Curriculum and Instruction
The High School Program (Grades 9-12)
FINE ARTS

Grades 9-12

The study of the fine arts is an important part of the education of every student. Involvement in the arts acquaints students with valuable processes that enhance student learning in every other field of endeavor and opens new perspectives through which to view the world in which they live.

Through a variety of course offerings in traditional classroom settings as well as in performance-based settings, the fine arts program provides students with varied opportunities to pursue their special interests in art, music, and drama.

Art
Grades 9-12

The secondary art program is designed for students interested in learning to understand, appreciate, and create works of art. The curriculum includes instruction in art through the disciplines of art history, art criticism, art production, and aesthetics in their multicultural manifestations. In the secondary art program, students refine their aesthetic perceptions and responses, broaden their special art interests and skills, and continue the process of transforming personal experiences and insights into art forms. They gain a deeper appreciation of the roles that the visual arts have played in the development of cultures throughout the world and throughout history.

ART APPRECIATION (AR 9175)
One-half credit
One semester
Grades 9-12
Art Appreciation is a semester course designed for students interested in learning to understand, evaluate, and appreciate art. Students explore the four disciplines of art: art history, art criticism, aesthetics, and studio production. A broad range of artistic styles, media, and ideas from the past and present are used to examine the relationships and meaningful contributions of art to society. Class activities will include discussions, guest speakers, field trips, visual presentations, research, and problem solving.

ART FOUNDATIONS (AR 9120)
One credit
One year
Grades 9-12
Art Foundations is an introductory course in which students explore the four disciplines of art: art history, art criticism, aesthetics, and studio production. Students gain practical experience using a variety of art processes, such as drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, and sculpture. Students will develop their communicative skills through written, visual, and verbal expression.

PAINTING, DRAWING, AND PRINTMAKING (AR 9140)
One credit
One year
Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Art Foundations
The course is designed for students interested in developing more sophisticated skills in working with painting, drawing, and printmaking media. The application of these media to three-dimensional art forms will also be examined. Aesthetics, art historical knowledge, and the critical interpretation and evaluation of works of art will also be included with the classroom projects. In addition to work in class, students are expected to develop a portfolio of artwork and to participate in various art shows.

CERAMICS, SCULPTURE, AND FINE ARTS CRAFTS (AR 9145)
One credit
One year
Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Art Foundations
The course is designed for students interested in developing more sophisticated skills in working with three-dimensional media. The use of drawing and painting, especially as they apply to three-dimensional art forms, will be examined. Aesthetics, art historical knowledge, and the critical interpretation and evaluation of works of art will also be included with the classroom projects. In addition to work in class, students are expected to develop a portfolio of artwork and to participate in various art shows.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT ART HISTORY (AR 9170)
One credit
One year
Grades 11-12
Advanced Placement Art History is a college-level course designed to help students examine, understand, and appreciate works of art. The course involves the intensive study of a representative sampling of artwork from cave man through the twentieth century and is designed in accordance with guidelines established by the Advanced Placement program committee of the College Entrance Examination Board. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement Art History examination administered in May.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT STUDIO ART - GENERAL (AR 9148)
One credit
One year
Grade 11 or 12
Prerequisite: Painting, Drawing, and Printmaking or Ceramics, Sculpture, and Fine Arts Crafts
The Advanced Placement Studio Art - General course is a college-level course designed for students with above-average ability in art. The course is an in-depth studio experience in which students compile a portfolio of quality two-dimensional and three-dimensional artwork in accordance with the guidelines established by the Advanced Placement program committee of the College Entrance Examination Board. Students are expected to participate in various art shows and to complete and submit to the College Board a portfolio that includes drawing, color, design, and three-dimensional work.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT STUDIO ART - DRAWING (AR 9149)
One credit
One year
Grade 11 or 12
Prerequisite: Painting, Drawing, and Printmaking or Ceramics, Sculpture, and Fine Arts Crafts
The Advanced Placement Studio Art - Drawing course is a college-level course designed for students with above-average ability in art. The course is an in-depth drawing experience in which students compile a portfolio of quality drawings in accordance with the guidelines established by the Advanced Placement program committee of the College Entrance Examination Board. Students are expected to participate in various art shows and to complete and submit a drawing portfolio to be scored by the College Board.

If you need additional information on the Fine Arts program contact Anne Wolcott at Anne.Wolcott@vbschools.com.

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