Recommended Freshman Courses

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AR8801GAE Art 1 Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 1 Credit

*[Graduation Requirement: Fine Arts; Humanities Elective]

Studio Foundations in drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and design. 

Recommended for all pathways. 

 

AR8843GAC Art History Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 0.5 Credit

*[Graduation Requirement: Fine Arts; Humanities Elective]

Survey class designed for students who wish to study the global history of art from Prehistory to the present. 

Recommended as preparation for IB Art History or IB Visual Art.

 

AR8859GAE Graphic Art and Design Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 1 Credit

*[Graduation Requirement: Fine Arts; Humanities Elective]

Digital Foundations in illustration, design, photography, and video. 

Recommended for advanced MS students and/or digital pathway. Requires Rec from Middle School Art Teacher

 

AR8805GAC Drawing 1 Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 0.5 Credit

*[Graduation Requirement: Fine Arts; Humanities Elective]

Foundations in drawing techniques and composition. 

Recommended for advanced MS students. Requires Rec from Middle School Art Teacher

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BMHS ART DEPARTMENT COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

 

AR8801GAE Art 1 Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 1 Credit

*[Graduation Requirement: Fine Arts; Humanities Elective]

This class is the department foundation full-year class designed to introduce students to the principles and elements of art. This course teaches students a wide variety of materials and techniques for creating art. Drawing skills, essential to the creative process, are stressed as well as painting, printmaking, and sculpture. Students are introduced to the computer lab and the Adobe Creative Suite. Students build a large art vocabulary while learning how to critique their own and others’ artwork. Students are required to keep a sketchbook for homework and design ideas.

 

AR8859GAE Graphic Art and Design Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 1 Credit

*[Graduation Requirement: Fine Arts; Humanities Elective; Digital Literacy; STEM Elective]

In this exploratory course, students learn the elements and principles of design, as well as foundational concepts of visual communication. While surveying a variety of design, fine art, and media, students use image editing, animation, and digital drawing to put into practice the art principles they have learned. They explore career opportunities in the design, production, display and presentation of digital artwork. They respond to artwork of others, and learn how to combine artistic elements to create finished pieces that effectively communicate their ideas.

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AR8803GAC Design 1 Grades 10, 11, 12 0.5 Credit

*[Graduation Requirement: Fine Arts; Humanities Elective]

In this class, students create products for a “client or company” by learning and utilizing fine art concepts and skills in; product/ industrial, marketing/advertising, interior, textile, environmental and set design. This class is open to freshmen taking Art 2 the other Semester. Students are required to keep a sketchbook for homework and design plans. 

Prerequisite: Art 1, Graphic Art & Design

 

AR8804GAC Design 2 Grades 10, 11, 12 0.5 Credit

*[Graduation Requirement: Fine Arts; Humanities Elective]

This course teaches students advanced fine art concepts in; product/ industrial, marketing /advertising, interior, textile, environmental and set design. Students will work with various methods and materials to create new products for the marketplace. Through theory, practice and reflection, students will develop original approaches to solve multiple, rigorous design challenges. A sketchbook for design plans and homework is required. Prerequisite: Design 1

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AR8805GAC Drawing 1 Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 0.5 Credit

*[Graduation Requirement: Fine Arts; Humanities Elective]

This course is designed for all students who would like the opportunity to increase their drawing skills in an intense half-year course. Students explore a wide variety of drawing techniques, materials, subjects and styles. Drawing will be based on observation and imagination that will lead the student to self-discovery and awareness of his/her environment. A sketchbook/journal is required to plan and think through composition ideas. Prerequisite: Art 1, Graphic Art & Design, or Middle School Art Teacher Recommendation.

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AR8806GAC Drawing 2 Grades 10, 11, 12 0.5 Credit

*[Graduation Requirement: Fine Arts; Humanities Elective]

This course challenges the technically skilled drawing student. Students focus on portfolio pieces concentrating on portraiture, the human figure, still life, and landscape drawings. Sketchbooks are required to keep a record of progress and ideas for future drawing compositions. 

Prerequisite: Drawing 1

 

AR8807GAC Painting 1 Grades 10, 11, 12 0.5 Credit

*[Graduation Requirement: Fine Arts; Humanities Elective]

For the student who loves to paint, this class is designed for the student who wishes to explore and improve in all forms of painting media, techniques, and subjects. Media to include: Watercolor, Gouache, and Acrylics. Art styles will be the focus as

students learn the basics of color media. As with other classes, a sketchbook is required, as the student will be using it to render sketches for painting subjects. 

