ART STUDIES
ART BASICS (710) /full year
This course introduces the student to basic concepts in fine arts. The student learns through hands- on projects designed to emphasize various principles of art. Perspective, portrait, and still life are explored through drawing media and watercolor.
ADVANCED ART II, III, & IV (720) /full year (Students at different levels may be in the same class.)
Art II sequentially builds upon the Arts Basic foundation. Students expand their visual literacy through dry media (graphite, charcoal, pastel) and painting (acrylic and watercolor). Topics include composition, design, applied perspective, portrait and representational and non-representational subject matter.
Art III and IV offer a more individualized experience using prior knowledge as a point of departure for deeper self-expression. Students become aware of their potential in future creative endeavors. Portfolio development for acceptance into college can be part of this personal experience.
INDEPENDENT ART (071)/full year
Students, who have demonstrated self-motivation and interest in assuming responsibility for their own learning, can receive approval on a yearly basis to enroll in Independent Art. With his teacher, a student develops curriculum reflecting his direction and unique pursuits. Students fulfill class hours at individually scheduled times. Maintaining a sketchbook of applied study is required. Students share their work and are given feedback by peers and faculty at weekly critiques.
PHOTOGRAPHY I (721)/one semester
This course is an introduction to the 35mm camera, black and white darkroom techniques, and photography as an art form. Balance, composition, and design are discovered through many critical analyses of chosen professional photographs as well as the student's works. Students will also explore the effect of the invention and technological progress of photography on society. Assignments reflect students' growing awareness of their own uniqueness as individuals and of their bond with the world around them. The students' bond is strengthened by an emphasis on ethical behavior and responsibility throughout the course.
COMMUNICATIONS DESIGN (722)/one semester
This course explores design in photography with a specific use in publishing. The computer will be used as a tool to create documents using the students’ scanned images. Students will develop problem-solving skills used to make decisions. They learn how to communicate information, to identify the purpose of a publication and the images it contains, and to express that purpose and manipulate the desired audience. Ethical behavior and responsibility in dealing with that manipulation are emphasized throughout the course. Students will discover that human creativity, not the computer, determines the effectiveness of a publication. Learning to control design elements, to understand the power of the printed word and image in publications, to work within a design team and with clients are invaluable skills that can be applied to a wide variety of careers.
PHOTOGRAPHY II & ADVANCED PHOTO (723)/one semester
This course, built on a firm Photo I foundation, is an individual exploration of artistic expression through photography. The student creates self-designed projects that hone photographic techniques in developing and printing images, and that communicate a growing understanding of himself and of his relationship with his community and his world. Through his progress, the student should become more aware of the power of the printed image in terms of manipulating his audience at large in understanding his communication; and of the importance of ethical behavior and accountability within his community.
The student will generate ideas, formulate proposals, plan a time-line, log in darkroom time, and create photographic works of art for assignments on a two-week cycle. The student will demonstrate responsibility for darkroom maintenance. He will also present research on and personal conclusions about a professional photographer's life and work.
T.V. COMMUNICATIONS (726)/full year
In this full year course, students work in Gonzaga’s television studio (WZAG) creating a daily program of announcements, editorials and special features. Students will learn basic video equipment operations involved in TV studio work and feature editing. Available to juniors and seniors with submittal of application and approval by the WZAG teacher.
FILMSTUDY (728)/full year
Taking a historical and critical approach, this course examines the language of visual communication through camera, lighting, editing, acting, and sound. Films of renowned directors are screened and analyzed. Some consideration is also given to the medium of television.
AP STUDIO ART (740)/full year
A student’s unique self-expression and artistic skills will develop as he completes the requirements for one of three possible AP portfolios: Drawing, 2-D Design, or 3-D Design. This will encourage the student to prepare a portfolio with more focus that could be presented for college admission. Students are expected to work outside of class, as well as in class, and beyond scheduled periods. Maintaining an updated sketchbook/journal is also necessary. Only students with a history of consistent dedication, a passion for self-expression, and excellence in ability may have approval. This course is for the student-artist with a serious commitment. The student will be required to submit slides of his work to the College Board for evaluation. Prerequisites: Art III or Independent Art, or equivalent experience, and approval of Art teachers.