The Master's School Upper School Visual Arts Course Offerings

Upper School Visual Arts Course Offerings

Journalism

Term: Full YearCredits: 1Grades: 10-12

Formerly Yearbook, this redesigned course will focus on information and itsrole in the new century. Online media has tremendously impacted the field ofpublishing, specifically in yearbook creation at The Master's School. In theSpring, students in grades 9 through 11 can apply for a "staff" (enrollment)position in this class. Students will go through an application process and mustobtain teacher references. Students entering 10th grade will be pre-selectedbased on faculty recommendations. Staff will use a Lifetouch website to designpages, write (copy captions, and headlines), and select photos. All staffmembers are expected to aggressively take photos and will be trained inphotography elements. Each student must use their own digital camera with aresolution of 6mp or higher. Much work can be done at home so Internet accessis necessary. Great emphasis is placed on time management as deadlines areflexible in this field. This course will introduce students to other forms ofjournalism and their history: radio broadcasting; newspaper reporting;photojournalism and TV news reporting. These topics are supplemented withprofessional visitors and field trips. Spring projects include a research paper,original lay-out design, photography as art and a mock tv news video. Staff willbe trained in selling advertisements and sent out in groups for two classes.Advertisement is the traditional way to support publication of a school'syearbook. Students involved in sports year round are advised to seriouslyconsider whether they have time for this additional academic commitment.

Foundations in Two Dimensional Art

Term: I SemesterCredit: .5Grades: 9-12

Introductory techniques in drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, and bookmaking. Students will explore such design elements as shape, color, value, textureand line. Projects are diverse and focus on exploration of new materials andaesthetic development.

Drawing and PaintingTerm: SemesterCredit: .5Grades: 9-12Prerequisite: Intro to 2 D Art

This course includes individualized instruction focusing on the principle elements ofcomposition, light and shadow, and proportion both in and out of the studio. Throughthe examination of historical art movements, students develop proficiency in themanipulation of value, line, space, texture and perspective. This course also buildsupon student understanding of mark-making, color mixing, composition, principles ofdesign, and familiarity with the techniques and tools of varied painting disciplines.Students are directed in the development and expression of original concepts whilefurther refining technique and individual style.

Portfolio Development

Term: Full yearCredit: 1Grades: 11 and 12Teacher Recommendation Required

Prerequisites: Foundations, Drawing and Painting, Sculpture and Ceramics, or byspecial permission of Dept. Head. Acceptance into the Honors Visual Arts Program iscontingent upon portfolio review by Department Head prior to class beginning.The Honors visual arts course curriculum is based upon national AP standards.Students spend the first semester developing artwork representing a diverse breadthof media and techniques. The second semester is focused on the student's chosenartistic discipline of concentration. Portfolio development, artistic statements andnarratives, group critiques, and public exhibition are integral components in thiscourse. Honors level curriculum standards are designed for the serious art student.Students should expect to devote 3-4 extra hours per week, outside of scheduledclass time, developing portfolio work. Students may be expected to pay for materialsnot normally provided by the visual arts department, depending on the student's areaof concentration.