Arts Magnet

History of the Arts introduces students to the great artistic works of human history in the fields of painting, sculpture, architecture, music, dance, theatre, and film. Connections between different art forms are emphasized as the course seeks to provide many new sources of inspiration for students, regardless of their principal discipline. This course explores the creative process through many different historical and cultural contexts as students further develop their own identity as creative artists in relationship to their own culture and time period. Students frequently respond to historic art works through critical analysis or creative projects.

• Year
• 10 Credits

Prerequisite: Completion of Dance I or approval of instructor.

Dance II will focus on dance performance in all dance genres: Jazz, modern, contemporary dance, musical theater, ballet, and liturgical dance. Dance II will also enable students to choreograph group pieces for themselves and for their peers. The students will be evaluated on their daily participation, classwork, homework, and participation in numerous performances throughout the semester as well as a performance at the end of each semester.

Course Goals: Dance II students will become confident performers, displaying intermediate dance technique, emotional/artistic expression in performance, and professional work habits in the context of performance. Additional Arts Magnet coursework is required.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Prerequisite: Completion of Dance II or approval of instructor.

This Fine Arts/PE course is for the experienced dancer and audition is required for entry into this class. Dancers in this course are expected to work at an advanced dance level in both artistic and technical aspects of dance. This group will anchor all dance performances and will be included in collaborative performances with the choral and instrumental music departments. All performances are required and graded. Dancers will also be given opportunities to discover dance in their community by attending local performances and meeting industry professionals. Additional Arts Magnet coursework is required.

Course Goals: Dance three students will be able to hone their artistic, performance skills while being expected to perform at a high level of technical ability.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Prerequisite: Completion of Dance III or approval of instructor.

This Fine Arts/PE course is for the experienced dancer and audition is required for entry into this class. Dancers in this course are expected to work at an advanced dance level in both artistic and technical aspects of dance. This class will also include a writing element which will include the study of dance current events, history, and an extended research paper will be assigned. Two text books will be required for this course. This group, with Dance 3, will anchor all dance performances and will be included in collaborative performances with the choral and instrumental music departments. All performances are required and graded. Dancers will also be given opportunities to discover dance in their community by attending local performances and meeting industry professionals. Dancers in Dance IV will be expected to fulfill an internship requirement by acting as an assistant to an instructor at a local dance studio. Additional Arts Magnet coursework is required.

Course Goals: To train the most well- rounded dancer in both technical and academic aspects of dance. Additionally, pedagogy will be introduced in order to prepare dancers for careers in dance instruction.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Prerequisite: Arts Magnet Program student or approval of instructor.

Co-requisite: Dance 4

Advanced Dance Production is a fine arts course for the student dancer who desires to pursue a career in professional dance production. These students aspire to be teachers, choreographers and directors. In this course the students will be guided through producing two dance productions, full-length dance concerts, within the length of an academic year. Responsibilities of the student will include but not be limited to: writing a budget, reserving facilities for concerts, designing all press materials (press releases, posters, tickets, programs), establishing a running order for each production, and organizing volunteers for each event. Students in this course will also have to choreograph alone, not in a collaborative sense, works for fellow dancers, design costumes, learn basic stage lighting skills and learn rudimentary sound design and sound engineering for each concert. The responsibilities of the artistic versus the executive director in a non-profit, performance company context, grant writing and fund raising, will also be studied and discussed.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

This class provides performing and visual arts students with opportunities to explore potential careers in their specialties. Students will meet, interview, and shadow professional artists in their area of interest in order to gain knowledge of the real life challenges and rewards of a career in the arts. In addition, students will refine their portfolios and auditions skills, and receive guidance in applying to art schools, music, and drama conservatories. The class will also create inter-disciplinary creative projects that emphasize collaboration as a tool for imaginative thinking.

• Semester
• 5 Credits

History of the Arts introduces students to the great artistic works of human history in the fields of painting, sculpture, architecture, music, dance, theatre, and film. Connections between different art forms are emphasized as the course seeks to provide many new sources of inspiration for students, regardless of their principal discipline. This course explores the creative process through many different historical and cultural contexts as students further develop their own identity as creative artists in relationship to their own culture and time period. Students frequently respond to historic art works through critical analysis or creative projects.

