Today’s world of work is becoming increasingly visual and requires creative problem solving skills. Studio Art courses in two-dimensional and three-dimensional art and photography provide these important visual communication skills. Art courses can offer a crucial balance to a heavy academic schedule, encouraging personal growth and development of lifelong learning skills.
Art courses can be an essential element of a Regents Diploma. The one-credit art/music graduation requirement can be met within the Art Department by taking Studio in Art: Foundations, Photography 1 and Photography 2, or Studio in Media Arts in combination with an introductory music course or another art course.
An art course lays the foundation for a well-rounded education. An art sequence can enhance academic skills and provide a strong portfolio of work, which is especially valuable in professions such as engineering, medicine, architecture and design, and fine art fields. Five units of art can be substituted for the three-year World Languages requirement for the Advanced Regents Diploma.
Art Courses
0400 – STUDIO IN ART: Foundations
40 weeks – 1 credit – Grades 9-12
Art Foundations is a year-long introduction to the visual arts. It is taught in a studio atmosphere with emphasis on visual perception and experiences in a variety of art media. It is broadly based on the elements and principles of art, their use in our environment and their historical significance. This course is a prerequisite for an art sequence. This course is recommended to meet the Art/Music graduation requirement, and for students pursuing a college preparation program of study where a portfolio can enhance the academic record.
0401 – PAINTING & DRAWING
40 weeks – 1 credit – Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: 0400 or 0441
Painting & Drawing is a second-year art course that builds on the studio art experience. It expands knowledge and technique in the elements and principles of art. Drawing and painting, as well as media exploration and other art forms, are explored. Working from the figure, still life and landscape are integral to this process, and lead to unique, individualized portfolios.
0441 – STUDIO IN MEDIA ARTS
20 weeks – 1/2 credit – Grades 9-12
This dynamic course offers students a foundational exploration of diverse artistic media in studio arts. Media Arts provides hands-on experience in various media formats, including explorative drawing and painting, experimental process art, animation, or digital design. Students will delve into the creative process, from conceptualization to execution, gaining proficiency in industry-standard tools and techniques. With a focus on fostering interdisciplinary connections, technical skills, and artistic expression, students are encouraged to push the boundaries of traditional media arts, fostering innovation and creative problem-solving. Participants will engage in collaborative projects, cultivating a versatile skill set that prepares them for the multifaceted landscape of contemporary art creation. This course, with another 1/2 unit art, photography or music course, may be used to meet the Art/Music requirement.
0404 – ADVANCED ART I
40 weeks – 1 credit – Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: 0401
This is a course designed for art students who are interested in developing a deeper understanding and use of art media and technique. Students evaluate their basic strengths and weaknesses. They develop projects to strengthen their skills in order to develop a well-rounded portfolio and identify the role of art skills in expanding career fields.
0409 – ADVANCED ART II
40 weeks – 1 credit – Grades 11-12
Prerequisite: 0404
This course continues the development of student strengths in all art media and addresses any weak areas in the developing portfolio. Students at this level develop additional skills in art criticism, identify contemporary trends in art history, and begin work on a concentration in preparation for the AP Art course.
0406 – ADVANCED PLACEMENT ART
40 weeks – 1 credit – Grade 12
Prerequisite: 404, 409 and/or AP Art teacher approval
This course offers students the opportunity to earn AP credit in either the Drawing Portfolio or the Art and Design Portfolio, and is recognized by most colleges and art schools. The AP score is based on the evaluation of the portfolio work sent to the College Board in May. AP Art is organized on a seminar basis, allowing motivated students the experience of college-level work through completing a sustained investigation of their choosing.
Ceramics and Sculpture Courses
Suggested Ceramics 3-D Design Cluster
- 0408 Studio in Ceramic 3-D Design: 1 credit/40 weeks
- 0416 Studio in Advanced Ceramics 3-D Design I: 1/2 credit/20 weeks
- 0417 Studio in Advanced Ceramics 3-D Design II: 1/2 credit/20 weeks
- 0420 AP Art 3-D Design Portfolio: 1 credit/40 weeks
Suggested 3-D Design and Sculpture Cluster
- 0408 Studio in Ceramic 3-D Design: 1 credit/40 weeks
- 0418 Studio in 3-D Design and Sculpture I: 1/2 credit/20 weeks
- 0419 Studio in 3-D Design and Sculpture II: 1/2 credit/20 weeks
- 0420 AP Art 3-D Design Portfolio: 1 credit/40 weeks
0408 – STUDIO IN CERAMIC 3-D DESIGN
40 weeks – 1 credit – Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: 0400 or 0441
This course introduces students to ancient and contemporary hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques. Ceramic students create a wide variety of objects from utilitarian pottery to unique sculptures using the elements of art and principles of design. Artwork produced in this course may be selected for inclusion in an AP Art 3D Design Portfolio for college credit.
