavior and learning.
710 SCULPTURE
Prerequisite: Basic Art is recommended but not a prerequisite
1.0 credit
Space and form are explored in this course. The principles of
design will be applied to the development of ideas and their expression
in materials ranging from the traditional, such as stone, clay, and wood,
to mixed media and “found” materials associated with modern and post-modern
styles. Emphasis is placed on process while students work towards
the integration of technique, concept, and form to visually communicate
ideas.
The student will gain a broad knowledge of the functions sculpture has
played in the history of culture and changes in thematic content throughout
the history of art. Assessment of student projects is measured by
a combination of self-evaluation, journal writing and reflection, critiques
and exhibitions. Students will be exhibiting their work in the school
library and display areas as well as the annual EXPO, and the Annual Berkshire
County High School Art Exhibit.
711 PHOTOGRAPHY
Prerequisite: Basic Art recommended but not required
A 35 mm camera which can be used manually (not a “point and shoot”
type) is required for this class.
1.0 credit
The photographer’s medium is light. In this course the student
will learn how to control light by manipulating the camera, the film, and
the development of the photograph in the darkroom. Assignments will
be designed to stimulate selective seeing, encourage the development of
a personal style, and the practice of technical skills through authentic
learning experiences.
Discussions of the elements and principles of design will influence
the composition of graphs inside the camera and in the printing process.
Attention will be given to the great photographers of the past and present
and to their contribution to the development of our cultural heritage.
The student will be expected to complete research related to an important
photographer, style, or personality in the history of photography as part
of their “domain project”, which also includes an exhibition of the student’s
work. A midterm exam assesses the students understanding of the technical
and aesthetic issues of photography. The student’s progress is followed
through self-evaluation, journal writing, and critiques.
707 ADVANCED ART STUDIO I
Prerequisite: This class is open to students in grades 10, 11, and
12 (with grades 11 & 12 having priority) after completion of any two
of the following: BASIC ART, POTTERY, OR CRAFTS with a grade average
of B or better and permission of the instructor.
1.0 credit
This advanced art course is designed to meet the needs of the serious
art student intending to pursue art after high school. The student
will be given the opportunity to work independently on in-depth assignments
in his/her choice of the fine arts, pottery, or crafts.
The program will be tailored to the individual student’s interests and
needs, with an emphasis on new experiences built on previous art knowledge.
Possible areas of in-depth study are advertising, computer graphics, sculpture,
textile design, fashion design, interior design, and theater arts.
Portfolios will be prepared for the post-secondary bound student.
The student will do a weekly sketch and keep a journal as part of his/her
grade. In their curriculum planning students will also be expected
to meet certain “givens” to ensure a challenging curriculum.
One half of the student’s final grade will be determined by a review
of the portfolios and completed projects. Works in progress will
also be critiqued. The second half of the final grade is based on
class participation which will include attendance, punctuality, clean-up,
behavior, and productive use of class time. We hope to encourage
good employability skills and student responsibility for their own behavior
and learning.
During the last week of class, the group will install an exhibit of
all the work created during the course. At this time each student
will complete a self evaluation of his/her work.
708 ADVANCED ART STUDIO II
Prerequisite: Advanced Art Studio I
Offered subject to enrollment
1.0 credit
Students may take this second year of Advanced Art Studio with the instructor’s
permission.