• Year
• 10 Credits

An introduction to the skills used in television production for broadcast and the internet. Using a lecture/lab format, this course provides a comprehensive overview of the medium and provides each student with hands-on experience in television studio and field production techniques. Students will learn all the basic elements and techniques of production and postproduction for broadcast and the internet. Students will work in small production groups to learn the collaborative aspects of television & internet broadcasting. This class will serve as the foundation for the upper level classes of the department. Additional Arts Magnet coursework is required.

Enrollment is limited.

• Year
• 10 Credits

Prerequisite: Instructor approval. Enrollment is limited.

Working in one or two-person teams under deadline pressure, students will report, photograph, write, and edit packages for television news. During the course of the semester, students will be assigned to cover a variety of news stories including spot news, political news, business news, and light features. Students will be assigned a beat to cover. Some of the stories will air on the Daily “Lion Report.” Additional Arts Magnet coursework is required.

• Year
• 10 Credits

Prerequisite: Instructor approval. Enrollment is limited.

Working in one or two-person teams under deadline pressure, students will report, photograph, write, and edit packages for television sports and entertainment. During the course of the semester, students will be assigned to cover a variety of sports and entertainment stories including JSerra Lions sporting events and special performances by the, band, choir and theater department. Students will be assigned a beat to cover. Some of the stories will air on the Daily “Lion Report.” Additional Arts Magnet coursework is required.

• Year
• 10 Credits

This exciting class is an introduction to “Film” production and the art of storytelling. Each student will learn the techniques of film making from script to screen. Students will get the opportunity to write, shoot and edit a series of exploratory film exercises. The primary emphasis is on telling a story visually, employing basic cinematography, lighting, editing, and sound recording. The object of the class at the end of each semester is to produce a 10 to 15 minute film. The goal for the class is to enter their film in local film festivals. The course has a limited enrollment. Additional Arts Magnet coursework is required.

Enrollment is limited.

• Year
• 10 Credits

Prerequisite: Students must have taken Broadcast Journalism, Introduction to Television & Internet, or Film Making I and earned a B+ or better in each semester. In addition, each prospective student’s acceptance will be based on a personal one on one interview and video sample review. Enrollment is limited.

“The Lion Report” class will give the elite students selected the opportunity to produce the Lion Report that is broadcast to the entire school on a daily basis. Students will be required to produce the daily 5-7 minute broadcast that is based on current events, happenings, news, sports and features that are occurring at JSerra High School. The students will get the opportunity to produce the broadcast utilizing the JSerra Lions State of the Art Television Studio. Additional Arts Magnet coursework is required. Class is limited to 20 students. The course has a limited enrollment.

• Year
• 10 Credits

This class provides performing and visual arts students with opportunities to explore potential careers in their specialties. Students will meet, interview, and shadow professional artists in their area of interest in order to gain knowledge of the real life challenges and rewards of a career in the arts. In addition, students will refine their portfolios and auditions skills, and receive guidance in applying to art schools, music, and drama conservatories. The class will also create inter-disciplinary creative projects that emphasize collaboration as a tool for imaginative thinking.

• Semester
• 5 Credits

History of the Arts introduces students to the great artistic works of human history in the fields of painting, sculpture, architecture, music, dance, theatre, and film. Connections between different art forms are emphasized as the course seeks to provide many new sources of inspiration for students, regardless of their principal discipline. This course explores the creative process through many different historical and cultural contexts as students further develop their own identity as creative artists in relationship to their own culture and time period. Students frequently respond to historic art works through critical analysis or creative projects.

• Year
• 10 Credits

Prerequisite: A grade of B or better in both semesters of Drawing & Painting I or a similar year long art course; teacher approval.

Drawing and Painting 2 is a year long course, which continues the exploration and applications of the elements and principles of design. Students will create art projects that problem solve in a more complex manner. Students will work in oil, acrylic and watercolor paints, explore the human anatomy, and work in a more independent manner than in Drawing and Painting 1. Students will compile a portfolio by the end of the semester.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Prerequisites: A grade of B+ in all semesters of Drawing & Painting I and Drawing & Painting II.

This course is designed to give the advanced art student a more specific overview of academic art training including graphite, charcoal and oil techniques, using the elements and principles of design in the process. The students will explore these techniques on a higher level and the subject matters will include, master copies, site-size techniques, the figure, still life and portraiture. Students will continue to be provided with the common core of instruction of the elements and techniques of painting and its related vocabulary. Focus will be on the use of opaque materials and techniques.

