Arts
One year is required for graduation. Arts is comprised of the Performing Arts and Visual Arts:
Performing Arts
Broadcast Journalism
Dance
Film
Music
Theatre
Visual Arts
Drawing and Painting
Graphic Design
Photography
Performing Arts
BROADCAST JOURNALISM
- INTRODUCTION TO TV BROADCAST JOURNALISM - GRADES 9-11
- TV BROADCAST JOURNALISM SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT - GRADES 10-12
- TV STUDIO PRODUCTION ("THE LION REPORT") - GRADES 11, 12
INTRODUCTION TO TV BROADCAST JOURNALISM - GRADES 9-11
Prerequisite: Students must possess their own external hard drive.
This beginning level TV broadcast course teaches the fundamentals of TV production, including producing, script writing, editing, camera operation, audio, and lighting. Grading is primarily based on class participation, conduct, assessments, and group and individual video projects. Students are occasionally required to attend after school or weekend video shoots. Most projects can be completed in class.
- Homework Expectation: Approx. 1 hour or less per week
- Year
- 10 Credits
- UC Approved
TV BROADCAST JOURNALISM SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT - GRADES 10-12
Prerequisite: Minimum of B- in each semester of Intro to TV Broadcast Journalism or Film 1. Teacher approval required. Students must possess their own external hard drive.
This intermediate level TV broadcast course builds upon the skills of the Intro course and is mostly project-based. Grading is primarily based on class participation, conduct, and group and individual video projects. Students are occasionally required to attend after school or weekend video shoots. Most projects can be completed in class; there is less than one hour of homework per week. Students are expected to provide their own external hard drive.
- Homework Expectation: Approx. 1 hour or less per week
- Year
- 10 Credits
- UC Approved
TV STUDIO PRODUCTION ("THE LION REPORT") - GRADES 11, 12
Prerequisite: Teacher interview/video sample review and minimum B- in each semester of TV Broadcast Journalism Sports and Entertainment or Film 2. Students must possess their own external hard drive.
This advanced level TV broadcast course is appropriate for elite TV broadcast students as determined through a teacher interview and video sample review. In the course, students work independently to produce news segments and produce the daily school newscast, "The Lion Report." Grading is primarily based on class participation, conduct, and group and individual video projects. Students are occasionally required to attend after school or weekend video shoots. Most projects can be completed in class; there is less than one hour of homework per week. Students may enroll in TV Studio Production multiple times for credit.
- Homework Expectation: Approx. 1 hour or less per week
- Year
- 10 Credits
- UC Approved
Dance
BEGINNING DANCE - GRADES 9-12
Prerequisite: Students must supply their own workout attire and dance shoes (instructor approved).
This beginning dance course introduces students to basic dance technique through a variety of genres, including ballet, jazz, modern, hip hop, and other global dance styles. Grading is primarily based on class participation, assessments, and performances. Typically, Beginning Dance performs publicly only at the end of the school year; this class has little to no homework. Students may enroll in Beginning Dance multiple times for credit. At the time of registration, students may select to receive Arts or Physical Education credit for this course.
- Homework Expectation: Approx. 1 hour or less per week
- Year
- 10 Credits
- UC Approved
DANCE WORKSHOP - GRADES 9-12
Prerequisite: Audition. Students must supply their own workout attire and dance shoes (instructor approved).
This intermediate dance course builds upon the techniques developed in Beginning Dance through continued exposure to a wide variety of dance genres, including ballet, jazz, modern, hip hop, and other global dance styles. New students with prior dance experience are encouraged to try to audition for this level. Grading is primarily based on class participation, assessments, discussions, and performances. Dance Workshop performs publicly about once per semester; this class has little to no homework. Students may enroll in Dance Workshop multiple times for credit. At the time of registration, students may select to receive Arts or Physical Education credit for this course.
