Visual Arts

 Explorations in Art - 7010                                              

Semester Course

Open to:  Grades 9-12                                     

2.5 credits

Prerequisites:  None

Unsure of which art electives to take? Try Explorations in Art. This semester-long course is designed for those who are interested in learning about a variety of fields in the visual arts. During the semester students will explore a series of units that touch upon many of the subjects offered in the Visual Arts Department (such as drawing & painting, design, sculpture, photography and art history). Students will put their observational drawing skills to work, learn to think like a designer, create in 3-dimensions and see the world through a photographer's eye. Additionally students will learn about different applications of art, how to talk about and discuss artwork and have the opportunity to display their own artwork. There are no prerequisites; this course is open to all students.

Drawing & Painting I (UL - 700106), (H - 700136) (formerly Studio Art II)             Semester Course

Open to:  Grades 9-12       

2.5 credits

Prerequisites:  None 

This course is designed for students who are interested in really honing their drawing and painting skills and thensome. Students will investigate a variety of art making tools and techniques and apply them to their works of art. Topics explored will include but are not limited to: observational drawing, perspective drawing, painting and color theory, portraiture, bookmaking and printmaking and other 2D and 3D artforms. Students will learn to work independently, solve creative problems, and think more conceptually. You will develop greater skills and greater reliance on your own ability to create solutions to artistic problems.

Curriculum Units and Learning Outcomes:
Landscape Painting
Perspective
Pochoir
3-D Personality Sculpture
Accordion Book
Sketchbook

Drawing & Painting II (UL - 700107), (H - 700137) (formerly Studio Art III/IV)      Semester Course*

Open to:  Grades 10-12                                                                                                   2.5 credits

Prerequisites:  Drawing & Painting I (formerly Studio Art II) 

This course continues to build on the skills and knowledge learned in the previous Drawing & Painting I class. Projects focus on art-making as a process, observational skills, and helping you explore and develop your own artistic voice. A variety of concept-based studio experiences allow you to further develop proficiency in techniques, improve communication through visual media, interpret, understand, and discuss artwork, and embrace the experimental process of making art. Special attention will be given to drawing, painting, mixed media, and printmaking techniques. This is a great course for those who are also looking to build a studio art based portfolio. Drawing and Painting I is required. *Students can take this course for 1 or 2 semesters. 

Curriculum Units and Learning Outcomes:

Concept & Process: The Sketchbook Project
Transformation: Working in 3-Dimensions
Design & Communication
Working from Observation
Expression & Mark-Making

Portfolio (UL - 700108), (H - 700139)                                                                 Semester Course*

Open to:  Grades 11-12                                                                                                  2.5 credits/semester

Prerequisites:  Drawing & Painting II or Teacher Recommendation

This course allows students to build a portfolio that showcases skills and knowledge learned in previous art classes. Projects and exercises encourage students to incorporate meaningful ideas into their artwork and to explore the process of making art on a more independent level. This intensive studio experience will benefit students who are highly motivated in the studio arts, or who may be considering further arts education at the college level. This course incorporates writing, discussion, and group critique to the studio art experience with the emphasis on becoming a more confident and articulate artist. At this level, students are aiming for portfolio level artwork. Prerequisites include Drawing & Painting I & II. Note: If you take AP Studio Art in 11th grade, you may take Portfolio as a senior. *This course may be taken for either 1 or 2 semesters.

Advanced Placement Art & Design - (AP- 7081/7082)                                             Two Semester Course

Open to:  Grades 11-12                                                                                                  2.5 credits/semester

Prerequisites: 4 semesters of Art, Portfolio Review, and teacher recommendation*

This is a college level course intended for students who have specialized in any of the visual arts: Studio Art, Photography, Computer Art, Ceramics, or any combination thereof.  At this level, students are consistently generating portfolio level artwork that follows the guidelines of Advanced Placement Studio Art. Students choose a central theme around which they create a body of artwork that showcases quality in concept, design elements and technical skill. This course incorporates writing, discussion, and group critique to the studio art experience with the emphasis on becoming a more independent and articulate artist. Students who wish to elect this course must present a collection of their artwork done to date and get permission from an art teacher.  A complete portfolio will be submitted to the College Board in May.