• Year
• 10 Credits

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 Flash. 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.

Prerequisite: Students must have earned a grade of A- or better in both semesters of their previous History and English courses; teacher approval and summer assignment required. A minimum enrollment is required for this class.

This is a year-long course that prepares the student for the AP College Board exam in May. Students review the art history from eras beginning at 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 do a research paper pertaining to one of the art history eras.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Prerequisite: Completion of two out of three of the following courses: Drawing & Painting 1, Drawing & Painting 2, Advanced Drawing & Painting, with a grade of A- or better each semester. Teacher approval and summer assignments are required.

AP Studio Art is intended for students who are seriously interested in the practical experience of art. Through the creation of up to 28 pieces of art over the course of the year, students will submit a portfolio to the College Board for evaluation in May. The portfolio requires the student to show a fundamental competence and range of understanding of visual concerns and methods in the three areas: Concentration, Breadth and Quality. Breadth consists of twelve works that show the student's depth of experience with a variety of media, subjects and approaches. Quality will represent five of the student’s best work, and Concentration consists of twelve works that explore a theme chosen by the student. Students will experience a broad exploration of artistic concepts and media use

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Prerequisite: Completion of two out of three of the following courses: Drawing & Painting 1, Drawing & Painting 2, Advanced Drawing & Painting, with a grade of A- or better each semester. Teacher approval and summer assignments are required.

AP Studio Art is intended for students who are seriously interested in the practical experience of art. Through the creation of up to 28 pieces of art over the course of the year, students will submit a portfolio to the College Board for evaluation in May. The portfolio requires the student to show a fundamental competence and range of understanding of visual concerns and methods in the three areas: Concentration, Breadth and Quality. Breadth consists of twelve works that show the student's depth of experience with a variety of media, subjects and approaches. Quality will represent five of the student’s best work, and Concentration consists of twelve works that explore a theme chosen by the student. Students will experience a broad exploration of artistic concepts and media use.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

This class provides performing and visual arts students with opportunities to explore potential careers in their specialties. Students will meet, interview, and shadow professional artists in their area of interest in order to gain knowledge of the real life challenges and rewards of a career in the arts. In addition, students will refine their portfolios and auditions skills, and receive guidance in applying to art schools, music, and drama conservatories. The class will also create inter-disciplinary creative projects that emphasize collaboration as a tool for imaginative thinking.

• Semester
• 5 Credits

History of the Arts introduces students to the great artistic works of human history in the fields of painting, sculpture, architecture, music, dance, theatre, and film. Connections between different art forms are emphasized as the course seeks to provide many new sources of inspiration for students, regardless of their principal discipline. This course explores the creative process through many different historical and cultural contexts as students further develop their own identity as creative artists in relationship to their own culture and time period. Students frequently respond to historic art works through critical analysis or creative projects.

• Year
• 10 Credits

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Computer Graphic Design

Graphic Design II, the logical continuation of Graphic Design I, 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 I, we 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, and Adobe InDesign CS6 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 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.

• Year
• 10 Credits

This year-long course explores the digital photographic process. Course topics include: digital camera operation, camera manipulation, pre-production and post-production techniques, image manipulation and restoration, and ethical issues surrounding digital manipulation. Students will gain an understanding in the element and principle of design, composition, black and white tonal scale, and color theory 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. Students will be required to compile a portfolio of work each semester evaluation. Students must possess a digital camera to take this course.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Prerequisite: A grade of B or better in both semesters of Digital Photo I; teacher approval.

Digital Photography II is an intermediate photography class for students with a working knowledge of digital photography and the creation of digital prints using Photoshop computer software. This year-long course is designed to continue to build student knowledge, further skill levels and to encourage the student to develop and explore learned digital camera and Photoshop techniques. The student will utilize these techniques to develop advanced artistic problem solving skills and to convert digital images into high quality photographs and artwork. Students must also possess a digital camera to take this course.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Flash Animation is a year-long digital art class introducing students to both web design (1st Semester) and cartoon animation (2nd Semester). Utilizing Adobe Flash CS5 students will design a functioning web site, complete with action scripting (user interface), motion and sound. Students will also create a three-minute cartoon in conjunction with elementary story boarding. As a backdrop we will explore basic design elements (line, shape and space) as well as design principles (balance and emphasis). Mastery of the Mac operating system will further enhance the students’ grasp of technology in the world of graphic arts. The course has a limited enrollment.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Prerequisite: Students must have earned a grade of A- or better in both semesters of their previous History and English courses; teacher approval and summer assignment required. A minimum enrollment is required for this class.