- Homework Expectation: Approx. 1 hour or less per week
- Year
- 10 Credits
- UC Approved
FILM
- FILM 1 - GRADES 9-11
- FILM 2 - GRADES 10-12
- FILM WORKSHOP - GRADES 11, 12
- SOCIAL MEDIA AND DIGITAL MARKETING - GRADES 11, 12
FILM 1 - GRADES 9-11
Prerequisite: Students must possess their own SD card and external hard drive.
This beginning level film course introduces students to the fundamentals of filmmaking, including history of film, storytelling, composition, framing, editing, and the basic principles of film theory. Grading is based on class participation, assessments, discussions, group projects, and creative film projects that demonstrate an understanding of film concepts. Most projects can be completed in class; there is less than one hour of homework per week.
- Homework Expectation: Approx. 1 hour or less per week
- Year
- 10 Credits
- UC Approved
FILM 2 - GRADES 10-12
Prerequisites: Minimum C- in each semester of Film 1 or Broadcast Journalism course. Students must possess their own DSLR Camera (instructor approved), SD card and external hard drive.
This intermediate level film course further develops the skills introduced in Film 1 but is more project-based. Grading is based on class participation, assessments, discussions, group projects, and creative film projects as works of art. Film 2 requires more work outside of class than Film 1.
- Homework Expectation: 1-2 hours per week
- Year
- 10 Credits
- UC Approved
FILM WORKSHOP - GRADES 11, 12
Prerequisites: Minimum B- in each semester of Film 2 or teacher approval. Students must possess their own DSLR Camera (instructor approved), SD card and external hard drive.
This advanced level film course builds upon the concepts taught in Film II but delves deeper into post-production and special effects. Students will also build their own artist portfolios to prepare for college submissions. Grading is based on class participation, assessments, discussions, group projects, and creative film projects as works of art. Film III requires substantial work outside of class; there is about 2-3 hours of homework per week.
- Homework Expectation: 2-3 hours per week
- Year
- 10 Credits
- UC Approved
SOCIAL MEDIA AND DIGITAL MARKETING - GRADES 11, 12
This in-depth course provides students with the fundamentals of Social Media and Digital Marketing. Students learn and test different promotional strategies to create compelling social media ads across various social media network platforms. Students will gain experience in writing ad copy, analyzing demographics, and marketing/promotional strategies. Students will use a powerful simulation social to put into real world practice. Grading is based on class participation, assessments, simulation software projects, group projects, and real-world social media posts. Most of the work for this course can be completed during class time; there is less than one hour of homework per week.
- Homework Expectation: Approx. 1 hour or less per week
- Year
- 10 Credits
- UC Approved
Music
- CONCERT CHOIR - GRADES 9-12
- WOMEN'S CHOIR - GRADES 9-12
- CHORALE - GRADES 9-12
- JAZZ ORCHESTRA - GRADES 9-12
- SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA - GRADES 9-12
- GUITAR - GRADES 9-12
- ROCK BAND WORKSHOP - GRADES 9-12
- ROCK ENSEMBLE - GRADES 9-12
- PIANO - GRADES 9-12
- PIANO WORKSHOP - GRADES 9-12
- AP MUSIC THEORY - GRADES 11, 12
CONCERT CHOIR - GRADES 9-12
This beginning level ensemble music course introduces students to vocal pedagogy, musicianship, and ensemble performance skills. Grading is primarily based on participation in class work and performances; this class has little to no homework. Concert Choir performs publicly about once each semester. Students are expected to provide their own performance attire. Students may enroll in Concert Choir multiple times for credit.
- Homework Expectation: Approx. 1 hour or less per week
- Year
- 10 Credits
- UC Approved
WOMEN'S CHOIR - GRADES 9-12
Prerequisite: Audition.
This intermediate level music ensemble course is appropriate for female students with previous vocal experience. Women's Choir builds upon the skills of vocal technique, musicianship, and ensemble performance. Grading is primarily based on participation in class work and performances; this class has little to no homework. The Women's Choir performs publicly multiple times each semester. Students are expected to provide their own performance attire. Students may enroll in Women's Choir multiple times for credit.
