Fine Arts Course Offerings

This is a one-semester course for students who desire to learn about the foundations of visual art, explored through the use of various media. Students will study: Elements of Art and Principles of Design; graphite drawing, including still life and figures. Using the 8 Habits of Studio Art, students will draw and paint, focusing on form, value, and color theory.

Prerequisites: None

Grade 9/10/11/12 · 1 Semester · .5 Credit

This is a one-semester course for students who show a desire to further their exploration in visual art. The elements of art are explored in a more in-depth manner through the use of various media. Projects may include watercolor, acrylic, and non-traditional painting; as well as oil pastels; printmaking; 3D design; ceramics; and portfolio preparation. Students will explore various techniques of art production using the 8 Habits of Studio Art.

Prerequisites: Studio Art I or Exploring Art I or Departmental approval

Grade 9/10/11/12 · 1 Semester · .5 Credit

This is a one-semester course designed for students who may be interested in pursuing Visual Art in higher education or have a desire to further pursue artistic opportunities. Most projects are two-dimensional and allow students to explore the use of a variety of media, including charcoal, pen, pen and ink, chalk pastel, professional-grade markers, and colored pencils as well as watercolor, acrylic, and an introduction to oil painting. The student is responsible for choosing most subject matter and applying the 8 Habits of Sudio Art independently within their work.  Extra studio time may be needed for project completion. 

Prerequisites: Studio Art I · Studio Art II or Departmental Approval

Grade 10/11/12 · 1 Semester · .5 Credit

This is a one-semester course for students who are more interested in design than traditional art. All projects will be based on the Elements of Art and Principles of Design and the process of creative problem solving. Students will be responsible for choosing subject matter and composition. Subject matter may include canvas collage; abstract landscape; woodburning; fabric painting and design; and paper cutting. Students will also complete an independent art project inspired by their artist of choice. Students will learn the value of following the process to a rewarding outcome. 

Prerequisites: None

Grade 9/10/11/12 · 1 Semester · .5 Credit

This is a one-semester course for students who show a desire to further pursue mixing media types and working with their hands. Students will continue to focus on the Elements of Art and Principles of Design while producing 3D forms and will be responsible for choosing subject matter and composition. Projects may include 3D letter design, watercolor resist, block-printing, figure sculptures, ceramics, and further study in fabric design and printing. 

Prerequisites: Art & Design Appreciation I or Studio Art I (Mixed Media I or Exploring Art I also apply) or Departmental Approval

Grade 9/10/11/12 · 1 Semester · .5 Credit

*For transfer students: application, interview, and departmental approval

This is an independent study course, focusing on the production of each student’s Art portfolio. Artwork created will also be included in a school-wide art exhibit. This course is designed to prepare students for their pursuit of the Visual Arts at the collegiate level.

Grade 11/12 · 1 Semester · .5 Credit

*Recommended: Students take Studio Art I before taking this course or in conjunction with this course.

This is a one-semester course. The techniques of Adobe’s Illustrator vector graphics program will be learned. These skills will allow a student to create graphics containing text and images that can be used for varied purposes. The skills and techniques will then be used in an end-of-semester project, where the students will create an illustration and then modify it to meet the stated criteria. 

*This course can count as a Computer Science credit instead of Fine Arts

Prerequisites: Computer Applications

Grade 10/11/12 · 1 Semester · .5 Credit

This one-semester course builds on the skills learned in Graphic Applications. Students will learn more tools in Adobe Illustrator. In addition to Illustrator, students will learn how to add texture, cutouts, and more using Adobe Photoshop. Using both applications, students will create a portfolio of 5-7 designs by the end of the semester.

*This course can count as a Computer Science credit instead of Fine Arts

Prerequisites: Graphic Applications

Grade 10/11/12 · 1 Semester · .5 Credit

This class allows students to pursue their creative talents beyond the regular classroom. The course is organized as a class, with students working on individual and group assignments for the yearbook. The student will learn to use software to pull together all of the elements of a yearbook, including photography, layout design, and copywriting. Class is limited to 12.

*This course can count as a Computer Science credit instead of Fine Arts

Prerequisites: Computer Applications · Departmental Approval

Grade 11/12 · Full Year · 1 Credit

This is a one-semester course, arranged primarily as a theatre history and play survey class. Students will explore various scripts, discovering the evolution of theatre from Ancient Greece to the contemporary stage. Students will also study theatre history, building their comprehension of the production’s connection to the time period. Emphasis will be on theatre history, script reading, discussion, and performance critique. Basic acting and opportunities for playwriting will also be included in the class projects; however, this is explored in greater detail in Advanced Theatre Arts.

This one-semester course presents detailed instruction in acting techniques, as well as an overview of other technical elements involved in a theatrical production:  set design, costume design, and directing. Students will gain a stronger understanding of using the actor’s tools - mind, body, and voice - in bringing characters to life through genuine and truthful storytelling. Students in this class are also encouraged to be directly involved in the state theatre competitions. Emphasis will be on student participation, performance, evaluation, and critique.

