Course Descriptions

Art courses at es-m high school

Introduction to Clay
Credit: 1/2 unit
Year: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
 
Studio in Clay 1
Credit: 1 unit
Year: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
This course is designed for the beginner as an introduction to the field of ceramics as art. The course focuses on skills and techniques of ceramics, including hand building, and the potter's wheel. Projects will be based on techniques as well as the elements and principles of design. The course satisfies basic Regents Studio in Art requirements and is recommended for all art majors.
 
Advanced Studio in Clay
Credit: 1 unit
Year: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Clay 1 or permission of instructor.
This is an advanced high school course that will enhance basic skills and focus on ideas and content in 3-D art. Students will work in both functional and sculptural ceramics. Students will be encouraged to develop their own ideas through required course work, as well as complete works of an independent nature. This course is for students who excelled in Studio in Clay 1 & Clay 2.
 
Studio in Clay 2
Credit: 1 unit
Year: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Studio in Clay 1 or permission of instructor.
This course is designed for the intermediate clay student who has mastered the basic skills and techniques of Studio in Clay 1.
 
Studio in Art
Credit: 1 unit
Year: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Studio Art is the foundation course for any art sequence. It is designed to provide the student with a comprehensive exploration of a broad range of art mediums. The first semester introduces Design and Drawing, while the second semester is divided into six-week sessions of Clay, and Crafts and Media Arts. An understanding of of the art elements/principles, media and art history will allow the student to make aesthetic statements. It is advised that any student majoring in art take this course in 9th grade. This course satisfies the one unit of Art/Music study required for graduation.
 
Studio in Crafts
Credit: 1 unit
Year: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Design elements and principles will be manipulated through a variety of media with an emphasis on individual creative expression and mastery of craft skills, tools and materials. Students will work with fibers, glass, clay, wood and metals. Projects include papier-mâché, papermaking, basketry, stained glass, mosaics, copper enameling, jewelry and mixed media. A $10 lab fee may be required.
 
Art Appreciation (SUNY College Credit Option)
Credit: 1 unit
Year: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
This course will explore artistic trends and styles, starting with the earliest prehistoric animal images to the latest 20th century experiments. Through this investigation, students will better understand famous art work and their artists. Art traditions are surveyed through slides, readings, and some hands-on studio projects. Students develop critical viewing skills while exploring the traditions of crafts, photography, architecture, drawing, painting, printmaking, advertising art, sculpture, furniture and decorative arts. The student may co-register with OCC to pay the appropriate tuition and receive college credit.
 
Studio in Media Arts
Credit: 1/2 unit
Year: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
This elective is a computer graphics course designed to provide students with a working knowledge of design elements and principles as they pertain to the computer art medium. Students will utilize the tools and techniques of modern computer technology in the creation and understanding of artwork. Students will be introduced to computer graphics and electronic photography through the use of drawing, painting and image/editing programs, drawing tablet, scanner, and electronic camera. Project work may include monogram/logo design, illustration, T-shirt transfer design, pattern design, advertisements, perspective/landscape drawing, portrait drawing and story boards.
 
Studio in Digital Photography
Credit: 1/2 unit
Year: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Studio in Media Arts
This course elective is an introduction to Digital Photography composition through the elements and principles of design. The skills and techniques essential to creating artwork are taught utilizing digital cameras/scanners, computers as a digital darkroom, imaging software and printers. Students will experiment with Adobe Photo shop's features such as: cropping, retouching, color/tone effects, cut-and-paste montage/collage, special effects and filters. Commercial, Documentary and Fine Art Photography will be explored through a variety of subject matter and assignment. Some assignments may be incorporated into the yearbook and school newspaper. Students also will be introduced to works of major photographers, the history of Photography and today's ever changing digital imaging technology.
 
Advanced Studio in Media Arts/Digital Photography
Credit: 1/2 unit
Year: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Studio in Media Arts and Studio in Digital Photography
This advanced course is a continuation of Media Arts and Digital Photography. It focuses on applying the skills and techniques needed to create professional artwork meeting industry standards in graphic design, digital illustration, digital imaging, and publication design. Assignments may be used for the school's website, yearbook, literary magazine, the Spartan Express (newspaper), and throughout the community. 
 
Drawing and Painting 1
Credit: 1 unit
Year: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Studio in Art
Drawing and Painting 1 is a course designed to enhance skills acquired in Studio in Art as well as to explore new areas. Students will work on complex design-drawing problems, continue figure drawing and portraiture. The course is important for the serious art student. Additionally, the student will be taught the foundations of color theory.
 
Drawing and Painting 2
Credit: 1 unit
Year: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Studio in Art and Drawing and Painting 1
The major aspect of this advanced drawing and painting class is to emphasize the concept of aesthetic problem solving in a variety of mediums. Creativity will be encouraged while stressing personal style. Mastery of technique will be presented by way of complex design-drawing problems.
 
Black & White Photography
Credit: 1/2 unit
Year 11, 12
Prerequisite: None (for seniors only or permission of the the instructor.)
This elective is a black and white photography course designed to provide students with a working knowledge of the design elements and principles learned through traditional darkroom photography. Students will learn to use a 35mm camera, how to take a critique photographs, and basic developing/printing processes. The historical traditions of black and white photography are discussed. Enrollment is limited to seniors or permission of the instructor. 35mm camera and a $30.00 lab fee are required to take this course.
 
Portfolio Preparation with AP Option
Credit: 1/2 or 1 unit
Year: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Studio in Art and Drawing and Painting 1
Each student will prepare a professional-looking portfolio suitable either for a job application or for a college application. Included will be examples of drawing, figure drawing, painting, media arts, etc. Students will learn how to properly display their work and how to select their best pieces. This course is for the serious student of art. Self-direction is important. For those students who choose to take this course for one unit of credit, they will have the option to continue this course for an additional semester to prepare for the AP Studio in Art examination in May, leading to possible college credit. The cost for the exam is approximately $80.

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