- Homework Expectation: Approx. 1 hour or less per week
- Year
- 10 Credits
- UC Approved
CHORALE - GRADES 9-12
Prerequisite: Audition.
This intermediate/advanced level music ensemble course is the core mixed vocal ensemble at the school. Chorale further develops the skills of vocal technique, musicianship, and ensemble performance. Grading is primarily based on participation in class work and performances; this class has about one hour of homework per week. Chorale performs publicly multiple times each semester. Students are expected to provide their own performance attire. Students are encouraged to enroll in Chorale multiple times for credit.
- Homework Expectation: Approx. 1 hour per week
- Year
- 10 Credits
- UC Approved
JAZZ ORCHESTRA - GRADES 9-12
Prerequisite: Audition.
This advanced music ensemble course is open by audition to students who play a woodwind, brass, string, or rhythm section (guitar, piano, bass, drums) instrument. Students will develop musical techniques, including improvising solos, reading syncopated rhythms, and playing with a unique expressive voice, through the rehearsal/performance of many different jazz styles. Grading is based on a combination of rehearsal participation, creative projects, and performance participation. Jazz Orchestra performs frequently throughout the school year. Though some school instruments are available to borrow on a first-come-first-serve basis, students are generally expected to supply their own instrument. Students may enroll in Jazz Orchestra multiple times for credit.
- Homework Expectation: Approx. 1 hour per week
- Year
- 10 Credits
- UC Approved
SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA - GRADES 9-12
Prerequisite: Previous experience playing a woodwind, brass, percussion, piano, or string instrument.
This intermediate/advanced music ensemble course is open to students who have previous experience playing a woodwind (flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon), brass (trumpet, horn, trombone, baritone, tuba), percussion (snare drum, timpani, marimba, xylophone, etc), piano, or string (violin, viola, cello, bass) instrument. Students will develop musical technique through the rehearsal/performance of music from a wide range of genres, including classical, jazz, film music, and other global styles. Grading is primarily based on participation in class, occasional rehearsals outside of regular school hours, and in several performances each year; typically, the only homework is self-guided student practice. Though some school instruments are available to borrow on a first-come-first-serve basis, students are generally expected to supply their own instrument. Students are encouraged to enroll in Symphony Orchestra multiple times for credit.
- Homework Expectation: Approx. 1 hour per week
- Year
- 10 Credits
- UC Approved
GUITAR - GRADES 9-12
Prerequisite: Students must possess their own guitar (instructor approved).
This beginning level music course teaches students basic guitar techniques, including open chords, common strumming patterns, fingerpicking, and barre chords through a wide range of popular music genres. Students also learn the basics of drums and bass for introductory rock band projects. Students in Guitar do not perform publicly. Grading is primarily based on class participation and individual and group projects; there is little to no homework.
- Homework Expectation: Approx. 1 hour or less per week
- Year
- 10 Credits
- UC Approved
ROCK BAND WORKSHOP - GRADES 9-12
Prerequisite: Minimum C- in each semester of Guitar or audition.
This intermediate music course is open to students who have completed the Guitar course or who have enough prior experience to audition on guitar, bass, keys, drums, and/or vocals. This is a team-based course that develops students' ability to play in a band format through group projects across a wide range of popular music genres. Rock Band Workshop performs often in the classroom, but public performances are optional. Grading is primarily based on class participation and individual and group projects; the only homework is self-guided student practice. Though some school instruments are available to borrow on a first-come-first-serve basis, students are generally expected to supply their own instrument. Students may enroll in Rock Band Workshop multiple times for credit.
Homework Expectation: Approx. 1 hour or less per week
Year
10 Credits
UC Approved
ROCK ENSEMBLE - GRADES 9-12
Prerequisite: Minimum C- in each semester of Rock Band Workshop or audition.
