| PHILOSOPHY
The aim of the visual arts program is to enable students to become better
observers and interpreters of their world. With an emphasis on building
skills necessary for visual communication and encouraging creative problem
solving, students will acquire a knowledge of the creative process that
is fundamental to all learning. Students learn to evaluate and constructively
criticize their own artwork and the work of others. By providing students
with the opportunity to create, look at, and respond to works of art,
students will learn to “make meaning from experience, respond to
creativity, and contribute to society.” (Massachusetts Arts Frameworks).
Description of Classes
NEW MEDIA
Photography I #650 (Grades 11 and 12) 2.5 credits
This course introduces the camera and darkroom as creative tools. You
are
taught to use various types of cameras and related equipment, to properly
expose and develop film, and to create black-and-white prints. After we
have
covered the fundamentals, we will shift our emphasis to photography as
a
visual language. Class critiques of work from photo assignments will provide
a forum to critically discuss photography as an art form in both personal
and cultural terms. Class will be divided between the classroom and
supervised darkroom sessions.
Photography II #651 (Grades 11 and 12) 2.5 credits
Prerequisite: Photography I
Photography II is an advanced class for students who would like to develop
critical and technical skills. I assume that students at this level have
achieved a degree of independence and are starting to evolve ideas, a
visual
language, and dialogue about their work. Students participate in critiques
of their own work and that of fellow students, and work on acquisition
of
technical control. I will introduce you to medium-format cameras,
alternative processes and the use of lighting in photography. By the end
of
this semester you should have a solid grasp of the technical aspects and
an
awareness of what you are interested in photographing.
Beginning Electronic Imaging #630 2.5 Credits
Prerequisite: Computer Skills or permission of instructor.
This course will introduce students to digital media. Students will focus
on developing technical skills in electronic imaging. The student will
learn the basics of digital photography, digital video and web design.
The
student will then have the opportunity to choose an area in which to focus
and develop a final project utilizing that medium.
Projects in New Media #635 2.5 Credits
Prerequisite: Beginning Electronic Imaging and permission of instructor
(by
application).
This course is for students who wish to pursue independent projects in
photography, video/filmmaking, and/or online imaging. The student will
propose the project(s) on which they will work throughout the term. Once
accepted into the course, the student, with the assistance of the
instructor, will determine a timeline, assessments and deadline for
completion of the final work. This course may be repeated for credit should
the student wish to continue to pursue media projects.
TV Studio #643 5 Credits
Prerequisite: Beginning Electronic Imaging
Students learn the basics of video production and TV broadcasting. They
will write proposals and scripts, create storyboards to create a television
show. Students will then shoot digital footage and edit on a non-linear
editing system (Final Cut Pro). Students will utilize digital video cameras
to produce programming for the High School’s cable access channel.
The
course will be designed to give students access and knowledge of all aspects
of a T.V. studio. Responsibilities will include directing, editing,
lighting, sound as well as acting in or hosting a T.V. show proposed by
the
student.
Video #660 5 Credits
Prerequisite: Beginning Electronic Imaging
The course will consist of a series of intensive workshops designed to
give
the student the skills to become a technically proficient and thinking
video
maker. Students produce individual projects through hands-on instruction
in
camera composition, lighting, sound, and editing. We survey and analyze
current trends in video and digital art practices through frequent
screenings, readings, and discussions, and we explore a wide range of
possibilities for video art production including single-channel,
installation, performance, and Internet projects. We provide access to
equipment such as DV cameras, microphones, lighting kits, and Final Cut
Pro
nonlinear editing systems.
Visual Culture #645 (Grades 11 and 12) 5.0 Credits
Interdisciplinary course offered in conjunction with the English Department
In this course, students will investigate the ways various popular media
operating in contemporary society communicate information. Students will
study visual culture through readings, film, and T.V. screenings as well
as
critical theories of the media. Students will have the opportunity to
experience a variety of communication forms (television, film, video,
magazines, newspapers, multi-media production, the internet, and other
emerging technologies) and assess the communication strategies each employs
to evaluate their effectiveness. Finally, this course will give students
the necessary tools to become more sophisticated and critical consumers
of
the mass media.