This is a year-long course that prepares the student for the AP College Board exam in May. Students review the art history from eras beginning at 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 do a research paper pertaining to one of the art history eras.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Prerequisite: Completion of two out of three of the following courses: Drawing & Painting 1, Drawing & Painting 2, Advanced Drawing & Painting, with a grade of A- or better each semester. Teacher approval and summer assignments are required.

AP Studio Art is intended for students who are seriously interested in the practical experience of art. Through the creation of up to 28 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. The portfolio requires the student to show a fundamental competence and range of understanding of visual concerns and methods in the three areas: Concentration, Breadth and Quality. Breadth consists of twelve works that show the student's depth of experience with a variety of media, subjects and approaches. Quality will represent five of the student’s best work, and Concentration consists of twelve works that explore a theme chosen by the student. Students will experience a broad exploration of artistic concepts and media use

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Prerequisite: Completion of two out of three of the following courses with an A- or better each semester: Digital Photo I, Digital Photo 2, Computer Graphic Design. Teacher approval and summer assignments are required.

Advanced placement photography addresses the theory and practical application of photography as a visual art at an advanced level. Students explore image making in the photographic and art studios, on location, and in the computer lab, producing a portfolio of up to 28 professional quality images for submission to the College Board for evaluation in May. The portfolio is submitted under the Two-Dimensional Design category in which students must demonstrate technical skill and an understanding of the principles of design in three areas: Breadth, Concentration and Quality.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Prerequisite: Completion of either Graphic Design, Digital Photo or Middle School Yearbook; Teacher recommendation required.

Photojournalism/Yearbook combines graphic design, photography and journalism in the design and production of the JSerra yearbook, The Legacy. We employ three software programs: Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop. Given unlimited creative license, students are encouraged to take ownership of the book that will capture their peers’ high school years. Our pages cover everything from Spirit Week to Homecoming to JSerra’s own Eucharistic Procession.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

This class provides performing and visual arts students with opportunities to explore potential careers in their specialties. Students will meet, interview, and shadow professional artists in their area of interest in order to gain knowledge of the real life challenges and rewards of a career in the arts. In addition, students will refine their portfolios and auditions skills, and receive guidance in applying to art schools, music, and drama conservatories. The class will also create inter-disciplinary creative projects that emphasize collaboration as a tool for imaginative thinking.

• Semester
• 5 Credits

History of the Arts introduces students to the great artistic works of human history in the fields of painting, sculpture, architecture, music, dance, theatre, and film. Connections between different art forms are emphasized as the course seeks to provide many new sources of inspiration for students, regardless of their principal discipline. This course explores the creative process through many different historical and cultural contexts as students further develop their own identity as creative artists in relationship to their own culture and time period. Students frequently respond to historic art works through critical analysis or creative projects.

• Year
• 10 Credits

Prerequisite: Audition required and teacher approval.

This ensemble is created specifically for the cultivation and exploration of the female vocal instrument and its use in the performance of sophisticated solo and choral literature. Each student will master concepts in choral styles and languages. This group performs at many adjudicated festivals, competitions and Mass throughout the year. Additional Arts Magnet coursework is required.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Prerequisite: Audition required and teacher approval.

This class is designed for students who wish to be challenged vocally, musically and intellectually. As the premier vocal ensemble at JSerra Catholic High School, students will be held to the highest standards of musicianship and professionalism, and will perform competitively. The choral literature performed is of the same level as most universities and is drawn from the early Renaissance to Contemporary music, including liturgical praise and worship. Languages in which the students will be expected to sing include Italian, German, French, Russian, Japanese and English. Additional Arts Magnet coursework is required.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Prerequisites: Completion of the Beginning Piano course or the ability to play pieces equivalent to J.S. Bach’s Anna Magdalena Notebook, Clementi’s Sonatinas (Opus 36), or Burgmuller’s 25 Progressive Pieces for the Piano (Opus 100) and play triads and scales in C, G, D, A, E, B, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, and Db major. Must be willing to practice a minimum of 45 minutes to1 hour per day. Additional Arts Magnet coursework is required.