This advanced music ensemble course is the premiere performing rock band course. Through supervised rehearsals, student bands will cover performance techniques utilized in contemporary musical idioms such as rock, pop, blues, hip-hop, funk, punk, and metal. Students will gain experience in performing classic, contemporary, and original material. Grading is primarily based on class participation, creative projects, and performance participation; the only homework is self-guided student practice. Rock Ensemble bands perform frequently throughout the school year. Though some school instruments are available to borrow on a first-come-first-serve basis, students are generally expected to supply their own instrument. Students are encouraged to enroll in Rock Ensemble multiple times for credit.
- Homework Expectation: Approx. 1 hour or less per week
- Year
- 10 Credits
- UC Approved
PIANO - GRADES 9-12
Prerequisite: Students must possess their own piano or keyboard (instructor approved).
This beginning level music course teaches students the basics of piano technique, including fingering, rhythm, note names, and an introduction to music history. Students must be able to work independently. Grading is primarily based on assessments and class participation. The Piano class does not perform publicly, though there is typically one classroom recital per semester. The only homework is self-guided student practice. Though the school provides classroom instruments for use during class time, students are expected to supply their own piano or keyboard (please wait for instructor guidance before purchasing). Short fingernails required.
- Homework Expectation: Approx. 1 hour or less per week
- Year
- 10 Credits
- UC Approved
PIANO WORKSHOP - GRADES 9-12
Prerequisite: Audition. Students must possess their own piano or keyboard (instructor approved).
This intermediate/advanced level music course further develops students' piano keyboard skills and exposure to advanced techniques and repertoire. Students must be able to work independently. Grading is primarily based on assessments and class participation. The Piano Workshop class does not perform publicly, though there is typically one classroom recital per semester. The only homework is self-guided student practice. Though the school provides classroom instruments for use during class time, students are expected to supply their own piano or keyboard (please wait for instructor guidance before purchasing). Short fingernails required. Students may enroll in Piano Workshop multiple times for credit.
- Homework Expectation: Approx. 1 hour or less per week
- Year
- 10 Credits
- UC Approved
AP MUSIC THEORY - GRADES 11, 12
Prerequisites: Two or more years of participation in the music department or teacher approval.
This advanced level music course corresponds to two semesters of a typical introductory college music theory course that covers topics such as musicianship, theory, musical materials, and procedures. Musicianship skills including dictation and other listening skills, sight-singing, and keyboard harmony are considered an important part of the course. Through the course, students develop the ability to recognize, understand, and describe basic materials and processes of music that are heard or presented in a score. Development of aural skills is a primary objective. Performance is also part of the learning process. Students understand basic concepts and terminology by listening to and performing a wide variety of music. Notational skills, speed, and fluency with basic materials are emphasized.
- Homework Expectation: 2-3 hours per week
- AP Exam Required: $105 Fee
- Year
- 10 Credits
- UC Approved for Honors
Theatre
- THEATRE 1 - GRADES 9-12
- THEATRE 2 - GRADES 9-12
- MUSICAL THEATRE - GRADES 9-12
- FALL PLAY - GRADES 9-12
- SPRING MUSICAL - GRADES 9-12
- CREATIVE WRITING AS PERFORMANCE - GRADES 9-12
THEATRE 1 - GRADES 9-12
This beginning level theatre course introduces students to the techniques of acting and building productions (i.e. sets, costumes, lighting, sound, etc). Grading is primarily based on class participation, assessments, and classroom performances. Most projects can be completed in class.
- Homework Expectation: Approx. 1 hour or less per week
- Year
- 10 Credits
- UC Approved
THEATRE 2 - GRADES 9-12
Prerequisite: Minimum C- in each semester of Theater 1 or Audition.