*Note:  Four semesters of art should be completed in a single area: Studio Art, Photography, Computer Arts, or Ceramics; additional courses in any area are recommended.  Prerequisites also include presentation of a portfolio of work done to date, instructor approval, and summer assignments.  Students should expect to provide 12-25 high quality examples of their work.

Curriculum Units and Learning Outcomes:

Documenting Process
Presentation, Communication & Reflection
Making-Practice, Experimentation & Revision
Inquiry and Investigation

Animation - 7410                                                                                                       Semester Course

Open to:  Grades 9-12                                                                                                      2.5 credits

Prerequisites:  None

This course is an introduction to the basic elements of traditional animation (drawn, stop motion, claymation). The theory and practice of creating still artwork and turning into animated sequences will be introduced and put into practice. This includes planning and storyboarding to the final process of assembling a narrative animation on the computer.  Drawing the human figure and animals in motion and developing an understanding of how a figure moves will also be an emphasis of the curriculum. 

Curriculum Units and Learning Outcomes:

The Thaumatrope
Bird in Flight
The Walk
Rotoscoping

Digital Art - 7310                                                                                                     Semester Course

Open to:  Grades 9-12                                                                                                    2.5 credits

Prerequisites:  None

Digital media has fundamentally changed the art making process for many artists. In this course, projects are designed to introduce tools, techniques, and skills unique to digital art. Students will use an array of applications, such as Photoshop, Illustrator and iPad Pro apps in addition to digital imaging tools like styli, digital paint brushes, scanners, printers and laser cutters, to create expressive pieces of 2D & 3D art. This class also introduces the Elements of Art and Principles of Design.

Collage/Photo Manipulation
Digital Drawing & Painting
Manipulating Peripherals
Time Based Media
3D Forms

Graphic Design I - 72610                                                                                         Semester Course

Open to:  Grades 9-12                                                                                                     2.5 credits

Prerequisites:  None 

Graphic Design is the art of visual communication. In this course you will become a design rock star by creating awesome and original computer graphics. You will learn the ropes of Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop by experiencing an array of “real world” projects. Assignments may include projects such as logos & stationery, snowboards, packaging, book jackets, and web page layouts. You will master the art of creating visual design solutions by combining text and image. A strong emphasis will be on the Elements & Principles of Design as well as the art of Typography. You will explore an array of problem solving and brainstorming techniques, practice presentation skills, participate in group critiques, and learn about career opportunities in the Design & Visual Communication Field.

Curriculum Units and Learning Outcomes:

Symbolism & Visual Systems
Word & Image Relationships
Visual Hierarchy
Color, Shape & Pattern
Typography

Adobe Certified Professional: Photoshop - 7140                                                 Semester Course

Open to:  Grades 9-12                                                                                                     2.5 credits

Prerequisites:  None

The Adobe Certified Professional is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates proficiency in Adobe digital skills. Whether you're exploring your future career options, preparing yourself for the job market, or simply looking to become a Photoshop expert, the Adobe Certified Associate program is for you. 

This course will provide students with the opportunity to dig deeper into their understanding of Adobe Photoshop- the industry-standard image editing software used by creative professionals. This course will culminate with students earning the Adobe Certified Associate certification for “Visual Design Using Adobe Photoshop CC” (upon completion of the exam).

Digital Photography - 7183                                                                                  Semester Course

Open to:  Grades 9-12                                                                                                     2.5 credits

Prerequisites:  None 

This introductory course will explore the fundamentals of digital fine art photography - composition, capture, editing, and output. The course will cover the foundations of what it takes to make a high quality creative photographic print with a digital camera. The basic terms of photography will be explained so that students can get the most out of their subject and camera. We will discuss current digital camera technology and how that affects the way we take pictures. Students will use the Adobe Creative Suite to capture, edit and manipulate photographs. Digital cameras will be provided for students to use for the course.

Curriculum Units and Learning Outcomes:

The Camera
Photographic Composition
Light and Shadow  
The Diptych
Digital Photography

Photography I - 718                                                                                                Semester Course

Open to:  Grades 9-12                                                                                                          2.5 credits

Prerequisites:  None  

This beginning level course is for students with an interest in art and photography. Students taking this course will explore the creative possibilities and boundaries of the medium in both film and digital formats. In this hands-on course, exposure controls, camera operation, and black and white film developing and darkroom printing techniques will be developed. The class sessions are used for discussion, critique of student work, technical demonstrations, and darkroom lab time. Picture taking is done outside of class on student’s own time. Students are encouraged to obtain the use of a fully manual focus and exposure capable camera for this course. There will be art department cameras available for those students who cannot obtain a camera for the course.

