Visual Arts - Electives

3D Sculpture 1 is a hands-on course that allows students to develop technique and knowledge of three-dimensional processes along with creative problem-solving skills. Through the study of the elements of art and principles of design, students will learn to use and arrange three-dimensional media in an expressive way. Students will explore the history of sculpture from representational to non-objective styles.

First-year art students are enrolled in this introductory course. Art 1 includes both 2D and 3D art production as well as visual literacy experiences. The course content focuses on the elements of art and an introduction to the principles of design. Students will use creative processes to communicate ideas and personal life experiences. The curriculum for Advanced Middle Years Programme (MYP) Art 1 will incorporate MYP global contexts, strategies, and assessment criteria.

Students will focus on the principles of design with reinforcement of the elements of art. In this course, students examine the importance of process, content, concepts, and skills involved in the development of original works of art and design. Students will demonstrate proficiency and craftsmanship in a variety of media.

Art 3 emphasizes critical thinking skills that enable students to organize, investigate, and analyze visual arts content and concepts. Students increasingly focus on historical and cultural studies, critical evaluation, and creative problem solving through art production. Students will provide evidence of original ideas while demonstrating accomplished skill and technique with a variety of traditional and contemporary tools and media.

Students will investigate, interpret, and analyze artworks while reflecting on their success and growth as an artist. Students will demonstrate advanced skills and techniques in art making. Students will also demonstrate mastery through a culminating portfolio that exhibits personal direction, quality, concentration, breadth of experience, and technical skills.

Students will focus on art production reinforcing the learning of the elements of art and the principles of design. Students will continue to maintain and expand on the development of a process art portfolio that demonstrates independent research and mastery of skills and art processes. Students will refine their artistic vision and demonstrate innovative skills and craftsmanship with both two and three-dimensional media. These courses are sequentially designed to extend and further develop personal expressive abilities. Artistic expression is explored through discipline-based art education (art production, art history, art aesthetics, and art criticism).

Art History will provide a comprehensive program of study that includes architecture, painting, sculpture and other visual art forms in relation to history and cultures. Students will study medieval times through modern art trends. Two visits to Washington's art galleries are included to evaluate different works of art. This course may be of interest to CISL students and is a prerequisite for students wishing to take AP Art History. This course will complement classes in the humanities, providing multicultural and interdisciplinary connections. Students will be expected to pursue their own artistic talents outside the classroom.

The Art Portfolio Preparation studio is intended for students committed to serious study in visual art. The studio component focuses on the student's individual artistic talents. The portfolio, compiled by the student, will demonstrate a variety of experiences in formal, technical, and expressive means. This course is highly recommended for juniors considering AP Art their senior year.

This course places emphasis on the production of artistic digital imagery, rather than commercial/web graphics. Students will use photographic software to examine and alter images for computer graphic and fine art applications. The study of aesthetics and the history of art will be included in the course. Students will use a variety of media within this course such as natural art media, scanned images and digital photography. Students will be required to produce digital portfolios.

Student must provide a 35mm SLR film camera (for schools with darkrooms) or a digital camera. A fee may be charged for consumable materials needed to complement the provided materials.

The course is an introduction to photography as an art medium. Light, design, lens, camera, film, and darkroom techniques are explored. The history of photography and related career opportunities provide a broad overview of the continually growing technical and artistic field of photography. Student self-expression as a means of creative communication is emphasized throughout the course. A student portfolio is maintained for assessment and exhibition.

Student must provide a 35mm SLR film camera (for schools with darkrooms) or a digital camera. A fee may be charged for consumable materials needed to complement the provided materials.

Students will expand on their photography skills through the use of 35mm cameras. Emphasis will be placed on the study of personal expression and development of creativity. Advanced camera skills and darkroom techniques will be studied through a variety of assignments. The history of photography will be offered through the study of major photographers, photographic imagery, the use of photography for artistic communication, and the major themes used by photographers. Ethical issues concerning photographic imagery will be explored. Students will produce a portfolio containing both 35mm and digital photographs reflecting a series of works organized around a compelling visual concept or concentration.

Scientific Illustration is an alternative class to the Art 1 elective and will meet the SOL's for Art 1 while using scientific material as a subject and source of inspiration. The basic elements of art and the principles of design will be studied. This course will specifically meet the needs of specialty program students and other students who indicate an interest in studying art through the lens of science. The course focuses on the development of artistic skills, understanding of creative techniques, aesthetics awareness, and historical and cultural knowledge. A cumulative portfolio of selected works of art will demonstrate the students' individual growth and reflect a broad range of techniques, media, and styles that reflect ethical practices.