This intermediate level theatre course further develops skills in acting and theatre design (i.e. sets, costumes, lighting, sound, etc). Grading is primarily based on class participation, assessments, creative group projects, and classroom performances. Most projects can be completed in class; there is about 1-2 hours of homework per week. Theatre 2 may be taken multiple times for credit.
- Homework Expectation: 1-2 hours per week
- Year
- 10 Credits
- UC Approved
MUSICAL THEATRE - GRADES 9-12
Prerequisite: Minimum C- in each semester of Theatre 2 or Audition.
This intermediate/advanced level theatre course teaches students how to be a triple threat: actor, singer, and dancer. Grading is primarily based on class participation, assessments, creative group projects, and classroom and public performances. Musical Theatre performs publicly about once per semester. Most projects can be completed in class. Musical Theatre may be taken multiple times for credit. At the time of registration, students may select to receive Arts or Physical Education credit for this course. Musical Theatre meets after regular school hours.
- Homework Expectation: 1-2 hours per week
- Year
- 10 Credits
- UC Approved
FALL PLAY - GRADES 9-12
Prerequisite: Audition.
In this course, students rehearse and produce a faculty-directed theatrical production. Student roles include acting, stage managing, designing, and tech. The class meets after regular school hours as scheduled by the director and includes additional required rehearsals and performances. Grading is primarily based on participation in rehearsals and performances. Fall Play may be taken multiple times for credit.
- Semester
- 5 Credits
SPRING MUSICAL - GRADES 9-12
Prerequisite: Audition.
In this course, students rehearse and produce a faculty-directed theatrical production. Student roles include acting, stage managing, designing, and tech. The class meets after regular school hours as scheduled by the director and includes additional required rehearsals and performances. Grading is primarily based on participation in rehearsals and performances. Spring Musical may be taken multiple times for credit.
- Semester
- 5 Credits
CREATIVE WRITING AS PERFORMANCE - GRADES 9-12
Creative Writing as Performance is a year- long visual and performing arts course where publishing and performance opportunities are paired with craft study to develop a balanced and accomplished writing student. At each step, students will explore the interplay between different disciplines of the arts, experimenting with the ways in which visuals, words, and auditory performance interact to bring a piece of writing to life. Students will participate in individual writing exercises, brainstorming sessions, and peer and critique groups. The course includes the study of contemporary performers and writers and collaborates with JSerra's additional Arts disciplines.
- Homework Expectation: 1 hour per week
- Year
- 10 credits
- UC Approval Pending
Visual Arts
DRAWING AND PAINTING
- DRAWING AND PAINTING 1 - GRADES 9-12
- DRAWING AND PAINTING 2 - GRADES 10-12
- ADVANCED DRAWING AND PAINTING - GRADES 10-12
- AP ART AND DESIGN - GRADES 11, 12
- AP ART HISTORY - GRADES 10-12
DRAWING AND PAINTING 1 - GRADES 9-12
Drawing and Painting I is a year-long course that introduces students to the elements of art and the principles of design, and how to implement those elements and principles in the creation of dynamic compositions using a variety of materials. The students will explore line, value, texture, shape and color. Materials used will include pencil, charcoal, pen and ink, pastel, colored pencil, and a variety of paints including watercolor and acrylic. A sketchbook is required to complete in-class exercises and occasional homework assignments. Students will compile a portfolio of work by the end of the year.
- Homework Expectation: 1-2 hours per week
- Year
- 10 Credits
- UC Approved
DRAWING AND PAINTING 2 - GRADES 10-12
Prerequisite: A minimum B- in each semester of Drawing and Painting 1 or a similar year-long art course.
Drawing and Painting 2 is a year-long course that is designed to provide students with a more specific overview of two-dimensional art-making techniques. Students work in a more independent manner than in Drawing and Painting I and will continue to apply the elements of art and the principles of design. Art projects are geared towards developing their problem solving skills in a more complex manner. A sketchbook is required to complete in-class exercises and occasional homework assignments. Various mediums and techniques involve charcoal, acrylic, watercolor and oil paints. An emphasis is placed on creativity and the mastery of skills to adequately prepare students to move on to the Advanced/AP level art courses. Students will compile a portfolio of work by the end of the year.