Prerequisite: Art 1, Graphic Art & Design

 

AR8808GAC Painting 2 Grades 10, 11, 12 0.5 Credit

*[Graduation Requirement: Fine Arts; Humanities Elective]

Students who would like to add to their portfolio will be challenged in this advanced painting course. They will be asked to create thematic, meaningful and current paintings; which will expose intent and mastery of media. Opportunities to work independently and to make personal choices for materials and techniques will be given throughout the semester. 

Prerequisite: Painting 1

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AR8809GAC Printmaking 1 Grades 10, 11, 12 0.5 Credit

*[Graduation Requirement: Fine Arts; Humanities Elective]

Students in this course will be able to make multiple copies and editions of artwork rendered in a variety of printmaking media, techniques, and subjects. Media include: stencil, monoprint, collagraph, linoleum, woodcut, dry-point etching, and embossed prints as well as found object printmaking. In addition to making prints, students will engage in these media through historical and conceptual topics. 

Prerequisite: Art 1, Graphic Art & Design

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AR8810GAC Printmaking 2 Grades 10, 11, 12 0.5 Credit

*[Graduation Requirement: Fine Arts; Humanities Elective]

Students in this course will learn advanced printmaking techniques and processes building on previous techniques and media covered in Printmaking 1. Students work in a variety of media including; reduction printmaking, multiple layer stencil, woodcut, embossing and collage transfer. Students can research independently new methods and materials. This class encourages both collaborative and independent work. Prerequisite: Printmaking 1

 

AR8811GAC 3D Sculpture Grades 10, 11, 12 0.5 Credit

*[Graduation Requirement: Fine Arts; Humanities Elective]

This course is a 3-dimensional art or sculpture class. Students learn to make artworks in a variety of media including; folded paper/ cardboard, papier-mâché, clay, wood, assemblage, wire, and plaster. Students learn clay/ ceramics hand building techniques. Students will learn to visualize and create artworks from 2D plans in 3D form using a sketchbook for homework and design plans. 

Prerequisite: Art 1, Graphic Art & Design

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AR8812GAC 3D Sculpture Grades 10, 11, 12 0.5 Credit

*[Graduation Requirement: Fine Arts; Humanities Elective]

This class offers students advanced clay hand building and wheel thrown pottery techniques. Students problem solve building sculptures using more challenging applications of the principles and elements of art and design. Students create 3D artworks from a variety of methods and materials including; paper, papier-mâché, clay, wire, wood and assemblage. Students must be able to work independently and collaboratively. Students will learn to visualize and create artworks from 2D plans in 3D form using a sketchbook for homework and design plans. 

Prerequisite: 3-D Sculpture 1

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AR8841GAC Photography 1 Grades 10, 11, 12 0.5 Credit

*[Graduation Requirement: Fine Arts; Humanities Elective]

This class is an introductory course covering the basics of black and white photography. Students begin with non-camera darkroom imagery, build and use pinhole cameras, and learn how to create Images using a film camera. Students will also learn how to make contact sheets and to enlarge images from negatives. 

Prerequisite: Art 1, Graphic Art & Design, or Middle School Art Teacher Recommendation

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AR8842GAC Photography 2 Grades 10, 11, 12 0.5 Credit

*[Graduation Requirement: Fine Arts; Humanities Elective]

This class is an extension of Photo 1 that offers students a more in depth look into how to take good quality photographic images. In this course students will learn how to process their own film and learn more advanced darkroom techniques such as using the filter system. Students will also be introduced to lighting techniques both natural and manipulative. 

Prerequisite: Photography 1

 

AR8843GAC Art History Grades 10, 11, 12 0.5 Credit

*[Graduation Requirement: Fine Arts; Humanities Elective]

This half-year survey class is designed for students who wish to study the global history of art from Prehistoric to the present. Students read, write about, and discuss art. Minimal art making is involved. Students learn to distinguish between art-historical arguments that are rooted in historical fact, accepted scholarly interpretation, and informed speculation. This class can be used as a preparation for AP Art History, IB Art History, or IB Visual Arts.

