A R T D E P A R T M E N T: VISUAL ARTS AND THEATRE Welcome to the Monroe-Woodbury High School Visual Arts and Theatre Department. Our program is designed to awaken and unleash creativity. The diverse coursework develops artistic skills and allows students to acquire knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of the artistic and cultural accomplishments of various civilizations. Our course offerings range from computer animation and graphics to sculpture and painting, acting and stagecraft to photography and crafts. The courses are "hands on" and fun. Our staff works with students to teach them the process involved in functional, performance-based, or aesthetic creativity. The department provides an environment within which students may realize a sense of personal integrity and success in the development of their individual abilities and skills. Whenever possible, field trips to regional museums enhance classroom learning and exposures. For those students interested in majoring in Art, we offer many sequences and advanced courses in the Fine Arts, Media Arts, and Theatre Arts. Our staff serves as mentors for Senior Art Majors and guides them through the college application, portfolio review, and senior art exhibit process. PREREQUISITES: Foundation level courses include General Crafts, Design and Drawing for Production, Basic Video Production, Computer Animation, Acting, Stagecraft, Computer Graphics, Studio Art I-2D, Studio Art II-3D, and Survey and Issues in Art History. Studio Art I- 2D and II-3D, Survey and Issues in Art History and Senior Art Seminar are required of all students who are planning a Regents Diploma sequence with a major in Art. Department Chair approval is required for all students who wish to take a course without fulfilling the prerequisites. Students acquiring five units of credit in Visual Art may be exempt from the L.O.T.E. graduation requirement. All students wishing to use Art as a sequence must prepare an approved Art portfolio as well as participate in the Senior Art Seminar which includes the Portfolio Show, Domain Project, and Oral Defense. The three or five-unit Art sequence meets the New York State Education Department requirement as stated under Graduation Requirements. The three-credit Art sequence cannot be used in lieu of any other graduation requirements. A three-credit Art sequence must include: Studio Art I-2D and Studio Art II-3D - 1 credit Senior Art Seminar - 1/2 credit 16
Students may pursue a three-credit sequence in Design and Drawing for Production by completing: Design and Drawing for Production 1 credit Three or more of the following 1/2 credit courses: o Stagecraft o Αdvertising Design o Computer Graphics o Architectural Design Senior Art Seminar 1/2 credit NYSED Regents High School Diploma of Distinction in the Arts Five-Credit Art Sequence Monroe-Woodbury High School awards all qualified five-credit sequence Art Majors with the NYS Regents High School Diploma of Distinction in the Arts. The requirements for this diploma include: Studio Art I-2D and Studio Art II-3D 1 credit Art History 1/2 credit Senior Art Seminar 1/2 credit Elective courses minimum of 3 credits. Portfolio Preparation course - highly recommended. Specific information is available from the Art Department. Students pursuing an Art sequence in the Theatre Arts are required to take the Acting and Stagecraft I courses toward the three-to-five-credit sequence. Please note: Only Foundation level Art courses are permitted to be used to meet the one credit Art/Music graduation requirement. FOUNDATION LEVEL COURSES Acting I The course is designed as a study and practice of the basic principles of modern acting, using the Stanislavski-based method. The course examines the role of the actor, with emphasis given to concentration and imagination exercises, theatre games, improvisation, character development, sensory skills, movement and voice articulation, as well as the fundamentals of preparing a scene. This semester course may be offered as a full-year, alternate-day course. Basic Video Production Basic Video Production is an introduction to the creative use of media through video and creative sound. Students cover historical perspectives, scripting, and film their own works. 17
Computer Animation This course is an introduction to the history and creation of cartoons and animation. Students will produce a variety of cartoons and comics related to everyday situations, politics, superheroes or elements in traditional artistic media as well as use a variety of computer programs. This course will also survey the works of the Walt Disney Studios, Hannah-Barbera, Nickelodeon, and MTV graphics and animations. Students will produce approximately four animated movies using the Macromedia Flash MX program. It is highly recommended that students take Studio Art I-2D as a prerequisite. Computer Graphics Computer Graphics is an introduction to graphic Paint Programs, desktop publishing, and image alteration software. Students will become familiar with the MacIntosh computer and the Adobe Photoshop and Corel Painter programs. Projects include applicable contests and community promotions. Works are saved on CD and a hard copy. It is highly recommended that students take Studio Art I-2D as a prerequisite. Design and Drawing for Production This full-year course introduces students to mechanical drawing, modeling, color theory, computer-generated graphics, idea development, and the process of communicating ideas graphically. Students design and create posters, toys, packaging, C.D. covers, personal logos, and stationery, etc. This course may be taught one semester by the Art Department and one semester by the Technology Department. Satisfactory completion of this course meets the one