Riverside

Brookfield HS

ENTER GALLERY

The Fine Arts Survey course is a semester class (1/2 unit) graduation requirement. Please note exceptions on the Fine Arts pages. 

Samantha Friend  | The Baptism

Courses

Fine

Arts

visual arts course offerings

 

Study in the fine arts – art, music, dance and drama – encourages students to better understand and value themselves, others, and fundamental human issues. Further, through an increased knowledge of the arts of other historical periods and cultures, students are given the chance to discover the universality of those dimensions of life that transcend mere survival, such as beauty, love, justice, and truth. Such explorations in the fine arts encourage students to consider, understand, and even to challenge the values of their own contemporary culture while learning to appreciate and value the artistic and cultural heritage of other peoples.

 

The stimulation of the imagination, the promotion of thinking skills related to analysis, interpretation, and evaluation, the challenge of creative problem solving, the perseverance required for revision and refinement, and the acquisition of skills needed to enhance creative expression are all significant components of studies in the fine arts and, thus, form the basic goals of all the fine arts courses listed in this curriculum guide. 

FINE ARTS SURVEY

    Study in the fine arts – art, music, dance and drama – encourages students to better understand and value themselves, others, and fundamental human issues. Further, through an increased knowledge of the arts of other historical periods and cultures, students are given the chance to discover the universality of those dimensions of life that transcend mere survival, such as beauty, love, justice, and truth. Such explorations in the fine arts encourage students to consider, understand, and even to challenge the values of their own contemporary culture while learning to appreciate and value the artistic and cultural heritage of other peoples. 

     The stimulation of the imagination, the promotion of thinking skills related to analysis, interpretation, and evaluation, the challenge of creative problem solving, the perseverance required for revision and refinement, and the acquisition of skills needed to enhance creative expression are all significant components of studies in the fine arts and, thus, form the basic goals of all the fine arts courses listed in this curriculum guide. 

ART HISTORY

(Advanced Placement) – 1 Credit Per Year Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors

Prerequisite: None

Fee: $93 (includes AP test fee)

     The AP Art History course curriculum includes basic art historical terminology and information related to the elements and principles of art and the technical processes used to create artworks within the framework of the following basic units: ancient through medieval, renaissance to present, and cultures outside the western tradition and cross-cultural connections. AP Art History is a college level course in scope and rigor, requiring frequent exams and research projects. Students are expected to take the AP exam in May.

STUDIO ART

(Advanced Placement) – 1 Credit Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors

- STUDIO ART: 2 – Dimensional Design (Advanced Placement)


- STUDIO ART: Drawing and Painting (Advanced Placement)


- STUDIO ART: 3-D Dimensional Design (Advanced Placement)

     Prerequisite for all: 1 semester of a Visual Arts course (not including fine arts Survey) and/or Instructional Coach’s recommendation based on a portfolio review prior to registration.

Fee: $93

Fee: $25.00 per semester lab fee / $50.00 total lab fee

     The AP Studio Art Program is not based on a written examination. Instead, students create a portfolio of work that is evaluated at the end of the year. The course is divided into three classes: 2-D Design, Drawing and Painting, and 3-D Design. Students have the option of taking all three of the courses during their time at RB. Courses are limited to one per year. Areas of concentration can include, but not be limited to, drawing, painting, collage, design, photography, sculpture, ceramics, and digital art. Students will experiment with new materials to develop a broad range of work and then create a thematic series based off their interests. Prior to the end of the academic year, the portfolio will be submitted to the College Board for evaluation and possible college credit. Therefore, the students enrolling in the course should be highly motivated, serious, self-directed, and willing to work. Students are expected to submit the AP Portfolio in May. 