Curriculum Units and Learning Outcomes:

Photograms
Roll One
Aesthetics of Aging

Photography II (UL - 7190), (H - 7130)                                                                   Semester Course

Open to:  Grades 9-12                                                                                                          2.5 credits

Prerequisites:  Photography I, Smartphone Photography or Digital Photography 

Students taking this course further explore the creative possibilities and boundaries of the medium in both film and digital formats. More advanced exposure control, camera operation, and black and white film developing and darkroom printing techniques will be developed in this course. Explorations in digital photography are also an emphasis of the course and provide students with opportunities to work with color, mixed media, and large-scale digital printing. The class sessions will be used for discussion, critique of student’s work, technical demonstrations, and darkroom lab time. Picture taking is done outside of class on the student’s own time. Students are encouraged to obtain the use of a fully manual focus and exposure capable camera for this course. There will be art department cameras available for those students who cannot obtain a camera for the course.

Curriculum Units and Learning Outcomes:

Large Scale Photograms
People Photography
Still Life Photography

Photography III (UL - 71210), (H - 71310)                                                             Semester Course

Open to:  Grades 10-12                                                                                                       2.5 credits

Prerequisites:  Photography II

This course is a continuation of Photography II. Students will continue to explore the creative possibilities and boundaries of the medium. Students will be expected to have a clear idea and direction for their own interests in expressive photography. Self-motivation and independent work will be emphasized. Picture taking will be done outside of class on the student’s own time. Students are encouraged to obtain the use of a fully manual focus and exposure capable camera for this course. There will be art department cameras available for those students who cannot obtain a camera for the course.

Curriculum Units and Learning Outcomes:

Large Scale Photograms
People Photography
Still Life Photography

Smartphone Photography - 7184                                                                          Semester Course

Open to:  Grades 9-12                                                                                                     2.5 credits

Prerequisites:  None

This photography course aims to teach the art of seeing, reading imagery for meaning, using social media to share photography and collaborate, and smartphone camera technique. In addition to crafting quality photographs with mobile devices, students will consider effective and responsible ways to reach appropriate audiences for their photography using a variety of social media. Students will need a mobile device with a camera, e.g., an iPhone, Android phone, or iPod (with camera).  A limited number of art dept mobile devices will be available for students who do not have access to a personal device.

Curriculum Units and Learning Outcomes:

The Camera
Photographic Composition
Light and Shadow
The Humans of Hopkinton (portraiture)
Walk the Walk

Semester Course
Open to: Grades 9-12 2.5 credits
Prerequisites: None
This course is an introduction to clay designed to familiarize students with basic techniques and processes. Students learn hand building forms with pinch, coiling, slab construction, and preliminary wheel throwing. Students also explore surface decoration, under glazes, slips and much more. Projects include both functional and sculptural forms. Students create projects dealing with 3-dimensional form, look at function and proportion.

Curriculum Units and Learning Outcomes:

Pinch Pot
Coiled Vessels
Slab Construction
Additive & Subtractive Relief Tiles
Wheel-thrown Pottery

Ceramics II  - 7092                                                                                            Semester Course

Open to:  Grades 9-12                                                     

2.5 credits

Prerequisites:  Ceramics I

In this course students will expand upon their knowledge and understanding of handbuilding and wheel throwing by creating more complex works in clay. Students will learn new surface design techniques, develop deeper concepts in their work and continue to learn about best practices in the ceramics studio. They will create both sculptural and functional works of art. Ceramics 1 required. 