Prerequisites: Intro to Theatre Arts or Departmental Approval · Performance in 2 High School Productions

Grade 10/11/12 · 1 Semester · .5 Credit

Recommended: Intro to Theatre Arts or Stage Crew 

This is a fall-semester course in which students will learn the basic skills for making theatrical properties. In using color theory and basic shop tools, students will learn a variety of texture painting skills, build prop candles, rock formations, and fake food. Students will also learn the skills of mold-making by building and designing a hinged box and walking baubled cane. Through these projects, students will acquire foundational knowledge in theatrical construction used in prop, scenic, and costuming work. Emphasis will be on class projects and student evaluation of work. (Class limit 10)

Prerequisites: Departmental Approval

Grade 9/10/11/12 · 1 Semester · .5 Credit

*This course is held after school

This is a one-semester course designed for students who want to learn about or be involved with the theatrical production process. This course will use the current main stage production as a lab, with practical application covering the elements of technical theatre, including scenic construction, costuming, scenic painting, sound, and lighting operation. To be eligible for this ½ credit, students must acquire at least 60 crew hours and fulfill a role as a part of the production crew, as assigned by the Director. (Pass/Fail) 

Prerequisites: Safety Contract on File

Grade 9/10/11/12 · 1 Semester · .5 Credit

*This course is held after school

This is a one-semester independent study course. Interested students will select a one-act play and complete the proposal and interview process. The student assigned to direct will prepare, cast, and direct this one-act play to compete in one of the two state theatre festivals (one in the fall and one in the spring.)  Under the direction of the instructor, the student will prepare a script and character analysis, plan and execute auditions and casting, rehearse the cast, and hold design meetings. These student directors are responsible for the preparation of the production and will attend the festivals to lead the tech rehearsals and oversee the performances. Emphasis will be on project deadlines, communication, leadership, and collaboration.

Prerequisites: Application · Interview · Departmental Approval

Grade 12 · 1 Semester · .5 Credit

*This course is held after school

This is a full-year independent study course. Students are selected for this course based on a submitted application and a personal interview. The basis for this independent study course is the production and independent design work. Students work directly with the teacher on all Fine Arts productions and events throughout the current season, in the roles of stage managers, scenic designers, costume designers, property designers, or sound and lighting technicians. The students will also begin building a personal resume for college admissions and work toward evolving and improving the efficiency of the design team. 

Prerequisites: Application · Interview · Departmental Approval

Grade 11/12 · Full Year · 1 Credit

This one-semester course will train students in the art of improvisation and public speaking. While improvisational theatre will be addressed, the focus of the class will be on intuitive responses that build the skills of thinking quickly and creatively; dealing with the unexpected; communicating clearly; focusing attention; and teamwork through exercises, scene-building, and class presentation. Basic vocal work and the use of speech and the voice will also be addressed to aid individual students in understanding how to use their voices more effectively. (Class limit 10)

Prerequisites: None

Grade 9/10/11/12 · 1 Semester · .5 Credit

Students will focus on the development of vocal skills and learn basic musicianship through ear training, music history, and music theory. Students will have the opportunity to further improve and refine their vocal technique while exploring a variety of musical styles, both sacred and secular. Students will perform in the Christmas and Spring concerts and sing for weekly school Mass. 

Prerequisites: None

Grade 9/10/11/12 · 1 Semester · .5 Credit

This course is designed to acquaint students with various elements of music, tracing the historical development of music with an emphasis on forms and styles, particularly Western Art music. Students will gain an overview of famous composers through class lectures, studying music scores, listening to musical examples in class, reading and filling in the textbook, actively participating in class discussions, attending live performances, and forming a writing analysis of pieces studied. 

Prerequisites: None

Grade 9/10/11/12 · 1 Semester · .5 Credit

This one-semester class is an introduction to all forms of modern dance. It explores the movement of the body in relationship to space, form, and rhythm. The class will consist of a warm-up, stretching, exercises to develop coordination of movements, and choreography to a variety of routines. Students will be expected to dress in comfortable, yoga-type clothing for the class. No performance will be required. The class will be limited to 18. 

*This course can count as a PE credit instead of Fine Arts

*Students may only take this course once

Prerequisites: None

Grade 9/10/11/12 · 1 Semester · .5 Credit

This one-semester, beginning dance class teaches many of the social dances of our culture and others. It covers basic ballroom dancing, like swing, the waltz, and the tango. The students will also participate in contra dancing, square dancing, and other folk dances. Many newer line dances will also be taught, like country, disco, and pop. The class will be limited to 18. (Pass/Fail)

*This course can count as a PE credit instead of Fine Arts

*Students may only take this course once. 