Advanced students may use this class to develop their skills further. Students will have in class performance opportunities including a recital each semester.

• Year
• 10 Credits

Prerequisite: Ability to read music and 2+ years of experience playing a string instrument.

This intermediate/advanced level instrumental music course is open to students who read music and have at least two years of experience playing a string instrument (violin, viola, cello, or double bass). Advanced pianists may join by audition. In this course, students develop their musical skills through the rehearsal and performance of music written for string and full orchestra. Students are expected to attend rehearsals outside of the school day and participate in required concerts, gigs, and other special events. The Chamber Orchestra frequently combines with the Wind Ensemble to form the JSerra Symphony Orchestra. Additional Arts Magnet coursework is required. Though there are a limited number of instruments the school can loan, students are generally expected to provide their own instrument. Students are encouraged to reenroll in Chamber Orchestra multiple times

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Prerequisite: Ability to read music and 2+ years of experience playing a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument.

This intermediate/advanced level instrumental music course is open to students who read music and have at least two years of experience playing a woodwind instrument (flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, or saxophone), brass instrument (trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone, or tuba), or percussion instrument (snare drum, timpani, xylophone, etc). In this course, students develop their musical skills through the rehearsal and performance of music written for concert band and full orchestra. Students are expected to attend rehearsals outside of the school day and participate in required concerts, gigs, and other special events. The Wind Ensemble frequently combines with the Chamber Orchestra to form the JSerra Symphony Orchestra. Additional Arts Magnet coursework is required. Though there are a limited number of instruments the school can loan, students are generally expected to provide their own instrument. Students are encouraged to re-enroll in Wind Ensemble multiple times.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Prerequisite: 2+ years of participation in Music Department choral or instrumental ensembles or instructor approval

Co-requisite: Students must simultaneously be enrolled in an intermediate or advanced Music Department performance course

This advanced level music course is open to choral or instrumental students who have participated for at least two years in intermediate or advanced level ensembles. Additionally, students must be concurrently enrolled in another Music Department performance course. The AP Music Theory 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.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

This class provides performing and visual arts students with opportunities to explore potential careers in their specialties. Students will meet, interview, and shadow professional artists in their area of interest in order to gain knowledge of the real life challenges and rewards of a career in the arts. In addition, students will refine their portfolios and auditions skills, and receive guidance in applying to art schools, music, and drama conservatories. The class will also create inter-disciplinary creative projects that emphasize collaboration as a tool for imaginative thinking.

• Semester
• 5 Credits

History of the Arts introduces students to the great artistic works of human history in the fields of painting, sculpture, architecture, music, dance, theatre, and film. Connections between different art forms are emphasized as the course seeks to provide many new sources of inspiration for students, regardless of their principal discipline. This course explores the creative process through many different historical and cultural contexts as students further develop their own identity as creative artists in relationship to their own culture and time period. Students frequently respond to historic art works through critical analysis or creative projects.

• Year
• 10 Credits

Prerequisite: A grade of B or better in both semesters of Digital Photo I; teacher approval.

Digital Photography II is an intermediate photography class for students with a working knowledge of digital photography and the creation of digital prints using Photoshop computer software. This year-long course is designed to continue to build student knowledge, further skill levels and to encourage the student to develop and explore learned digital camera and Photoshop techniques. The student will utilize these techniques to develop advanced artistic problem solving skills and to convert digital images into high quality photographs and artwork. Students must also possess a digital camera to take this course.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

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 explore basic design elements (line, shape and space) as well as design principles (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.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Computer Graphic Design

Graphic Design II, the logical continuation of Graphic Design I, 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 I, we 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, and Adobe InDesign CS6 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 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.

• Year
• 10 Credits

Flash Animation is a year-long digital art class introducing students to both web design (1st Semester) and cartoon animation (2nd Semester). Utilizing Adobe Flash CS5 students will design a functioning web site, complete with action scripting (user interface), motion and sound. Students will also create a three-minute cartoon in conjunction with elementary story boarding. As a backdrop we will explore basic design elements (line, shape and space) as well as design principles (balance and emphasis). Mastery of the Mac operating system will further enhance the students’ grasp of technology in the world of graphic arts. The course has a limited enrollment.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Prerequisite: Students must have earned a grade of A- or better in both semesters of their previous History and English courses; teacher approval and summer assignment required. A minimum enrollment is required for this class.

