The purpose of this course is to investigate the aesthetic content and historical context of images, icons, monuments, and shelter through analysis and written response about works of art from early times through contemporary art forms. A thematic approach enables students to compare, and contrast works of various artists, periods, and styles. Global Art, Sculpture, and Architectural forms are also examined for subject matter, function, purpose, and artist intent. Students will take the College Board Assessment for this course.

The purpose of the course is to investigate a wide range of media and techniques, from both a historical and contemporary perspective, as students engage in the art-making processes of creating two-dimensional works, which may include drawing, painting, printmaking, and/or collage. Student artists use critical analysis to reflect on their own artwork and that of others to achieve artistic goals related to craftsmanship, technique, safety, and application of 21st-century skills. This course incorporates historical and cultural references, hands-on activities, journaling, and consumption of art materials.

The purpose of this course is to sharpen powers of observation and develop art skills by experimenting with wet and dry media, techniques, and drawing approaches to record ideas and to transfer concepts to painting, printmaking, collage, and/or design. Students sketch, plan, practice, and manipulate the structural elements of art; use research information; visualize imaginative ideas; and improve mark-making skills that are fundamental to all visual art imagery. Ethical use of art content is stressed. Through the critique process, students evaluate and respond to their own work and the work of others. This course incorporates hands-on activities, sketchbook journaling, and consumption of art materials.

The purpose of this course is to develop and refine mark-making and technical skills using a variety of media to achieve spatial relationships in representational, abstract, and nonrepresentational drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, and/or design. Students sketch, manipulate, and refine the structural elements of art through the organizational principles of design to complete a composition from observation, research, and/or imagination. Through the critique process, students evaluate and respond to their own work and the work of others; consider how art reflects society; and collaborate on ideas and imagery. This course incorporates historical and cultural references, hands-on activities, sketchbook journaling, and consumption of art materials.

The purpose of this course is to emphasize the creation and communication of symbols, ideas, and concepts, sharpen powers of observation, and incorporate cultural and historical connections in a variety of two-dimensional (2-D) works. Students practice sketching, experiment with wet and dry drawing media and techniques for approaches to drawing problems, develop critical thinking skills, and improve mark-making which is fundamental to all visual arts imagery. Figure drawing is introduced, and career and real-world applications will be investigated. Ethical use of art content is stressed. Through the critique process, students evaluate and respond to their own work and the work of others. This course incorporates hands-on activities and consumption of art materials.

The purpose of this course is to develop and refine mark-making, technical, and media skills and create 2-D compositions in which objects are imitated or altered in appearance with changes in lighting and/or artist viewpoint. Students sketch, manipulate, and practice creating subjective and objective drawings based on the structural elements of art, the organizational principles of design, observation, spatial relationships, visualization, reinvention, and research. Compositions incorporate conceptual or informational ideas from still life, landscape, figures, and/or architecture. Through the critique process, students evaluate and respond to their own work and the work of others. This course incorporates hands-on activities and consumption of art materials.

Part of the ART department at Southwestern Middle School.

The purpose of this course is to explore the fundamental concepts, terminology, techniques, and applications of digital imaging as they relate to the development, creation, and display of graphic and fine art works. Students produce digital still images through the single or combined use of computers, digital cameras, scanners, photo editing software, drawing and painting software, graphic tablets, printers, new media, and emerging technologies. Additional content includes the interrelationship between digital arts and other art forms and subjects; legal and ethical responsibilities; cooperative skills; and connections to history, culture, and real-world applications. Journals/sketchbooks contain developing ideas based on the structural elements, research, and notes to support the creative process. Through critiques, students evaluate and respond to their own work and the work of others to measure artistic growth. This course incorporates hands-on activities, the use of technology, and consumption of art materials.

The purpose of this course is to develop and expand concepts, terminology, techniques, and applications for the creative process to design, print, and display original two-dimensional graphic and fine works of art. As students become more adept at using the tools and techniques available to them, they design digital still and/or animated images through the single or combined use of computers, digital cameras, scanners, software (i.e., photo editing, drawing, painting, animation, presentation, etc.), graphic tablets, printers, new media, and emerging technologies. Journals/sketchbooks contain compositional ideas based on the structural elements, research, documentation, and notes to support the creative process. Additional content includes the interrelationship between digital arts and other art forms and subjects; legal and ethical responsibilities; cooperative skills; and connections to history, culture, and real-world applications. Through the critique process, students evaluate and respond to their own designs and images and the work of others to measure artistic growth with increasing sophistication. This course incorporates hands-on activities, the use of technology, and consumption of art materials.

The purpose of this course is to explore the aesthetic foundations of art making using beginning photography techniques and color and/or black and white photography via digital media and/or traditional photography. Students become familiar with the basic mechanics of a camera, including lens and shutter operation, lighting, compositional foundations, printing an image for display, and evaluating a successful print. Student photographers may use a variety of media and materials, such as 35mm black and white film, single lens reflex camera, digital camera, darkroom, computer application, filters, various papers, digital output, photogram, cyanotypes, Sabatier effect, and pinhole photography. Craftsmanship and quality are reflected in the surface of the prints and the care of the materials. Photographers use an art criticism process to evaluate, explain, and measure artistic growth in personal, or group works. Cultural and historical connections will be covered, as well as career and real-world applications, copyright law, safety, and ethical issues. This course incorporates journaling, hands-on activities, photographic resources, and consumption of art materials.

The purpose of this course is to experiment with a variety of photographic media and techniques and make connections with historical and contemporary photographers to develop a focused body of work. This course may include, but is not limited to, researching the history of photography, making connections to contemporary and community photographers, critiquing with varied techniques, and experimenting with a variety of photographic media. Processes and techniques include, but are not limited to, handcrafted pinhole cameras, hand-tinted photographs, mixed media, cyanotypes, medium format, photo collage, cross-processing, creative filters, infrared and slide film, night photography, macro, panoramic, and/or digital output via a variety of media. Journals/sketchbooks contain compositional ideas based on the structural elements, research, process documentation and notes to support the creative process. Craftsmanship and quality are reflected in the surface of the print, care of the materials, attention to compositional conventions, and expression of ideas and viewpoints. Photographers use an art criticism process to evaluate, explain, and measure artistic growth in personal, or group works. Cultural and historical connections will be covered in technical and aesthetic terms, as well as career and real-world applications, copyright law, safety, and ethical issues. This course incorporates hands-on activities, photographic resources, and consumption of art materials.

The purpose of this course is to investigate a wide range of media and techniques, from both a historical and contemporary perspective, as students engage in the art-making processes of creating 3-D artworks, which may include sculpture, assemblage, and/or ceramics. Student artists reflect on their own artwork and that of others through critical analysis to achieve artistic goals related to craftsmanship, technique, and application of 21stcentury skills. This course incorporates hands-on activities and consumption of art materials.