Fab Lab: 3D Design and Fabrication - 3840                                                    Semester Course

Open to:  Grades 9-12                                                                                                    2.5 credits

Prerequisites:  None 

Fab Lab is an interdisciplinary course that will encourage students to learn using an art and engineering design thought process.  Students will work through a series of Design and Build Challenges that expand their skills and design thought process. The course covers technologies such as 3-D printers, laser cutters, and computerized cutting systems.  Students will also study building techniques like triangulation,post and beam structures and folded materials, to enhance their understanding of how things are built.  Examples of some of the challenges are; furniture designs(cardboard chair), 3d printed hinges(moving parts), laser cut 3d projections, patterns to create a 3d volume, and folded 3d paper forms. This culmination of this course will be the design, construction and presentation of a larger final project of the student’s choice. This course will serve those interested in: Art, Architecture, Engineering, Sculpture, 3D Design, Fabrication.

Curriculum Units and Learning Outcomes:

Amorphous Volumetric Form
Shelter Design
Planer Chair Design 
Windmill Design
Staircase Design

Fashion and Textile Design - 7120                                                                      Semester Course

Open to:  Grades 9-12                                                                                                    2.5 credits

Prerequisites:  None 

In this class students will learn about a variety of fashion related subjects – from designing garments and textiles to how fashion trends rise and reflect the moment.  Students will explore an array of related art and design techniques. Printing and pattern design, hand and machine sewing, dying, illustration & figure drawing, and more will be explored through a variety of exciting projects!

Advanced Placement Art History (AP - 1471/1472)                                              Two Semester Course

Open to:  Grades 11-12                                                                                                   2.5 credits per semester

Prerequisites:  None

This two semester elective course covers an exciting though enormous span of history, looking at African rock paintings from 25,000 BCE through Ai Weiwei's Sunflower Seeds from 2010 CE!  By the end of the course, students will be able to identify hundreds of works of art and styles of architecture from all over the world and have a greater appreciation for many different cultures and their art.  Students will also gain an understanding of why people create art and how it reflects what is going on at the time in that culture.  In addition to being fun and interesting this course also prepares students for the AP Art History Exam.

Curriculum Units and Learning Outcomes:

Prehistoric & Indigenous American Art
Pacific Art
Mesopotamian & Ancient Egyptian Art
Hindu, Buddhist, & Islamic Art in Asia
Imperial Art in Asia - Mini Unit
African Art
Ancient Greece & Rome
Early Europe & Colonial Americas
The Renaissance & Baroque Periods
Unit Title:The 19th & 20th Centuries
Global Contemporary Art

Topics in Art History (H - 7500)                                                                     

Semester Course

Open to:  Grades 9-12                                                                                                     2.5 credits

Prerequisites:  None

This seminar is designed to allow in-depth examination of selected topics from the history of art (for example: images of power, the human form, protest art, etc.).  The course may focus on a region, time period, artistic movement or a single artist, yet it may also cover the thematic study of artworks from multiple regions or periods.  Different topics are chosen each time the course is offered and emphasis may be on Ancient, Medieval, Modern, American, Asian, African, or Indian Art, etc.  This course is both for people who are curious about Art History as well as those already familiar with it as this is not a survey course (covering all periods/culture) but a chance to focus in on specific themes and art historical periods!  It is for people who love history or love art, or hate both - you’ll end up loving them!  Remember: no previous knowledge of Art History is necessary to take this course! And you are welcome to take it even if you have taken AP Art History. 

Yearbook - 7171/7172                                                                                         Semester Course

Open to:  Grades 9-12                                                                                                    2.5 credits

Prerequisites:  None 

Have you ever wondered how a book was made from cover to cover? Do you want to be part of something big at Hopkinton High School? Do you have a passion for photography? Are you interested in the advertising world? If you answered yes to any of these questions then consider Yearbook as an elective for you.  Yearbook is an opportunity to learn desktop publishing, photo editing and advertising. Students will work in Edesign and Adobe Photoshop to design dynamic layouts, edit photos and design advertisements. 

Curriculum Units and Learning Outcomes:

Administration
Content Production
Layout & Design

Advanced Yearbook (UL - 71721/71722), (H - 717221/717222)                   Semester Course*

Open to:  Grades 9-12                                                                                                     2.5 credits per semester

Prerequisites:  Yearbook 

Students taking Advanced Yearbook already have an understanding of desktop publishing, photo editing and advertising from taking Yearbook. Advanced Yearbook students will take on added responsibilities around editing and publishing as well as playing a leadership role for the Yearbook students. 

*This course may be taken for multiple semesters. 

Curriculum Units and Learning Outcomes:

Administration
Content Production
Layout & Design