Fox Senior High School Art Department
The Art Department recommends all students take Introduction to Art or Basic Design before taking other art classes to prepare them for the advanced techniques explored in Art I and II.
A highly recommended logical order for the art student to follow is:
Art I Courses – (Beginning Art)
Design 1 and 2
Introduction to Art
Art II Courses – (Art as a life long hobby)
Arts and Crafts
Ceramics
Drawing
Three-Dimensional Art
Photography I
Art III Courses – (Art as a career)
Graphic Design
Ceramics, Advanced
Drawing, Advanced
Painting
Photography II and III
Art I
Introduction to Art (Grades 9-12) ½ credit
Introduction to Art is an entry-level art course that emphasizes the basic elements and principles of the visual arts. It provides a foundation of art experiences to be expanded and developed in further specialized art courses. In Introduction to Art, students will have the opportunity to create in two- and three-dimensional art formats using a variety of art materials and art techniques. Art vocabulary, art forms, aesthetic concepts, and aspects of art history will be presented. Non-studio activities will include analyzing works of art, writing short reports, and taking written tests. Material cost is approximately $30.00
Design I 1 Semester (Grades 9-12) 1/2 credit
This course will enable students to apply design concepts to two-dimensional projects. This beginning course teaches the elements and principles of art and gives the student a solid background in the visual arts. This course is a great start for the student who is not familiar to the processes of creating artwork. Basic Design is an excellent building block for other advanced art courses. Material cost is approximately $10.00.
Design II 1 Semester (Grades 10-12) 1/2 credit
(Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or better in Design I)
Design II is an advanced course focused on exploring visual communication as it applies to marketing, advertising, and graphic design. This course will introduce techniques and processes used in typography, logo/corporate identity design, page layout, and package design. Students will learn vocabulary as it relates to the elements and principles of design. A variety of materials will be used. Drawing and design skills are essential for the success of this course. Material cost will be approximately $15.00.
Art II
CERAMICS 1 (Grades 9-12) ½ credit (Intro to Art recommended)
Ceramics is a specialized art course focusing on hand building techniques of clay. Studio activities will include technique in the Pinch method and coil method construction, as well as decorative styles. Students will create functional, as well as non-functional pieces, with reference to the elements and principles of design. Non-Studio activities will include all beginning skill’s vocabulary and paper work related to ceramics, analyzing works of art and written test. Students should enjoy working with their hands. Students will keep a sketchbook/notebook of their work. Material cost is approximately $30.00/$40.00
CERAMICS II (Grades 9-12) ½ credit (Ceramics I, with grade of “C” or above)
Ceramics is a specialized art course focusing on hand building techniques of clay. Studio activities will include technique in the continuing of the coil method and the introduction of the slab method of construction, as well as decorative styles. Students will create functional pieces with references to the elements and principles of design. Non-studio activities will include analyzing works of art and writing critiques. Students should enjoy working with their hands. Students will keep a sketchbook/notebook of their work. Material cost is approximately $30.00/$40.00
Photography I (Grades 10-12) ½ credit (Intro to Art recommended)
This is a beginning course in photography based on the operation of a 35mm single lens reflex camera. This course is divided into classroom notes and instruction (1st quarter) and darkroom work (2nd quarter). Instruction includes black and white film processing and darkroom enlarging procedures. While the development of technical skill is necessary, the application of artistic concepts is essential in the production of photography as an art form. Material cost is approximately $40.00.
Drawing I (Grades 10-12) ½ credit (Prerequisite: Introduction to Art)
Drawing focuses on the development of drawing skills using a variety of media, which could include pencil, colored pencil, ink, charcoal, and marker. Studio activities will include figure, still life, portrait, and perspective drawing, as well as specialized themes. Students will learn a vocabulary of drawing terms and concepts as they relate to the elements and principles of design. Non-studio activities will include analyzing works of art and taking written tests. Students will keep a portfolio of their work. Material cost is approximately $20.00.
Sculpture I (Grades 10-12) ½ credit (Introduction to Art recommended)
This course is an advanced study guiding the development of skills relating to three-dimensional art forms. Various media could include plaster, clay, paper/cardboard, wire, wood, and found objects to explore modeling, carving, and construction. Students will learn a vocabulary of sculpture terms and concepts as they relate to the elements and principles of design. Special emphasis is placed on the manipulation of the relationship of mass, space, and form. Students must like to work with their hands. Material cost is approximately $35.00.
