Course Descriptions
This course will focus mainly on drawing skills with some painting incorporated into the course of study. Various mediums and techniques will be explored as the students’ progress throughout the semester, as well as examining historical and contemporary works of art. Students must keep an outside drawing journal throughout the course. Students with a serious, disciplined interest in the fine arts should enroll. This course is available with the RACC Dual-Enrollment option. A good attendance record is essential. Prerequisite: successful completion of Fundamentals of Art I. Ninth grade students who meet the equivalent prerequisite skills in their JHS art program may be recommended.
Experiences from Fundamentals of Art I will be an asset to students taking this course. Studio work, critical analysis, and historical and cultural perspectives are combined to give the student an opportunity to explore a variety of craft methods and materials. Students explore both functional and aesthetic works and learn to transition from working two-dimensionally to three-dimensionally. Materials such as, but not limited to, ceramics, weaving, mixed media and jewelry will be explored. A good attendance record is essential for the completion of projects.
Prerequisite: Students need to have completed and successfully achieved an 85% or better in Fine Arts I or Fundamentals of Art II and have written permission from the instructor. Serious art students will explore the elements and principles of two and three- dimensional design as they relate or contrast to commercial and industrial art through studio experiences. The course will prepare students for their foundation level college course. Students will use a wide variety of materials and methods. A good attendance record is essential for the completion of projects. This course is available with the RACC Dual-Enrollment option.
Fine Arts II is designed for serious art students who wish to do advanced work in both drawing and painting, with the main focus on painting. Students will explore various mediums, techniques, historical and contemporary works, and critiques. Students must keep an outside drawing journal throughout the course. A good attendance record is essential for the completion of projects. This course is available with the RACC Dual-Enrollment option. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Fine Arts I.
Fundamentals of Art is specifically designed for students interested in art but have limited art studio experience. Students will learn about the elements and principles of design and explore and experience a wide variety of visual arts areas including basic drawing, design, sculpture, and crafts.
Fundamentals of Art II is designed for individuals interested in art, who would like to continue their explorations of various media both two and three dimensionally. Students will further develop their artistic skills in media such as drawing, painting, ceramics, papier-mâché, pastel and mixed media. A good attendance record is essential for the completion of projects. Historical research and writing will be a component of some of the projects. Prerequisite: successful completion of Fundamentals of Art I.
Graphic Design I introduces students to the world of computer based art and design. Students will learn the Adobe design programs Illustrator and Photoshop. This course will cover print media concepts through units such as typography, graphics and photographic manipulation. In addition, students will formulate their ideas by utilizing the design thinking process; a creative process that designers use when solving visual problems.
This course will cover advanced print media concepts through units such as typography, graphics, photographic manipulation and layout design. Students will learn the Adobe design programs Illustrator and Photoshop. In addition, students will formulate their ideas by utilizing the design thinking process; a creative process that designers use when solving visual problems. Knowledge of design concepts and layout as well as the ability to think creatively and work independently is essential. This class is recommended for the students who are serious about pursuing graphic design, marketing and/or print production as a career. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Graphic Design I.
This course is a more advanced version of Graphic Design II where students who are interested in pursuing a major in graphic design are given the opportunity to develop a digital portfolio.Students will learn more advanced techniques within the Adobe design programs Illustrator and Photoshop. Knowledge of design concepts and layout as well as the ability to think creatively and work independently is essential. By the end of this course, students will have created a portfolio highlighting their best design work from Graphics I, II, and III; that shows their proficiency in multiple areas of digital and printed media. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Graphic Design I and II.
Studio Art History is designed for non-art majors as well as those interested in pursuing art. This course is for individuals who have an appreciation for art history, would like to enhance their reading, writing, and research skills in academically based studies, as well as supplement those skills with hands-on studio art experiences that relate to the art history lessons. This course is available with the RACC dual enrollment option. Students may qualify for college credits through RACC. To receive credit through RACC, students must satisfy the prerequisite: Advanced Placement Language and Composition.
This class is designed to introduce students to various forms of contemporary art-making in sculpture, printmaking, and mixed media. This class will also offer opportunities to discuss the competitive modern art industry of today. Fundamentals of Art I is a prerequisite for Contemporary Art.
Ceramics Studio introduces students to wheel throwing, numerous hand building techniques, glazing and firing of clay as an expressive studio medium applicable to traditional and contemporary forms. Functional and sculptural concepts will be addressed and forms will be used to expand sensitivity to material and the history of ceramics. Clay vessels will be utilized to develop an understanding of glazing and firing techniques. Students must be responsible, due to the nature of the tools and equipment used in this course, and work well in a cooperative setting. A good attendance record is essential for the completion of projects. The successful completion of the Fundamentals of Art I course is required for entry to this course.
This course is designed for students interested in designing and producing Exeter’s yearbook. Students will learn advanced design processes through page layouts, creating graphic themes, photographic editing, and creative graphic design and typography skills. Other responsibilities include interviewing, feature writing, module layouts, picture planning, sales design, marketing, advertising, and statistics. Students will also learn how to collaborate with copywriters, photographers, club advisors and the various departments within the high school to aide in the successful completion of layouts for the yearbook. Photoshop and Illustrator techniques will be taught as well as the Studio Works online yearbook design software. Students are required and will be expected to participate in Yearbook class activities outside the hours of the school day as part of their course of study. This may include the following: Taking pictures of home sporting events or after school activities, helping to proof, edit or design yearbook spreads after school to meet deadlines, or helping sales and marketing efforts by creating emails or printed promotional materials that are to be distributed throughout the school. Prerequisites include Graphic Design I or successful completion of English 9. Those interested in photography must have completed a photography class. Students must complete an application form with recommendations from another teacher before being granted admission to this course.
This class is designed to meet the need to prepare students interested in Art History to successfully complete the College Board AP Art History exam. It provides a rigorous, college-level art history course for students considering pursuing their post-secondary education in art or art education. AP Art History also provides a rigorous, college-level, experience for students in expository and comparative writing, discussion, and presentation. Prerequisite: Honors level or AP English.
This portfolio is designated for work that focuses on the use of drawing skills, including mark-making, line, surface, space, light and shade, and composition. Drawing (analog and digital), painting, printmaking, and mixed media work are among the possibilities for submission. Prerequisite: successful completion of Fundamentals of Art I or II and an upper level art course.
This portfolio is designated for work that focuses on the use of two-dimensional (2-D) elements and principles of art and design, including point, line, shape, plane, layer, form, space, texture, color, value, opacity, transparency, time, unity, variety, rhythm, movement, proportion, scale, balance, emphasis, contrast, repetition, figure/ ground relationship, connection, juxtaposition, and hierarchy. Graphic design, digital imaging, photography, collage, fabric design, weaving, fashion design, fashion illustration, painting, and printmaking are among the possibilities for submission. Prerequisite: successful completion of Fundamentals of Art I or II and an upper level art course.
This portfolio is designated for work that focuses on the use of three-dimensional (3-D) elements and principles of art and design, including point, line, shape, plane, layer, form, volume, mass, occupied/unoccupied space, texture, color, value, opacity, transparency, time, unity, variety, rhythm, movement, proportion, scale, balance, emphasis, contrast, repetition, connection, juxtaposition, and hierarchy. Figurative or non-figurative sculpture, architectural models, metal work, ceramics, glasswork, installation, performance, assemblage, and 3-D fabric/fiber arts are among the possibilities for submission. Prerequisite: successful completion of Fundamentals of Art I or II and an upper level art course.