Prerequisites: None

Grade 9/10/11/12 · 1 Semester · .5 Credit

This class ​is for students who have completed two years of strings class at St. Joseph’s or another school. Students enrolled in this class have auditioned for the director and have shown that they are advanced enough to join the high school ensemble. Students will be learning a wide range of repertoire consisting of original, classical, pop, and sacred music, written for chamber size ensembles. Students will be expected to participate in their semester concert(s).

*Students may enroll for one or two semesters each year

Prerequisites: Ability to Perform Grade 2.0 Literature · Departmental Approval

Grade 9/10/11/12 · 1 Semester · .5 Credit

This class is for students who have completed two years of band class at St. Joseph’s or another school. Students enrolled in this class should have completed Standard of Excellence Book I or have auditioned for the director and have shown that they are advanced enough to join the High School band class. These students will be working on a music repertoire appropriate for the High School Concert Band. Students will be expected to participate in their semester concert(s). 

*Students may enroll for one or two semesters each year

Prerequisites: 2 Years of Instruction · Departmental Approval

Grade 9/10/11/12 · 1 Semester · .5 Credit

This fall semester class meets after school once a week to prepare for performances at select home Varsity Football games and Fall Pep Rally. Credit is dependent on student presence at all rehearsals and designated games (unless alternative arrangements are made with the Band Director). Attendance at summer band camp in August is required.

*This course is held after school

Prerequisites: 1 Year of Instruction

Grade 9/10/11/12 · 1 Semester · .5 Credit

This course is for students who have completed two years of High School band at St. Joseph’s or another school. This class will run concurrently with Band 746 and Advanced Band students will join them in preparing a music repertoire appropriate for High School Concert Band. In addition to participating in two school concerts, Advanced students will also be required to complete a semester project.

*Students may enroll for one or two semesters each year

Prerequisites: 2 Years of High School Band · Departmental Approval

Grade 11/12 · 1 Semester · .5 Credit

Students will explore the art of creative writing by investigating various genres of literature and writing; reading closely with an eye on technique, style, and voice; writing creatively in a variety of genres and with various foci; and presenting their own work through peer editing, author’s chair readings, and publishing. Students will keep a writing journal and will submit a portfolio of original compositions at the course's end.

*This course does not count toward the fulfillment of a student’s credit requirement in English.

Prerequisites: None

Grade 9/10/11/12 · 1 Semester · .5 Credit

Studio Art I · 750

Studio Art II · 751

Art & Design Appreciation I · 760

Art & Design Appreciation II · 761

Intro to Theatre Arts · 710

Prop Construction · 712

Stage Crew Practicum · 713

Speech and Improvistation · 716

High School Chorus · 721

Music Literature · 725

Intro to Modern Dance · 731

Intro to Social Dance · 732

Strings Ensemble · 742

High School Band · 746

Pep Band · 747

Creative Writing · 770

Studio Art I · 750

Studio Art II · 751

Studio Art III · 752

Art & Design Appreciation I · 760

Art & Design Appreciation II · 761

Graphic Applications · 718

Graphic Applications II · 719

Intro to Theatre Arts · 710

Advanced Theatre Arts · 711

Prop Construction · 712

Stage Crew Practicum · 713

Speech and Improvistation · 716

High School Chorus · 721

Music Literature · 725

Intro to Modern Dance · 731

Intro to Social Dance · 732

Strings Ensemble · 742

High School Band · 746

Pep Band · 747

Creative Writing · 770

Studio Art I · 750

Studio Art II · 751

Studio Art III · 752

Art & Design Appreciation I · 760

Art & Design Appreciation II · 761

Portofilio Development · 705

Graphic Applications · 718

Graphic Applications II · 719

Yearbook Staff · 707

Intro to Theatre Arts · 710

Advanced Theatre Arts · 711

Prop Construction · 712

Stage Crew Practicum · 713

Production Design · 715

Speech and Improvistation · 716

High School Chorus · 721

Music Literature · 725

Intro to Modern Dance · 731

Intro to Social Dance · 732

Strings Ensemble · 742

High School Band · 746

Pep Band · 747

Advanced Band · 748

Creative Writing · 770

Studio Art I · 750

Studio Art II · 751

Studio Art III · 752

Art & Design Appreciation I · 760

Art & Design Appreciation II · 761

Portofilio Development · 705

Graphic Applications · 718

Graphic Applications II · 719

Yearbook Staff · 707

Intro to Theatre Arts · 710

Advanced Theatre Arts · 711

Prop Construction · 712

Stage Crew Practicum · 713

Directing · 714

Production Design · 715

Speech and Improvistation · 716

High School Chorus · 721

Music Literature · 725

Intro to Modern Dance · 731

Intro to Social Dance · 732

Strings Ensemble · 742

High School Band · 746

Pep Band · 747

Advanced Band · 748

Creative Writing · 770