CERAMICS & SCULPTURE COURSES

CERAMICS & SCULPTURE I – 1⁄2 Credit 

Prerequisite: None $25.00 fee per semester 

CERAMICS & SCULPTURE II – 1⁄2 Credit 

Prerequisite: Ceramics I & Sculpture I $25.00 fee per semester 

     Ceramics & Sculpture I, II is a sequence in which the unlimited creative potential of clay and other materials as a craft and sculptural medium is explored. Students will manipulate a variety of materials to visually interpret a concept in a 3-dimensional form. Basic clay techniques such as hand-building methods, wheel-throwing, decorative techniques, firing, and the elementary chemistry of clay and glazes will be explored as students create ceramic and sculptural pieces. Art historical elements related to the ceramic and sculptural arts will provide a basis for aesthetics and criticism. Supplies may include, but not be limited to, clay, wire, plaster, recycled objects, and paper. 

CERAMICS & SCULPTURE III – 1⁄2 Credit Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors 

     Prerequisite: Ceramics II or approval from the fine arts Instructional Coach $25.00 fee per semester 

This course continues with the goal to have highly motivated students master techniques in manipulating a variety of materials to create 3-dimensional forms. Ceramic techniques such as hand-building, wheel-throwing, and glazing will continue to be developed. Students will also continue to explore sculptural methods. Students will be encouraged to develop common themes, subject, and style in their body of work. This course is heavily dependent upon independent work skills and requires time outside of class. Assignments require more time, effort, and commitment to excellence. 

CERAMICS & SCULPTURE IV: Portfolio Development – 1⁄2 Credit Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors 

    Prerequisite: Ceramics & Sculpture III or approval from the fine arts Instructional Coach $25.00 fee per semester 

This course is designed for highly motivated and talented students who wish to develop their portfolio in ceramics and sculpture. Students must have background, knowledge, and expertise to successfully develop a cohesive body of work (common style, subject, and/or theme). Students are required to submit two quarterly contracts outlining proposed projects for each quarter. A minimum of eight projects is required per semester. Students are required to submit a portfolio presentation that is concurrent with the Winter / Spring Art shows. This course is heavily dependent upon independent work skills and requires extra work time outside of class. Assignments require more time, effort, and commitment to excellence. 

DIGITAL IMAGING COURSES

DIGITAL IMAGING I – 1⁄2 Credit All Classes 

     Prerequisite: Photography I or approval from the fine arts Instructional Coach $35.00 fee per semester 

It is highly recommended that student have access to a digital camera and purchase a jump drive. Digital Imaging I is designed to explore creative art-making through the use of computers and imaging software. This course provides a comprehensive computer art exposure specializing in various digital art concepts and techniques. This class will work with computer software, which is the premiere imaging and production tool for those interested in graphic design, multimedia, the web, print, and 3D imaging. 

DIGITAL IMAGING II – 1⁄2 Credit All Classes 

     Prerequisite: Digital Imaging I or approval from the fine arts Instructional Coach $35.00 fee per semester 

It is highly recommended that students have access to a digital camera and purchase a jump drive. This course is a continuation of Digital Imaging I on a higher level of competency. Digital Imaging II is designed to continue to explore the creative art making through the use of imaging software. Specific periods of art history are introduced with the emphasis on artistic problems solved in digital imaging. 

DIGITAL IMAGING III: Portfolio Development – 1⁄2 Credit Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors 

     Prerequisite: Digital Imaging II or approval from the fine arts Instructional Coach $35.00 per semester course fee 

It is highly recommended that students have access to a digital camera and purchase a jump drive. This course is designed for highly motivated and talented students who wish to develop their portfolio in digital images. Students must have background, knowledge, and expertise to be able to work independently and explore his/her specific art form in depth. This course allows students to create a series of artworks related around a visual theme. Students are required to submit two quarterly contracts outlining proposed projects for each quarter. 

PHOTOGRAPHY COURSES

     All photography students must provide their own adjustable film camera (f/stops and shutter speeds), film, and photo paper. Film and photo paper can be purchased from the school bookstore. 

