classes
Art Classes For the Year 2005-2006:
Descriptions taken from the 2005-2006 Wissahickon High School Program of Studies
Photography I
Students will study and apply the basic principles of exposing, developing and printing 35mm black-and-white film. Care and use of camera and darkroom equipment, and the fundamentals of effective composition will be emphasized. Cultural influences on the artist/photographer as well as the history of photography will be studied. A camera is required for this course. A 35mm manual camera is suggested. Students are responsible for providing photographic paper.

Photography II
This course is designed for students to continue the study of black-and-white photography. The exploration of advanced printing techniques, computer usage, and manipulation of photographs will be included. Film assignments and studio projects will center on various photographic themes and artistic photographic styles. A camera is required for this course. A 35mm SLR manual camera is suggested. Students are responsible for providing photographic paper.
Prerequisite recommendations: Successful completion of Photo I with a grade of C or better.


Photography III
In photography III students will define their "personal voice" with a variety of studio assignments based on technical and critical thinking skills and the fundamentals of black and white photography. Specialized instruction in color slide transfers and digital photography will be explored. Using the computer as a tool, students will develop an understanding of photographic imaging capabilities. A camera is required for this course. A 35mm SLR manual camera is suggested. Students are responsible for providing photographic paper. This course is offered on a biannual basis. It will again be offered for the 2006-2007 school year.
Prerequisite recommendations: Successful completion of Photo I with a grade of C or better.


Web Design
The web design course is structured for students who wish to explore the conceptual process and informational achitecture of web design. The course leads the students through a series of task-oriented lessons using professional software such as Macromedia Dreamweaver. Emphasis is placed on the contextual and aesthetic aspects of a successfully-designed web site.


Computer Graphics
Students who are interested in the artistic capabilities of the computer will enjoy this course. A new demension to drawing and design will be presented. Topics to be covered will include computer usage skills, 2-D drawings, logos, lettering, 3-D drawings, perspective images, and graphics for use in animation and applied design.


Advanced Computer Graphics
This course is for the highly-motivated student wishing to take a second-level computer graphics course for Honors credit. This course of study will develop a student's skills in image manipulation and creation with electronic media. Students will work with the software program Adobe Photoshop and other current art applications. Processes used in this course may include: image manipulation, 3-D modeling and rendering, 4-color seperations, color printing, multimedia, and production of portfolio pieces.
Prerequisite recommendations: Successful completion of Computer Graphics with a grade of C or better. Without the prerequisite, students with related computer or art skills may see the instructor for possible consideration for inclusion of this course.


Art Media I
This is a foundation course where students will enjoy working with a variety of media during the creative process. Numerous skills, techniques, and art concepts will be presented. Critiquing one's own work and the work of peers will be an important part of this course. Art Media I is a prerequisite to Art Media II and Honors Art.


Art Media II
This course involves more in-depth projects that will be assigned in a variety of media. Creative problem-solving and media manipulation will be the thrust of the assignments. Quality craftsmanship is an important element of this course. Art Media II is a prerequisite to Honors Art.
Prerequisite recommendation: Successful completion of Art Media I with a grade of C or better.


Ceramics
This course presents an introduction to the basic techniques of construction in clay. Activities will include hand construction, wheel throwing, glazing, and experimenting with surface texture. Emphasis will be placed on form as well as function in clay construction.


Advanced Ceramics
This course will incorporate basic elements of hand construction techniques requiring more advanced problem-solving skills. Greater emphasis will be placed on throwing pots on the wheel, creative experimentation, and surface decoration. Portfolio-quality ceramic projects will be emphasized.
Prerequisite recommendation: Successful completion of Ceramics with a grade of C or better.


Honors Art
These courses are for students with high motivation in further developing individual interests and skills in various forms of artistic expression. Students will investigate contextual perspectives of visual communication and visual culture while developing their own aesthetic and artistic voice. Preparation of the artist's portfolio and other individual projects will be emphasized for students who are taking these courses with the intent of pursuing a career in the field of art. Outside assignments are required in Honors Art.
In a studio setting, students will develop their skills both two-and three-dimensionally, utilizing multi-media and digital forms of expression. A portfolio review is required of all students applying to the Portfolio Art course.
Prerequisite recommendation: Successful completion of Art Media II with a grade of C or better or special approval from the instructor.


Portfolio
Portfolio is a rigorous course of study designed for students who wish to pursue art as a career or focus on an area of artistic concentration. Students will concentrate upon the areas of their working portfolio that need strengthening. The course will also provide students the ability to explore and research their personal aesthetic through supervised study. Students are required to maintain a visual journal and present a college-admission-level visual arts portfolio that includes a digital media component. Students will attend National Portfolio Day and participate in an in-class lecture series presented by admissions representatives from nationally-accredited colleges of art. Students will learn how to complete the necessary steps in the college application process, including writing personal statements of purpose and preparing a slide portfolio. Self-discipline and a willingness to seek new challenges are expected. Written approval of the course instructor is required prior to selection of this course.


3-D Expression
This hands-on course will introduce students to the exciting world of three-demensional art. Using a variety of materials and techniques students will investigate sculptural design. Sculptural movements will be explored and students will learn how to critically view sculptural designs within the context of art history.