VISUAL ARTS

NCHS Visual Arts Pathway

FUNDAMENTALS OF ART

Students are introduced to the basic fundamentals of artistic expression. The course includes experiences in drawing, painting, two-and three-dimensional design, sculpture, and other art forms. The course emphasizes observations, interpretation of the visual environment, visual communication, imagination and symbolism, and an introduction to various visual arts techniques and media. The focus of the course is on the application of the fundamental processes of artistic expression and application of the concepts and approaches in the symbolic aspects of art and design to two- and three-dimensional problems so that they demonstrate a range of abilities and versatility with technique, problem-solving, and ideation. A study of historical and contemporary art and artists from a worldwide perspective and instruction and practice in peer review through the critique process, presentation or, responding to art and connecting their art to the world around them are included. 

Introductory Course for all Art Courses with the exception of HAVPA
This course meets the Fine Arts graduation requirement.
Grades 9-12
1 credit

DRAWING & PAINTING

Drawing & Painting is a course in which the student is involved in challenging studio problems in design, drawing, and painting, as well as in art history, art criticism, and aesthetic material related to full development of the talent/interest of the individual. In Drawing & Painting, the student begins to select work for a portfolio to be used for career or technical pursuits. Students explore further career options in the visual arts. 

PREREQUISITE: Fundamentals of Art
Grades 9-12
1 credit

CERAMICS I

Students will elements and principles of art while exploring the nature of clay and glazes, hand-building methods, view throwing on the potter’s wheel, decorative processes, and glaze application.

PREREQUISITE: Fundamentals of Art
Grades 9-12
1 credit

CERAMICS II

Students will continue their experiences in ceramics while exploring different clays, glazes, and firing techniques. Students will also be preparing a body of work to continue in AP studios arts.

PREREQUISITE: Fundamentals of Art & Ceramics I
Grades 10-12
1 credit


SCULPTURE

Sculpture is to build a strong, practical branch of visual art focusing on the techniques and processes of three-dimensional art such additive, subtractive, assemblage, casting, in the round and relief sculpture. Students will complete sculptural projects using the elements and principles of art. They will also be exposed to art history and appreciation through videos, discussion, written assignments, and class critiques. 

PREREQUISITE: Fundamentals of Art
Grades 10-12
1 credit

ART PORTFOLIO

Art Portfolio is a course in which the student is involved in challenging studio problems in design, drawing, painting, mixed media, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, and textiles as in art history, art criticism and aesthetic material related to full development of the talent/interest of the individual. In Art Portfolio, the student begins to select work for a portfolio to be used for career or technical pursuits. Students explore further career options in the visual arts. 

PREREQUISITE: Fundamentals of Art, Drawing & Painting
Grades 11-12
1 credit

AP DRAWING/2D

This AP Studio Art course is designed for students who have completed the following courses; Studio Art Foundation, Drawing & Painting, Portfolio and/or have demonstrated a strong interest in the experience of art-making. AP Studio Art is based on building a body of artwork made up of 20 - 25 pieces of artwork that is submitted to the AP College Board in the beginning of May. This portfolio is the exam. 

PREREQUISITE: Fundamentals of Art, Drawing & Painting, Art Portfolio
Grades 11-12
1 credit

AP ART: DRAWING

This AP Studio Art course is designed for students who have completed the following courses; Studio Art Foundation, Drawing & Painting, Portfolio and/or have demonstrated a strong interest in the experience of art-making. AP Studio Art is based on building a body of artwork made up of 20 - 25 pieces of artwork that is submitted to the AP College Board in the beginning of May. This portfolio is the exam. 

PREREQUISITE: Fundamentals of Art, Drawing & Painting, Art Portfolio
Grades 11-12
1 credit

AP 3-D ART AND DESIGN

Students create a portfolio of work to demonstrate inquiry through art and design and development of materials, processes, and ideas over the course of a year. Portfolios include works of art and design, process documentation, and written information about the work presented. In May, students submit portfolios for evaluation based on specific criteria, which include skillful synthesis of materials, processes, and ideas and sustained investigation through practice, experimentation, and revision, guided by questions. Students may choose to submit any or all of the AP Portfolio Exams. College credit is earned with a qualifying score on an AP exam. 

PREREQUISITE: Fundamentals of Art, Drawing & Painting, Art Portfolio
Grades 11-12
1 credit

IF VISUAL/PERFORMING ART IS NOT YOUR CHOSEN PATH...

HISTORY & APPRECIATION OF VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS

The History and Appreciation of Visual & Performing Arts (HAVPA) course is a dynamic study of visual art, dance, drama, and music focusing on different cultures, time periods and mediums. This course provides opportunities for students to create works of art while deepening their understanding of and appreciation for the role of the arts from ancient societies to modern times.

This course meets the Fine Arts graduation requirement.
Grades 9-12
1 credit