PHOTOGRAPHY I – 1⁄2 Credit All Classes 

$70.00 fee per semester 

     Photography I explores the basic techniques of black-and-white photography. Emphasis is placed on learning those principles involved in order to expose, develop, and print film accurately. Students become familiar with chemicals and the characteristics of film and papers. Contrast of tones is discussed, in addition to demonstrations on lighting, toning, and presenting of the prints. Digital photography is introduced to students. Historical, artistic, and commercial points of view are covered. 

PHOTOGRAPHY II – 1⁄2 Credit All Classes 

     Prerequisite: Photography I or approval of the fine arts Instructional Coach $70.00 fee per semester 

Photography II is designed to expand on the knowledge learned in Photography I. Further exploration of basic techniques using standard films and paper will strengthen existing skills. Students will pursue a variety of advanced camera and darkroom techniques. Studio portraiture, abstraction, multiple negative printing, alternative artistic techniques, and the idea of thematic portfolio development will all be explored during this course. In addition, further exploration of composition, historically relevant photographers, basic techniques using standard film and paper will strengthen existing skills. Reading assignments, visits to photography exhibits, a strengthening of vocabulary, and various AV presentations will enhance the studio portion of the course. 

PHOTOGRAPHY III – 1⁄2 Credit Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors 

     Prerequisite: Photography II or approval of the fine arts Instructional Coach $70.00 fee per semester 

Photography III is designed to expand on the knowledge learned in Photography II. Students will pursue a variety of advanced camera techniques and wet darkroom techniques and will enhance their digital photography understanding. Methods in both the wet darkroom and the digital darkroom will be taught. Black and white topics include: alternative film developing and printing processes, pushing film, and advanced metering. Digital topics include: cameras, computer programs designed to process, edit and print digital information, and the application of digital images to other new media. Theme-oriented photographic assignments and the study of light and composition will be stressed in this class. The course is heavily dependent upon independent work skills and assignments that require more time and effort and a commitment to excellence. Students should expect to spend additional time out of class completing projects. 

PHOTOGRAPHY IV: Portfolio Development – 1⁄2 Credit Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors 

     Prerequisite: Photography III or the approval of the fine arts Instructional Coach $35.00 fee per semester 

This sequence of courses will allow students to continue the exploration of advanced methods, the compilation of a college admission portfolio, and the development of a personal aesthetic. Students are required to submit two quarterly contracts outlining proposed projects for each quarter. 

DRAWING & PAINTING COURSES

DRAWING AND PAINTING I - 1⁄2 Credit All Classes 

     Prerequisite: None $35.00 fee per semester 

This course teaches students how to draw with drawing and painting techniques in a variety of materials (pencil, ink, charcoal and watercolor, tempera, etc.). Students are introduced to the Elements and Principles of art and design. This course will provide a student with a foundation in drawing and painting skills. 

DRAWING AND PAINTING II – 1⁄2 Credit All Classes 

     Prerequisite: Drawing and Painting I or approval of fine arts Instructional Coach $35.00 fee per semester 

This course is a continuation of Drawing and Painting I on a higher level of competency. Students will use art to design, problem solve, and explore their creativity. Students will use a variety of materials and be introduced to higher level techniques. Specific periods of art history are introduced with the emphasis on artistic problem solving. 

DRAWING AND PAINTING III – 1⁄2 Credit Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors 

     Prerequisite: Drawing and Painting II or approval of fine arts Instructional Coach $35.00 fee per semester 

This course continues efforts to have students use a variety of materials to master techniques and skills in drawing and painting. Students will explore the different purposes of art involving self-expression, storytelling, and communication. Specific periods of art history are introduced with the emphasis on artistic problem solving. 

DRAWING AND PAINTING IV: Portfolio Development – 1⁄2 Credit Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors 

     Prerequisite: Drawing and Painting III or approval of fine arts Instructional Coach $35.00 fee per semester 

This course is designed for highly motivated and talented students who wish to develop their portfolio in drawing and painting. Students must have background, knowledge, and expertise to be able to work independently and explore his/her specific art form in depth. This allows students to create a series of artworks related around a visual theme. Students are required to submit two quarterly contracts outlining proposed projects for each quarter. 

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