- Homework Expectation: 1-2 hours per week
- Year
- 10 Credits
- UC Approved
ADVANCED DRAWING AND PAINTING - GRADES 10-12
Prerequisites: A minimum B- in each semester of Drawing and Painting 1 and Drawing and Painting 2. Teacher approval required.
This course is designed to give the advanced art student a more specific overview of drawing and painting techniques, using the art elements and principles of design in the process. The students will explore these techniques on a higher level and the subject matter will include master copies, the figure, still life, landscape and portraiture. Media will include graphite, pen and ink, charcoal, oil pastel, oil and acrylic paint. Work is mainly produced in class. Weekly sketchbook assignments are homework and take approximately 30 minutes to one hour. Emphasis is placed on creative thinking, problem solving and building an aesthetic vocabulary to prepare students for AP Studio Art.
- Homework Expectation: 1-2 hours per week
- Year
- 10 Credits
- UC Approved
AP ART AND DESIGN - GRADES 11, 12
Prerequisites: Completion of two out of three courses in each category (Drawing and Painting or Graphic Design) with a minimum A- in each semester: Drawing and Painting, Drawing and Painting 2, Advanced Drawing and Painting, OR Graphic Design, Graphic Design 2, Adobe Suite. Teacher approval required.
AP Art and Design provides the motivated art student with the opportunity to develop a two-part portfolio that is personal to their individual talents and interests. Through the creation of up to 15 pieces of art over the course of the year, students will submit a portfolio to the College Board for evaluation in May in either 2-Dimensional Design or Drawing. Students are expected to conduct an in-depth, sustained investigation of one theme or idea over the course of the year. The course focuses on concepts and skills emphasized within college art and design foundation courses with the same intent: to help students become inquisitive, thoughtful artists and designers able to articulate information about their work. AP Art and Design students develop and apply skills of inquiry and investigation, practice, experimentation, revision, communication, and reflection.
- Homework Expectation: 2-3 hours per week, can include weekends and breaks
- AP Exam Required: $105 Fee
- Year
- 10 Credits
- UC Approved for Honors
AP ART HISTORY - GRADES 10-12
Prerequisites: A minimum A- in each semester of prior history and English courses or a minimum B- in each semester of prior honors history and English courses. Teacher approval required.
This is a year-long course that prepares the student for the AP College Board exam in May. Students review art history from eras beginning with pre-historic man to the 20th century. Students will be expected to do heavy reading on the subject matter, learn and identify slides, learn how to critique and analyze art work explored during the course of the year, and write a research paper pertaining to one of the art history eras.
- Homework Expectation: 3-4 hours per week, can include weekends and breaks
- Summer Assignment Required: Due on 1st day of class
- AP Exam Required: $105 Fee
- Year
- 10 Credits
- UC Approved for Honors
GRAPHIC DESIGN
- ADOBE CREATIVE SUITE - GRADES 11, 12
- GRAPHIC DESIGN 1 - GRADES 9-12
- GRAPHIC DESIGN 2 - GRADES 10-12
- AP 2-D ART AND DESIGN - GRADES 11, 12
- PHOTOJOURNALISM/NEWSPAPER - GRADES 9-12
- PHOTOJOURNALISM/YEARBOOK - GRADES 9-12
ADOBE CREATIVE SUITE - GRADES 11, 12
Adobe Creative Suite is an upper-division course introducing traditional drawing and painting students to the world of computer-generated art. The student will focus on the artistic skills necessary to create complex works of digital art in four powerful Adobe software programs within the Apple/Macintosh platform: Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign and Animate. As an extension of traditional drawing and painting, the student will concentrate on utilizing these software programs to not only enhance their abilities to create original pieces of digital artwork, but also to prepare them for a possible career in the visual arts and the technology required to sell their work. All work is done in the classroom; there is NO homework, tests or quizzes. One chosen project will serve as a final.
