VISUAL AND MEDIA ARTS COURSES VISUAL AND MEDIA ARTS COURSES

3D Design 1 (9-12)

Throughout this course students use a wide range of materials and platforms to design objects and explore the spaces in which they function. Students explore traditional 3D artmaking practices, including foam core construction, moldmaking and casting, plaster carving, and inflatable art. They also use 3D modeling software, to apply their creativity to product, industrial, architectural, and environmental design. Students gain a basic knowledge of the historical and cultural context for both artistic and functional objects, applying a balance of aesthetic criteria and practical problem-solving to their design solutions.

3D Design 3

Prerequisite: 3D Design 2

This course is for the advanced 3D Design student who wishes to build their design portfolio. Students will use the foundational skills built in previous design classes to make a breadth of work that can be used in the Advanced Placement portfolio exam the following year. A large component of the class will be viewing the work of contemporary artists and designers and developing work that is both conceptually rigorous and guided by design principles. As we continue to work with new materials and learn new processes, students will have the opportunity to design their own projects and explore avenues of personal interest.

3D Design 2

Prerequisite: 3D Design 1

This course expands on the skills built in 3D Design 1. Students will continue to explore objects in space using both digital software and sculptural materials. Students will build critical thinking skills and artistic vocabulary to discuss and write about their own work, the work of their peers, and other works of art. Students will also document their work and build an expanded digital design portfolio. The goal for this course is for students to problem-solve and think creatively throughout the design process. These skills will serve them not only as object makers, but in all areas of work.

Graphic Design 1 (9-12)

In this course, students are taught the concepts and techniques of design as they are applied to the representation of products and services, including logo design, album, book cover, and poster design, and typography and page layout. Exercises and projects emphasize clear visual communication and the creative process. Special attention is paid to the history and uses of typography. Students execute solutions to design problems using the computer imaging programs Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. The elements and principles of design are covered as a foundation for understanding composition. Critical thinking about visual objects is supported by critique and analytical writing assignments.

3D Design 4

Prerequisite: 3D Design 3

This course is offered to 3D Design students as an alternative to the AP Art and Design class. Students will continue to design projects and craft a portfolio, but will not submit a final AP portfolio. Students will hone the skills they have developed in previous classes and develop a focused body of work or a final thesis. Students will continue to explore contemporary artists and designers and develop pieces that are both conceptually rigorous and guided by design principles.

Graphic Design 2

Prerequisite: Graphic Design 1

This class builds on the design skills taught in Graphic Design 1, applying them to more sophisticated problems and applications. Students are expected to work more independently, building a portfolio in anticipation of taking the AP Art and Design class their senior year. Problems and exercises challenge students to advance their conceptual and technical skills, as well as develop a visual vocabulary that conveys information and ideas clearly and concisely. Awareness of historical styles and trends in graphic design, as well as the cultural power of the image-making industry, helps students gain a greater appreciation of the relevance of design in their lives.

Graphic Design 3

Prerequisite: Graphic Design 2

This class builds on the design skills taught in Graphic Design 1 and 2, applying them to more sophisticated problems and applications. Students are expected to work more independently, building a portfolio in anticipation of taking the AP Art and Design course their senior year. Problems and exercises challenge students to advance their conceptual and technical skills, as well as develop a visual vocabulary that conveys information and ideas clearly and concisely. Students complete the course with an independent project, exploring their own interests in design, working through the creative challenges of a self-directed project.

Photography 1 (9-12)

This course is an introduction to the concepts and techniques of analog and digital photography. Students learn extensive internal analog and digital camera operations, artisan darkroom printing processes, proper digital workflow organization, digital post-production techniques in Bridge, Camera Raw, and Photoshop, and an introduction to digital fine art printing. Students investigate the basic genres of photography through their own execution of major projects and assignments, including landscape, fabrication, portraiture, abstraction, and social documentary. Special emphasis is placed upon creative and connotative solutions to the challenges of each genre. Students develop an advanced understanding of directional lighting and its aesthetic effects on an image, the formal elements of art, creative camera control functions, and composition. Course projects are supplemented by lectures, slide shows, demonstrations, visiting artists, and trips to local photography shows at galleries and museums. Students create professional portfolios by documenting their analog and digital work and creating their own websites. Students also begin to recognize the inherent connections between analog and digital photography and begin to explore projects that incorporate both digital and analog processes and materials.

Required Materials:

- 35mm digital SLR camera with 50mm lens, or equivalent

- 1-2 boxes of inkjet paper, 50 sheets per box

- Archival Safety Binder with Rings

- Portable hard drive, 100 GB minimum

- 13”x19”x2” Portfolio box