ART
Philosophy
The aim of the visual arts program is to enable students to become better
observers and interpreters of their world. Through practice and exploration
student artists discover new perspectives on themselves and their experience.
They learn to evaluate and constructively criticize their own artwork
and the
work of others. By providing students with the opportunity to develop
skills,
create, look at, and respond to works of art, students will learn to “make
meaning from experience, respond to creativity, and contribute to society.”
(Massachusetts Arts Frameworks)
Introduction to Art I (1st Semester only) #891 2.5 Credits
The foundation and prerequisite for Introduction to Art II and Intermediate
I and II
The emphasis in this class will be on developing confidence in drawing
while
providing students with an in depth understanding of the elements and
principles of design. Skills such as shading and perspective are taught
with
a concentration on drawing from direct observation. Various drawing media
and styles are introduced.
Introduction to Art II (2nd Semester) #892 2.5 Credits
Designed as a continuation of Introduction to Art I, this course provides
an
introduction to color theory, painting and sculpture. The first term focuses
on color theory and design. Students will explore the role of color in
the
development of form, depth, and composition. In the second term, students
are exposed to sculpture as a new possibility for self expression.
Intermediate Art I #801 2.5 Credits
Prerequisite: Introduction to Art I
This course will provide students with the opportunity to explore a variety
of art media in two and three dimensional projects. Assignments will focus
on problems which have professional applications. Bookmaking, theatrical
design, product design and illustration are among the subjects explored.
Intermediate Art II #802 2.5 Credits
As a continuation of Intermediate Art I students will apply their art
skills
to practical as well as creative problem solving. Students will apply
their
knowledge to projects which enhance the school environment and involve
subject matter from other curricula. Students will be encouraged to think
creatively and independently. A research and creative project focused
on a
professional artist/designer will be assigned.
Ceramics (offered both semesters) #827 2.5 Credits
This course will provide students with an understanding of clay as both
a
sculptural and functional material. Students will learn hand building,
making pottery on the wheel and a variety of decorative and glazing
techniques.
Art Major #814 5 Credits
Prerequisite: Intermediate I or II
In this class, students refine their art skills, with a focus on drawing
from the figure. Students work to deepen their understanding of the uses
of
both two dimensional and three dimensional art media. In order to learn
new
ways to approach the same subject matter, students are encouraged to work
in
series. Students participate in class critiques and learn to apply art
terminology to discussions of their work.
Portfolio Preparation #824 5 Credits
Prerequisite: Art Major
This course is intended for students with an ongoing interest in art or
for
those who wish to compile a portfolio for college applications. Students
learn about the criteria used to judge a portfolio and will learn how
to
document their work for submission. The focus will be on creating a
portfolio that highlights the student’s specific skills while reflecting
a
breadth of art ability. Students complete an independent project exploring
a
topic or theme of their own choice. Guest speakers from art colleges are
invited to speak.
Studio Art (Advanced Placement) #836 5 Credits
Students who elect this course will be creating a portfolio for art school.
The course structure correlates to foundation classes taught at the college
level. Students are required to develop a series of projects which focus
on
technical skills and exploration of conceptual issues. Because of the
requirements for accreditation, students must be willing to work after
school as well as in class. Fifteen to twenty projects must be completed
over two semesters. AP Studio Art can be elected as an independent study
or
as part of the Art Major/Portfolio class.
Art History (Advanced Placement) #217 5 Credits
This course is designed to provide Littleton students with the same
background in art history as an introductory college course in art history.
Students electing this course will study a diverse historical and cultural
sampling of the major works of art represented in various art forms:
architecture, sculpture, painting, and other art forms. Students will
learn
to observe art intelligently and critically as well as analytically. It
is
the goal of this course to provide students with an opportunity to
interrelate their knowledge of history and literature in order to enrich
their understanding of art history. While no prior knowledge of art history
is assumed, this course does require a high degree of academic commitment
in
order to meet college standards.
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