credit Art/Music graduation requirement. General Crafts This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of three-dimensional design through the creation of well crafted items in fabrics and fibers, clay, and metals. The curriculum includes historical perspectives, artistic styles and the Elements and Principles of Design which will be incorporated into the process of creativity. This semester course may be offered as a full-year, alternate-day course. Photography Operating the 35mm SLR, developing film and making prints are covered in this semester course which emphasizes both the technical and artistic aspects of photography. Available light, time exposures, action, contemporary and master photographers are studied. No prerequisite is required. It is recommended that students have access to a 35mm SLR camera. Open to juniors and seniors. Stagecraft/Set Design I Stagecraft and Set Design is a beginning course in technical production including: familiarization with the planning, illustrating, and construction of basic stage scenery, theatrical equipment and materials, costumes and properties, the fundamentals of the stage lighting/sound, and laboratory work on the high school theatrical productions. Students will study set designers' techniques. Studio Art I-2D Studio Art I-2D introduces students to a variety of drawing and painting methods and to the elements and principles of design, basic two-dimensional drawing skills, techniques, and a variety of art media. The curriculum includes color theory and painting exposures, as well as introduction to paint programs on the MacIntosh computer. This semester course may be offered as a full-year, alternate-day course. 18
Studio Art II-3D Studio Art II-3D introduces students to the elements and principles of design while focusing on three-dimensional design applications. This course is the companion course to Studio Art I-2D and focuses on sculptural applications and techniques. Both Studio Art I-2D and II-3D are required courses for students planning a major sequence in Art. Studio Art I-2D and II-3D do not have to be taken in sequence. Survey and Issues in Art History This course is required for Art majors and recommended for non-art majors. "Why is the Mona Lisa considered a masterpiece?... Why is a particular painting in a museum when it looks as though anyone could have painted it?... What is Art?... Why do you feel a painting is beautiful or ugly?" This course will answer these questions and explain art history in a non-traditional format. Students will examine current and historical controversies in the art world. This course is open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. ADVANCED STUDIO COURSES Advanced Acting This semester course is recommended for students pursuing the performing arts. Advanced acting strategies and techniques, method acting, and historical perspectives are topics within this course. Students perform dialogs, analyze screen-work, and perform shows. PREREQUISITE: Acting I. Advanced Computer Animation This semester course is a more in-depth look at 2D Computer Animation, character design and story development. Students will be introduced to basic Flash programming and will be expected to produce a series of animated movies showing the progressions of artistic and technical growth. PREREQUISITE: Computer Animation. Advanced Computer Graphics This semester course is designed for students wishing to develop advanced skills in desktop publishing and graphic paint programs. Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator are the programs used to concentrate on communication and visual literacy. Student projects will augment and enhance high school publications. PREREQUISITE: Computer Graphics. Advanced Ceramics The focus of this course is to help students attain a higher level of craft and to develop an artistic statement through the use of ceramics. Projects will include covered jars, mugs, goblets and combined thrown forms. The expansion of glazing techniques and surface treatments will also be covered. PREREQUISITE: Ceramics. Advanced Computer Graphics II This semester course will expose students to the fast pace of a working design studio. Students will utilize their knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and Corel Painter to create campaigns, advertisements and layouts while meeting deadlines and client needs. Through various projects, students will become aware of what makes a good advertisement, what font styles are appropriate for the product ad and how to color to promote their job. Advanced Graphics II will also help create print graphics for high school projects under the Planet 114 Production label. PREREQUISITE: Advanced Computer Graphics. 19
Advanced Stagecraft This semester course further explores various aspects of technical theatre production. It will include the study of backdrop design, set design, special effects, costume plots, audio-visual requirements, make-up and prop design. Students will keep sketchbooks for analysis of scripts and set design elements. The course includes a lab sequence where students put their learned skills to work in conjunction with the High School drama productions. PREREQUISITE: Stagecraft. Advanced Crafts The semester course is designed for those students wishing a more in-depth study of crafts. Advanced techniques and applications are offered in fabrics and fibers, metals, and clay. The course is designed for individual exploration. Elements and principles of design are reinforced with appropriate studies of major artists and styles. PREREQUISITE: General Crafts. Advanced Drawing and Painting This full-year course is highly recommended as a prerequisite for Portfolio Prep/A.P. Studio Art and offers the student advanced study in