FHS Course Information
Art Department Courses

The visual arts are part of the "basics". They communicate forcefully and directly. Students who learn the symbolic structure of the visual arts can respond to and symbolize their experiences in ways that are not dependent on the coding and decoding of verbal language. These skills are especially important in the American culture, where information is transmitted both visually and verbally. Experiences in the visual arts lead to the formation of enduring attitudes, values, and satisfying accomplishments.

The University of California requires one year of Visual/Performing Arts effective with the class of 2003. Courses with the 'f' notation for the UC requirement have been approved as meeting UC entrance requirements. The California State University System (CSU) also requires one year of a Visual/Performing Art course for admission to their system. CSU approved courses are noted as VP.

Courses Taught:

Art 1
Art 2
Art 3
Art 4
Art Studio A.P.
  3-D Design 1
3-D Design 2
3-D Design 3
3-D Design 4
Digital Design

 

Art 1

 

Units: 10
Grades: 9-12

 

U.C. Requirement: f
C.S.U. Requirement: VP

 

Pre-requisites: None.
This course provides the student an opportunity to explore the elements of design - line, shape, color, form, value and texture - through the use of various media including drawing, painting, silkscreen printing and collage.

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Art 2

 

Units: 10
Grades: 10-12

 

U.C. Requirement: f
C.S.U. Requirement: VP

 

Pre-requisites: C or better in Art 1 or Art Genesis.
In addition to further enhancement of drawing and painting skills, Art 2 will introduce new media such as pastel painting, colored pencil technique, mixed media, scratchboard and mask painting.

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Art 3

 

Units: 10
Grades: 10-12

 

U.C. Requirement: f
C.S.U. Requirement: VP

 

Pre-requisites: C or better in Art 2.
This course is designed for the advanced student who would like to concentrate in a specialized area of art, or explore new techniques not previously available. Airbrush painting and computer graphics are offered on an individual basis.

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Art 4

 

Units: 10
Grades: 11-12

 

U.C. Requirement: f
C.S.U. Requirement: VP

 

Pre-requisites: C or better in Art 3.
Students in this course will select a field of concentration such as drawing or painting and work in depth in that area to further their skills and knowledge. They will also have an opportunity to develop a portfolio for entrance into art school. Students who enroll should be capable of self-direction and independent study.

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Art Studio A.P.

 

Units: 10
Grades: 11-12

 

U.C. Requirement: f
C.S.U. Requirement: VP

 

Pre-requisites: Art 3 or an 'A' in Art 2, Ceramics 2 or 3D Design 2, plus teacher recommendation. Beginning Photography also suggested.
This course is designed for the advanced student to develop either a Drawing, 2D Design or 3D Design portfolio. All enrolled students must submit a portfolio for College Board examination in early May. The class is especially beneficial for students pursuing careers related to Art. Work submitted for examination should be of first-year university level quality. Successful portfolios could earn students college credit. Considerable time outside of class, and also during the summer will be needed in order to fulfill the substantial, portfolio requirements in one year. If summer projects are not completed, then students will need to enroll in Art 3. Art 3 students will thereby have 2 years to complete a portfolio if they enroll in A.P. the following year.

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3-D Design 1

 

Units: 10
Grades: 9-12

 

U.C. Requirement: f
C.S.U. Requirement: VP

 

Pre-requisites: None.
This is a basic design course for students primarily interested in three-dimensional materials. Design for both aesthetic and functional objects is emphasized. Whether the objects are utilitarian or aesthetic, a regard for quality of workmanship and design is stressed. Not only do students explore a variety of media such as clay, leather, wood, metal, enamels, etc., they also gain an appreciation for hand-crafted articles as they reflect our past and present culture.

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3-D Design 2

 

Units: 10
Grades: 9-12

 

U.C. Requirement: f
C.S.U. Requirement: VP

 

Pre-requisites: C or better in 3-D Design 1 or Art Genesis.
Students will further their knowledge and appreciation of design with more depth and complexity, as well as increase their skills in handling materials and tools. Various new media are introduced and experimentation and individualized instruction are encouraged. The skills learned are useful for future employment in an art-oriented occupation, for communicating ideas and preparing for further education.

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3-D Design 3

 

Units: 10
Grades: 10-12

 

U.C. Requirement: f
C.S.U. Requirement: VP

 

Pre-requisites: C or better in 3-D Design 2.
For the advanced design student who has professional or vocational goals in a particular area. The student will develop a high level of skill in a specific medium. The student will be encouraged to make contact with professional people in their specific fields and research techniques in the medium, culminating with a brief report. Specific projects will result from a student/teacher conference which will outline the projects to be completed each semester.

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3-D Design 4

 

Units: 10
Grades: 11-12

 

U.C. Requirement: f
C.S.U. Requirement: VP

 

Pre-requisites: C or better in 3-D Design 3.
This course is for the advanced student of three-dimensional art who has professional or vocational goals in a particular area. The student will develop a high level of skill in a specific medium, research techniques in the medium and be encouraged to make contact with professionals in the area, culminating with a brief report. The projects to be completed each semester will be outlined in a student/teacher conference.

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Digital Design (Computer Graphics)

 

Units: 5
Grades: 9-12

 

U.C. Requirement: N/A
C.S.U. Requirement: VP

 

Pre-requisites: None.
This is an Art 1 class using computers to learn visual perception and design skills. Students taking this course will develop computer skills using paint and drawing programs.

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