Visual and Performing Arts Department

FINE ARTS DEPARTMENT

Note: An asterisk (*) following the course title indicates the course meets the

entrance requirements for UC/CSU when passed with a grade of C or better.

ART I/ART II *

Prerequisite: None

Grade 10, 11, 12 1 Year

The Fine Arts Department stresses the theme “Art is communication.” The teacher emphasizes perception and expression of the student’s personal and communal world. The students explore various media while learning fundamental techniques of design, composition, form, and color. The students are introduced to drawing with an emphasis on various styles. The student will also be introduced to the basic fundamentals of portraiture, landscape, and still life. The media to be used are pencil, charcoal, pen, ink, watercolor, pastels, and collage. Art II explores advanced techniques in artistic media. The student builds on techniques already developed and experiments with additional mediums such as: painting, printmaking, fabric design, graphic art, and stencil making. This course fulfills the Visual and Performing Arts requirement for graduation.

ADVANCED ART/PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT

Corequisite: Art I and II or Dance

Grade 11, 12 1 Year

A year-long course intended to assist students in preparing portfolios for various art colleges and art programs in the following areas: Fine Arts (Drawing and Painting), Photography, Graphic Arts. As a project-based course, students design and complete work based on personal interests and/or portfolio requirements for programs to which the students are applying.

DIGITAL ART *

Prerequisite: None

Grade 10, 11, 12 1 Year

This course emphasizes The Elements & Principles of Design. Visual problem solving skills are explored through the computer, which is used as the main tool for creative expression and communication. Photography will be a focus in the second semester as a method for creative expression. Historical periods and artists are compared and contrasted through reading, writing, and computer based activities. Aesthetic valuing and criticism are combined within the curriculum through verbal and written critiques of student work. California State Framework as well as Five Content Standards in Art are infused within the course.

DANCE*

Prerequisite: None

Grade 9 1 Year

This course is designed for the student who has no previous understanding of dance. It will give the student a basic introduction to dance history, dance skills, costume design, and performance production. The student will be able to appreciate various styles of dance from ballet to hip hop along with an emphasis on fitness and exercise. A quarter of this class will also be dedicated to a health component. Through their study, students will see the benefits of taking care of oneself, making healthy choices and understanding that taking care of one's health is a lifelong discipline. This course fulfills the MSHS P.E. requirement.

YEARBOOK

Prerequisite: Department approval

Grade 9-12 1 Year (zero period)

The yearbook class has as its main function the production of the Mary Star of the Sea Yearbook (Stella Maris). The staff is introduced to the principles of photojournalism, copywriting, editing, layout design, advertising, and other business techniques. In order to meet deadlines, staff members use the principles learned and work together to establish the yearbook’s budget, content, organization and design. Class size limited to 20 students. Students are required to interview for this class.