0416 – STUDIO IN ADVANCED 3-D CERAMIC DESIGN I
20 weeks -1/2 credit – Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: 0408 or permission from the ceramics teacher
Students will implement skills and knowledge gained in Studio in Ceramics to further explore their own perceptions and ideas in clay. Wheel throwing and hand building of vessels and sculptures will be done primarily in a series of related pieces showing development of skills, forms and themes employing the elements of art and principles of design.
0417 – STUDIO IN ADVANCED 3-D CERAMIC DESIGN II
20 weeks – 1/2 credit – Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: 0408 or permission from the ceramics teacher
Students will continue to develop skills and knowledge gained in Studio in Advanced 3D Ceramic Design I to further explore their own perceptions and ideas in clay. Selected work made in this course may be included in the AP Art 3D Design Portfolio for college credit.
0418 – STUDIO IN 3-D DESIGN AND SCULPTURE I
20 weeks – 1/2 credit – Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: 0408
This course provides students with an introduction to basic sculptural processes, materials and equipment. Focus is placed on the development of three-dimensional design (form, space, object, composition), strengthening observational skills and safety. Students will create figures, portraits, abstractions, assemblages and other types of sculptures using a variety of materials and form-making processes, including additive (modeling, constructive) and subtractive (carving). Students will work with materials such as plaster, paper, cardboard, clay, stone, wire, etc.
0419 – STUDIO IN 3-D DESIGN AND SCULPTURE II
20 weeks – 1/2 credit – Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: 0408
Students will continue to develop skills and knowledge gained in Studio in 3D Design and Sculpture I. Focus is placed on the development of three-dimensional design (form, space, object, composition), strengthening observational skills and safety. Artwork produced in this course may be selected for inclusion in an AP Art 3D Design Portfolio for college credit.
0420 – ADVANCED PLACEMENT ART 3-D DESIGN PORTFOLIO
40 weeks – 1 credit – Grade 12
Prerequisite: 0416, 0417, 0418 and 0419 and/or teacher approval
This course offers students the opportunity to earn AP credit for a 3-dimensional design portfolio. The AP score is based on the evaluation of the portfolio work sent to the College Board in May. Advanced Placement Art 3D Design is organized on a seminar basis, allowing motivated students the experience of college-level work through completing a sustained investigation of the students’ choosing.
Photography Courses
0431 – PHOTOGRAPHY 1
20 weeks – 1/2 credit – Grades 9-12
Photography I is a beginning photography course designed to introduce students to the digital single lens reflex camera, as well as digital imaging. This course includes an introduction to the camera body and lens operation, shooting modes, white balance, memory cards, file formats, and editing techniques. Heavy emphasis is placed on lighting, composition, and creativity. Previous photography knowledge is not necessary. ACCESS TO A DSLR IS RECOMMENDED. ACCESS TO A DIGITAL CAMERA IS REQUIRED. This course, in combination with Photography 2, can be used to meet the Art/Music graduation requirement.
0433 – PHOTOGRAPHY 2
20 weeks – 1/2 credit – Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: 0431
This course allows students to expand their camera and digital imaging skills acquired during Photography I. Advanced instruction will include areas of artificial lighting, composition and advanced post-processing techniques. Topics include the business of photography and its possible vocational aspects. ACCESS TO A DSLR IS REQUIRED.
0435 – ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHY 3
20 weeks – 1/2 credit – Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: 0433
This course is designed for students who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of digital photographic media and techniques. The students will be required to create projects that are aimed to strengthen their design skills as well as build their portfolio. Course emphasis will be on the refinement of basic technical skills and the development of a personal direction in photography for the student. ACCESS TO A DSLR IS REQUIRED.
0439 – ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHY 4
20 weeks – 1/2 credit – Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: 0435 and/or teacher approval
This intensive course is tailored for students seeking to elevate their photographic skills to an advanced level by delving into specialized aspects of photography, and honing both technical expertise and creative finesse. Through a curated curriculum, students will explore advanced techniques in composition, lighting, and post-processing, fostering a nuanced understanding of visual storytelling. Emphasis is placed on hands-on projects, encouraging students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. Whether capturing moments in the studio or exploring the dynamic interplay of light and shadow outdoors, participants will emerge from this course with a refined portfolio and a heightened ability to convey their artistic vision through the lens. ACCESS TO A DSLR IS REQUIRED.
0440 – AP 2-D Art and Design
40 weeks – 1 credit – Grades 11-12
Prerequisite: 0439 and/or teacher approval
AP 2-D Art and Design is a comprehensive course designed for aspiring artists who wish to delve into the world of 2-dimensional design through photography at an advanced level. Aligned with the College Board’s AP program, this course offers a deep exploration of the principles and techniques of visual storytelling through the lens. Over the duration of the program, students will engage in a sustained investigation, crafting a unique and cohesive body of work as part of the AP 2-D Design Portfolio. Emphasizing both technical proficiency and conceptual depth, this 1-credit course aims to nurture students’ creative vision while preparing them for the challenges of artistic expression in the realm of photography. ACCESS TO A DSLR IS REQUIRED.