- Homework Expectation: none
- Year
- 10 Credits
- UC Approved
GRAPHIC DESIGN 1 - GRADES 9-12
Graphic Design is a year-long digital art class providing students a hands-on, working knowledge of a career in graphic design. Students will explore the role of the artist as a visual communicator — one who seeks bold simplicity of form. Utilizing two powerful software programs (Adobe Illustrator CS5 and Adobe Photoshop CS5), students will create vector-based (line) illustrations, business documents (logos, ads, brochures, etc.), and pixel-based photo manipulation. We will focus on the six design elements: line, color, shape, space, value and texture, as well as the design principles of balance and emphasis. Mastery of the Mac operating system will further enhance the students' grasp of technology in the world of graphic design. The course has a limited enrollment. All work is done in the classroom; there is NO homework, tests or quizzes. One chosen project will serve as a final.
- Homework Expectation: none
- Year
- 10 Credits
- UC Approved
GRAPHIC DESIGN 2 - GRADES 10-12
Prerequisites: A minimum C- in Graphic Design 1 or teacher approval.
Graphic Design 2 continues to provide students a hands-on, working understanding of a career in digital graphic design within the MacIntosh environment. As an extension of Graphic Design 1, students will continue to explore the role of the artist as a mass communicator — one who seeks bold simplicity of form. Utilizing the powerful software programs, Adobe Illustrator CS6, and Adobe Photoshop CS6, Adobe InDesign CS6, and Adobe Animate, the student will create original vector-based (line) illustrations, pixel-based photographic enhancements, both aimed toward final assembly within a digital desktop publishing program. With dynamic composition as a goal, we will focus on the five elements of design: line, color, shape, space and texture, as well as three significant design principles: balance, emphasis and unity. Each student will be treated as a working graphic designer under the guidance of an art director (teacher), with projects reflecting authentic design campaigns.
- Homework Expectation: none
- Year
- 10 Credits
- UC Approved
AP 2-D ART AND DESIGN - GRADES 11, 12
Prerequisites: Completion of two out of three courses in each category (Drawing and Painting or Graphic Design) with a minimum A- in each semester: Drawing and Painting, Drawing and Painting 2, Advanced Drawing and Painting, OR Graphic Design, Graphic Design 2, Adobe Suite. Teacher approval required.
AP Art and Design provides the motivated art student with the opportunity to develop a two-part portfolio that is personal to their individual talents and interests. Through the creation of up to 15 pieces of art over the course of the year, students will submit a portfolio to the College Board for evaluation in May in either 2-Dimensional Design or Drawing. Students are expected to conduct an in-depth, sustained investigation of one theme or idea over the course of the year. The course focuses on concepts and skills emphasized within college art and design foundation courses with the same intent: to help students become inquisitive, thoughtful artists and designers able to articulate information about their work. AP Art and Design students develop and apply skills of inquiry and investigation, practice, experimentation, revision, communication, and reflection.
- Homework Expectation: 2-3 hours per week, can include weekends and breaks
- AP Exam Required: $105 Fee
- Year
- 10 Credits
- UC Approved for Honors
PHOTOJOURNALISM/NEWSPAPER - GRADES 9-12
Photojournalism/Newspaper provides the student with hands-on experience in planning, writing, editing, and producing the monthly JSerra school newspaper. This course is a one-year course focusing on how to effectively communicate with the greater JSerra community. The class emphasizes logical thinking, interviewing skills, accurate and concise journalistic composition, editorial writing, original photography, and layout. The newspaper will be produced digitally on the computer via Macintosh, utilizing a variety of software programs, and output as both an electronic file and as a traditional printed piece. All work is done in the classroom; there is NO homework (unless you are late for the monthly deadline.)
