Visual Arts Curriculum
*Honors classes for Visual Arts I, II & III are also offered
Visual Art I
- Course Number: 003501
- Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisites: None
- Credits: 1 (one)
VISUAL ART I (Intro. to Art) is a full-credit elective designed to help students understand the visual qualities of the world around them, to encourage awareness and to develop skills in various areas including drawing, color fundamentals and design principles. Students work with pencil, charcoal, pastel and watercolor.
Note: All supplies must be purchased. Co-curricular after school and weekend hours devoted to the GHS Fine Arts Department are a required part of evaluation.
Visual Art II
- Course Number: 003502
- Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
- Prerequisites: Art I with permission by the Art I instructor. This advanced level course is not recommended for students earning less than a strong “B” average in Art I. Portfolio review for new GHS students for correct placement is required.
- Credits: 1 (one)
VISUAL ART II (Intermediate Art), a full credit course, provides in-depth development of skills with emphasis on the student’s personal approach. Art history is integral to all art courses. Traditional and contemporary styles are explored to develop individual expression. Areas explored may include drawing, painting, sculpture, silkscreen and printing.
Note: All supplies must be purchased. Co-curricular after school and weekend hours devoted to the GHS Fine Arts Department are a required part of evaluation.
Visual Art III
- Course Number: 603503
- Grade Level: 11, 12
- Prerequisites: Art I, Art II and the permission of the Art II instructor. This advanced level course is not recommended for students earning less than a strong ‘B’ plus average in Art II. Portfolio review for new GHS students to ensure correct placement is required.
- Credits: 1 (one)
ART III (Adv. Art) is a full-credit, advance-level continuation of drawing and painting with emphasis on techniques, composition and color. Students explore multi-media approaches to assigned problems. The program may incorporate set design and execution, program and poster design and mural painting.
Note: All supplies must be purchased. Co-curricular after school and weekend hours devoted to the GHS Fine Arts Department are a required part of evaluation.
Visual Art IV Honors
- Course Number: 603504
- Grade Level: 12
- Prerequisites: Art I, Art II, Art III and permission of the Art III instructor. This advanced level course is not recommended for students earning less than a strong ‘A’ average in Art III. Portfolio review for new GHS students to ensure proper placement is required.
- Credits: 1 (one)
ART IV (Sr. Studies) is a full-credit course for in-depth specialization, includes individual study, exhibits and portfolio preparation. Inter-departmental and community involvement is encouraged.
Note: All supplies must be purchased. Co-curricular after school and weekend hours devoted to the GHS Fine Arts Department are a required part of evaluation.
Art I (Pre-IB)
- Course Number: 3501B1G
- Grade Level: 9
Art I is designed to help students understand the visual qualities of the world around them, to encourage awareness, and to develop skills in various areas, including drawing, color fundamentals, and design principles. Students work with pencil, charcoal, pastel, and watercolor.
Note: all supplies must be purchased. Co-curricular after school and weekend hours devoted to the GHS Fine Arts Department are a required part of the course.
Art II (Pre-IB)
- Course Number: 3502B1G
- Grade Level: 10
Art II provides in depth development of skills with emphasis on the student’s personal approach. Art History is integral to all art courses. Traditional and contemporary styles are explored to develop individual expression. Areas explored may include drawing, painting, sculpting, silk screening, and printing.
Note: all supplies must be purchased. Co-curricular after school and weekend hours devoted to the GHS Fine Arts Department are a required part of the course.
Visual Arts IB/HL
- Course Number: 3511B1B
- Grade Level: 11
- Prerequisites: The successful completion of Art I and Art II.
The Visual Arts IB course will bring together both cognitive and poignant experiences that will expand students’ analytical and personal view of themselves and other cultures of the world. The course incorporates the theory and practice of visual arts with human experience and presents the students an opportunity to discover themselves within a cultural context.
Visual Arts HL and SL will include aesthetics, art history, criticism and practical studio work. The courses will not be based on merely one concept of the visual arts but will encourage students to fortify personal perspectives and various approaches. Students enrolled in senior level IB Visual Arts are required to take the IB exam.
Advanced Placement Studio Art (Drawing Portfolio)
- Course Number: 803533
- Grade Level: 12
- Prerequisites: Art III, portfolio review, and AP rubric required for all applicants.
- Credits: 1 (one)
ADVANCED PLACEMENT STUDIO ART (Drawing Portfolio) is a specific course of study prepared by The College Board. It parallels specialized drawing curriculums and programs in college and university art departments and in art schools. Two major areas of drawing are emphasized: perceptual and conceptual. Students will be required to use a variety of media in the course and will be required to complete an extensive drawing portfolio. The portfolio is evaluated for advanced placement credit. The course is designed for the student who is seriously interested in the practice of art.
Note: Speak with a teacher for information regarding AP course and AP examination. All supplies and slides must be purchased. All students enrolled in AP courses are expected to take the AP exam. Summer work is required. See AP art instructor or Guidance. AP rubric must be met to enroll in this class. Co-curricular after school and weekend hours devoted to the GHS Fine Arts Department are a required part of evaluation.