Sculpture II (Grades 10-12) ½ Credit (Prerequisite: C or better in Sculpture I)
Students will experience new techniques and extend the skills learned in Sculpture I. Students will express themselves through the following themes: observation, outdoor installation, and a post-modern piece. Building on the skills and understanding of the sculptural process, students will explore media with greater sophistication and projects will be larger and more challenging.
Art III
CERAMICS, ADVANCED (Grades 10-12) 1 credit 2 Semesters
Prerequisite:(Ceramics I &II, grade B or above, C with teacher permission)
Advanced Ceramics is a specialized art course, which focuses on accelerated ceramics skills. This course is designed to build and refine the skills learned in Ceramics I. & II. Studio activities will include all 3 hand-building techniques to create functional and non-functional pieces with reference to the elements and principles of design. Students will be introduced to the wheel & throwing techniques. Students will create functional pieces
Using the wheel techniques in the 2nd semester. Non-studio activities will include the vocabulary and paper work to support the advanced skill level relating to techniques unique to advanced ceramics. Material cost is approximately $40.00 – $60.00. .
Drawing, Advanced 1 Semester (Grades 10-12) ½ credit (Prerequisite: C or better in Drawing I and teacher permission)
Students will expand skills learned in Drawing I with more intensive study of composition and the use of additional media and techniques. Students will work from observation and imagination. Students will develop an intensive approach for interpretation of subject matter. Students will learn skills and techniques with the following media: pencil, color pencil, pastel, pen and ink, charcoal, and mixed media. Students will learn how to develop a portfolio of their work for college submission. Material cost is approximately $20.00.
Painting (Grades 10-12) 1 credit (Prerequisite: Drawing I with C or Better)
This course is designed for the serious art student who wishes to refine their skills in watercolor, acrylic, and oil paint. Students will work in both a realistic and abstract style using various subjects. Applying the elements and principles of art and the knowledge of color theory, the students will communicate their ideas visually. Students will learn how to develop a portfolio of their work for college submission. Material cost will be approximately $75.00.
Photography II (Grades 10-12) ½ credit (Prerequisite: Photography I with C or above)
This course is a continuation of skills developed in photography I. Emphasis is on camera techniques and advanced darkroom processes. This course places emphasis on problem solving and relating photography to both art and communication through photographic assignments. It is recommended, but not required, that students have access to 35mm single lens reflex camera. (A fee of $8.00 will be charged for expendable darkroom chemicals.) Students will supply film and photo paper. Material cost is approximately $30.00 / $70.00. The cost will vary according to how much personal work the student wants to produce.
Photography III (Grades 11-12) 1 Credit (Prerequisite: A or B and Teacher Approval)
This advanced course in photography is designed to challenge and instruct students who wish to continue advancing their creative photography skills. This course will view the photograph as a medium to express creative compositions and self-expression. Students will be pressed to use higher-level thinking and problem solving skills to produce original and innovative works of art. These groups will be encouraged to enter competitions and art shows in order to take their work outside the school environment. Advanced Photo will also explore the technological advances in photography through the use of digital cameras, scanners, and computer software. Students will be required to present a finished, matted portfolio at each semester’s end. Students may work toward creating a larger portfolio for college consideration. Material cost per semester is approximately $100.00 (more or less).
Photography III-B 1 Semester Grades 11-12
Prerequisite: Photography II with a grade of “B” or above, or Approval
Photo III-B offers the same problem solving challenges and the use of higher-level thinking skills as presented in Photo III-A. It is a semester course designed for students to continue exploring and strengthening their photographic skills in the areas of technique, composition, personal interpretation, and digital tech-nology. Students will be required to present a finished, matted portfolio at semester’s end. Material cost is approximately $100.00.
AP STUDIO ART: DRAWING, 2-D DESIGN, OR 3-D DESIGN (Grades 11 & 12) Prerequisites: A grade of “B” or better in Introduction to Art, Drawing I, and one other art class.
Must obtain departmental approval of portfolio.
This optional/volunteer course is designed for the highly motivated, committed student. Through studio practice, both teacher guided and independent study, students will assemble a body of artwork that demonstrates a high level of quality in content, technique, and process. Students will develop a portfolio that will address three major components: quality, concentration, and breadth. Students will submit this body of work to the College Board (AP) for grading and possible college credit.
Fox High School Credit is not given for this class.