two-dimensional media, perspective, light and shade, the figure, portraiture, still life, and landscape painting. PREREQUISITE: Drawing and Painting or chairperson approval. Advanced Photography This semester course will allow students to progress into more technical fields of photographic communication. Topics include: hand coloring, computer image alteration, special effects, and publication skills. PREREQUISITE: Photography or chairperson approval as well as access to a 35mm SLR camera. Advanced Video Production This semester course will introduce Final Cut Pro and Live Type software to be used postproduction. Collaborative video projects will include stop frame animation, narrative, blue screen, and music videos. Students will create a portfolio of work. PREREQUISITE: Basic Video Production. Advertising Design I This semester course emphasizes creative layout and design. Students become involved in design problems including posters, brochures, calendars, advertisements, album covers, book illustrations, and logos. Historical perspectives are included. Students use traditional media as well as the computer. PREREQUISITE: Studio Art I-2D or Drawing and Design for Production. Advertising Design II This advanced advertising course allows the student to further explore current advertising techniques and psychologies. Emphasis is placed on development of strong visuals, convincing copy, exciting layout designs, and rendering skills. Projects expand to include: promotional displays, point-of-purchase displays, package design, product design, complete ad campaign design, and storyboards. PREREQUISITE: Advertising Design I. 20
Architectural Design This semester course emphasizes contemporary trends in architectural design and the relationship of structure to individual and societal needs. Students study the design and function of architecture as the extension of the personality of the owner. Major architectural styles are studied along with the development of skills and techniques in various media. This course is recommended as an introduction to the Technology Education Department's course, Architectural Drawing. PREREQUISITE: Studio Art I-2D and II-3D or Drawing and Design for Production. Ceramics This course offers an in-depth survey of clay and its creative capacities. Students study handbuilding techniques, the potter's wheel, glazing and finishing techniques, the kiln, and firing applications. Historical perspectives are covered as well as major ceramic artists and individual design approaches. PREREQUISITE: General Crafts or Studio Art II-3D. Drawing & Painting This full-year course exposes students to the techniques and skills of pencil, pen and ink, charcoal, pastel, watercolor, acrylic, and computer graphics. Emphasis is placed on design procedure and visual problem solving in a variety of styles. Visual design problems are accompanied with text readings in art history, aesthetic valuing, and critiques. PREREQUISITE: Studio Art I-2D. This course is a prerequisite for Studio in Portfolio preparation and is highly recommended for Visual Arts majors. Printmaking/Graphic Arts Printing, a centuries old art form, is recommended for students interested in improving their two-dimensional art skills. Professional quality editions will be produced in intaglio etchings, engravings, wood block printing, silkscreen, and monoprinting. PREREQUISITE: Studio Art I-2D or Design and Drawing for Production. Sculpture This semester course concentrates on three-dimensional design exploring paper, wood, plaster, metal, clayed, and found objects. Students are exposed to the work of various sculptors as well as major stylistic movements. PREREQUISITE: General Crafts or Studio Art II-3D. Senior Art Seminar Senior Art Seminar is a graduation requirement for all students majoring in the Visual and Theatre Arts. Students work closely with assigned mentors from the Art Department staff. The course includes the preparation of a portfolio representative of four years of concentration and preparation for the required oral defense, Senior Art Show, and Art Scholarship Auction. This semester course may be offered as a full-year, alternate-day course and after school. Studio in TV Production This full year course, offered period 1, introduces students to a working production studio. Students will learn a variety of jobs: writer, anchor, camera, technical director, teleprompt operator, audio technician, features director and character generator operator. This class will produce a morning show to be a show every day throughout the school during homeroom. Students will create a portfolio of work. PREREQUISITE: Basic Video Production and Advanced Video Production. 21
Studio in Portfolio Preparation/AP Studio Art This course is an advanced studio-based course. Students produce portfolio quality works in a variety of media showing strength in a particular concentration. Students may work in their area of expertise or concentration in drawing, painting, ceramics, photography, computer graphics, etc. Students may submit portfolios to the AP College Board for consideration of advanced placement college credit in AP Drawing, AP 2D Design or AP 3D Design. Upon successful completion of the course, students will have a comprehensive portfolio ready for evaluation by college admissions officers. This advanced studio-based course is highly recommended for all junior and senior Art majors. Studio in Independent Study Independent Study allows individual student exploration in a specific area of portfolio and skills development. The student is responsible for developing contract objectives, keeping a log/journal, and meeting frequently with instructor for conferences and evaluations. PREREQUISITE: Chairperson and administrative approval. 22