This is a year-long course that prepares the student for the AP College Board exam in May. Students review the art history from eras beginning at 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 do a research paper pertaining to one of the art history eras.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Prerequisite: Completion of two out of three of the following courses with an A- or better each semester: Digital Photo I, Digital Photo 2, Computer Graphic Design. Teacher approval and summer assignments are required.

Advanced placement photography addresses the theory and practical application of photography as a visual art at an advanced level. Students explore image making in the photographic and art studios, on location, and in the computer lab, producing a portfolio of up to 28 professional quality images for submission to the College Board for evaluation in May. The portfolio is submitted under the Two-Dimensional Design category in which students must demonstrate technical skill and an understanding of the principles of design in three areas: Breadth, Concentration and Quality.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Prerequisite: Completion of either Graphic Design, Digital Photo or Middle School Yearbook; Teacher recommendation required.

Photojournalism/Yearbook combines graphic design, photography and journalism in the design and production of the JSerra yearbook, The Legacy. We employ three software programs: Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop. Given unlimited creative license, students are encouraged to take ownership of the book that will capture their peers’ high school years. Our pages cover everything from Spirit Week to Homecoming to JSerra’s own Eucharistic Procession.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

This class provides performing and visual arts students with opportunities to explore potential careers in their specialties. Students will meet, interview, and shadow professional artists in their area of interest in order to gain knowledge of the real life challenges and rewards of a career in the arts. In addition, students will refine their portfolios and auditions skills, and receive guidance in applying to art schools, music, and drama conservatories. The class will also create inter-disciplinary creative projects that emphasize collaboration as a tool for imaginative thinking.

• Semester
• 5 Credits

History of the Arts introduces students to the great artistic works of human history in the fields of painting, sculpture, architecture, music, dance, theatre, and film. Connections between different art forms are emphasized as the course seeks to provide many new sources of inspiration for students, regardless of their principal discipline. This course explores the creative process through many different historical and cultural contexts as students further develop their own identity as creative artists in relationship to their own culture and time period. Students frequently respond to historic art works through critical analysis or creative projects.

• Year
• 10 Credits

Prerequisites: Theater I and audition.

Theater II is a year-long course designed for those students who have successfully completed the Theater I course. Theater II continues to emphasize acting styles and broadens knowledge of directional techniques. This course further provides the student with the opportunity to develop the actor/director/character relationship by writing and performing in a one-act play. The dramatization of this one-act play, with all production aspects, will be emphasized. Various theater techniques will also be emphasized, including improvisation, memorization, preparation, blocking, articulation, and stage presence. An introduction of theater history and acting styles will be discussed. Additional Arts Magnet coursework is required.

• Year
• 10 Credits

Prerequisite: The completion of Theatre I or Theatre II. Audition required.

This year long class delves into the history and performance of musical theatre. This class is a survey of the influential artists who produce, write, direct, and perform on America's musical stages from the 1860’s to today. Students will also perform concurrently with the musical theatre styles that are analyzed in the units of study. Additional Arts Magnet coursework is required.

• Year
• 10 Credits

Prerequisite: Completion of Theatre II and teacher approval through an audition.

This course is designed to enable the student to explore a particular theatrical form in more detail and in depth. The class emphasizes production, performance, stage technique, voice, stage design, costuming properties, and theater history. The course also emphasizes polishing talent, building confidence for professional or apprentice auditions, and gaining experience in public performances. Additional Arts Magnet coursework is required.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Prerequisite: The completion of Theatre I or Theatre II.

This year long course enables the students to learn the facets of technical theatre .The class emphasizes costume design, set design, lighting design, makeup design and stage management. Students will not only learn the technicalities of the design fields, but learn the hands on application of the study. Additional Arts Magnet coursework is required.

• Year
• 10 Credits

This class provides performing and visual arts students with opportunities to explore potential careers in their specialties. Students will meet, interview, and shadow professional artists in their area of interest in order to gain knowledge of the real life challenges and rewards of a career in the arts. In addition, students will refine their portfolios and auditions skills, and receive guidance in applying to art schools, music, and drama conservatories. The class will also create inter-disciplinary creative projects that emphasize collaboration as a tool for imaginative thinking.

• Semester
• 5 Credits