- Homework Expectation: none
- Year
- 10 Credits
- UC Approved
PHOTOJOURNALISM/YEARBOOK - GRADES 9-12
Photojournalism/Yearbook is an art class, as well as a journalism class, providing students with hands-on experience and a working understanding in the design and production of a high school yearbook. We will explore the role of the artist as a visual communicator—one who seeks bold simplicity of form. Utilizing three powerful software programs (Adobe In-Design CS6, Adobe Photoshop CS6, and Adobe Illustrator CS6) the student will create JSerra's high school yearbook, "The Legacy." With dynamic composition as a goal, we will focus on the six design elements: line, color, shape, space, value and texture, and two significant design principles: balance and emphasis. Each student will be encouraged to find the curiosity and passion required to create his/her own unique pages; the yearbook is only as memorable as the effort put in by its staff. Adhering to deadlines will be crucial and will certainly affect your grade. All work is done in the classroom; there is NO homework, tests or quizzes.
- Homework Expectation: none
- Year
- 10 Credits
- UC Approved
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
- DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY 1 - GRADES 9-12
- DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY 2 - GRADES 10-12
- AP 2-D ART AND DESIGN: PHOTOGRAPHY - GRADES 11, 12
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY 1 - GRADES 9-12
Prerequisite: Must possess a DLSR camera.
Digital Photography 1 is a year-long course that explores the digital photographic process. Course topics include: digital camera operation, camera manipulation, preproduction and postproduction techniques, image manipulation and restoration, and ethical issues surrounding digital manipulation. Students will also learn of past and current inspirational photographers and their impact on the photographic world. Students will gain a real world understanding of the elements of art and principles of design, composition, and black and white tonal scale in relation to the photographic process. Using Adobe Photoshop, students will further explore combining digital techniques with historic and alternative photographic processes for greater artistic expression. Instruction will include both in class demonstrations and location assignments both on and off campus. Students are provided with a current IMac for use at school to complete assignments.
- Homework Expectation: 1-2 hours per week
- Year
- 10 Credits
- UC Approved
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY 2 - GRADES 10-12
Prerequisite: A minimum B- in each semester of Digital Photo 1 or teacher approval.
Digital Photography 2 is an intermediate photography class for students with a working knowledge of digital photography and application in real world scenarios. Expected topics will be studio lighting, HDR photography, night photography as well as advanced lessons in Photoshop, Lightroom and Bridge. This year-long course is designed to continue to build student knowledge, further skill levels and to encourage the student to develop a style and incorporate that into all assignments. The student will utilize these techniques to develop advanced artistic problem-solving skills and to convert digital images into high quality photographs and artwork including professional prints on metal, canvas and traditional photographic paper as well as display on digital media and online galleries. Students are provided with a current IMac to complete in-class assignments. Students will be required to compile a portfolio of work each semester for evaluation.
- Homework Expectation: 1-2 hours per week
- Year
- 10 Credits
- UC Approved
AP 2-D ART AND DESIGN: PHOTOGRAPHY - GRADES 11, 12
Prerequisites: A minimum A- in each semester of Digital Photography 1 and 2. Teacher approval required.
AP 2-D Design: Photography provides the motivated photography student with the opportunity to develop a two-part portfolio that is personal to their individual talents and interests, while demonstrating mastery of 2-D design principles as they pertain to photography. Since this is a design course, other students in the class will work with a variety of art media while AP Photography students will use photography as their medium. Through the creation of up to 15 images over the course of the year that demonstrate a sustained investigation of one theme or idea, students are required to submit a portfolio to the College Board for evaluation in May. Homework consists of photoshoots for each project, while class time is used for editing and critiques. AP Art and Design: Photography students develop and apply skills of inquiry and investigation, practice, experimentation, revision, communication, and reflection.
- Homework Expectation: 1-2 hours per week, can include weekends and breaks
- AP Exam Required: $105 Fee
- Year
- 10 Credits
- UC Approved for Honors