 

AR8844HAE Honors Portfolio Grades 11, 12 1 Credit

*[Graduation Requirement: Fine Arts; Humanities Elective]

This class is designed for Art Students who want to build a superior portfolio, a body of work, for higher educational review. Portfolio students can be preparing for AP Studio Art, taking AP concurrently, or have finished AP Studio Art class. Students are expected to be proficient in 2D Processes. Students create a substantial (20-24 pieces) portfolio of finished artwork. 

Prerequisite: Two years of art classes.

 

AR8845ACE Advanced Placement Studio Art Grades 11, 12 1 Credit

*[Graduation Requirement: Fine Arts; Humanities Elective]

This class is designed for students pursuing art in their higher-level educational choices. A rigorous course with art school foundation level expectations, AP Studio requires a portfolio review and summer work for acceptance. Students create a concentration of (30) quality works for review and scoring by the College Board. Students with passing exam scores earn college credits. Advanced Placement (AP) classes are rigorous college courses that are offered in the high school setting. AP courses require summer assignments that are due on the first day of school. The student is responsible for obtaining his or her summer assignments and submitting the completed work on time. Any student who fails to meet the due date for summer assignments will receive a failing grade. 

Prerequisite: Two years of art classes.

 

AR8846ACE Advanced Placement Art History Grades 10, 11, 12 1 Credit

*[Graduation Requirement: Fine Arts; Humanities Elective]

This class is a college level survey class covering Art from Prehistoric time to the present. AP Art History focuses on reading, analysis of, writing, and discussion about art and art history. This course is designed to teach students to analyze art through the lenses of Formalism, historical, religious, cultural, political, gender, and socio-economic contexts. It is also intended to prepare students for the College Board National Art History Exam. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement exam. Advanced Placement (AP) classes are rigorous college courses that are offered in the high school setting. AP courses require summer assignments that are due on the first day of school. The student is responsible for obtaining his or her summer assignments and submitting the completed work on time. Any student who fails to meet the due date for summer assignments will receive a failing grade. 

Prerequisite: Required summer work.

 

BMHS ONLY

AR8848GAC Digital Media 1 Grades 10, 11, 12 0.5 Credit

*[Graduation Requirement: Fine Arts; Humanities Elective; Digital Literacy; STEM Elective]

This course teaches students how to create digital video in the form of narratives, commercials, music videos, short videos, traditional and stop-motion animation. Students will learn each step in the creative process from pre- to post- production. Students are introduced to a variety of software applications and programs. Finished works are presented for class review. 

Prerequisite: Graphic Art & Design, Photo 1, Art 1, or  teacher recommendation

 

BMHS ONLY

AR8849GAC Digital Media 2 Grades 10, 11, 12 0.5 Credit

*[Graduation Requirement: Fine Arts; Humanities Elective; Digital Literacy; STEM Elective]

This course teaches students how to create advanced videos and digital animation in the form of narratives, original videos, and digital animations. Students will learn each step in the creative process from storyboarding, pre- to post-production, and visual and audio editing. Students develop 21st Century Learning skills with advanced application of course software application. Students premiere their finished works for review in groups or individually. 

Prerequisite: Digital Media 1

 

BMHS ONLY

AR8853GAC Cultural Perspectives in Art Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 0.5 Credit

*[Graduation Requirement: Fine Arts; Humanities Elective]

This course introduces and examines critical cultural studies and theories of culture particularly related to the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa. This course will enable students to articulate their emerging knowledge of Middle East, South Asian, and African cultures in a theoretically informed language. Students will develop critical thinking and creativity through problem solving and self-assessment. Students will create original artwork based on an appreciation of native artists’ techniques and cultural tradition.

 

 

BMHS ONLY

AR8847GAE Yearbook in Design Grades 9,10,11,12 1 Credit

*[Graduation Requirement: Fine Arts; Humanities Elective]

In this class, students will study the function, techniques, and responsibilities of journalism design. The course will include instruction and lab activity. Students will assist with the preparation and publication of the senior yearbook. This course is recommended for students whose writing skills are firmly grounded. Students will have Photoshop lessons to design page layouts. Students will also have instructions on marketing and advertisement to sell and distribute final product. Yearbook is a permanent Legal Document: it gives students opportunities to gather points toward college admissions. It also will give students a good understanding of how to use Photoshop, Windows, and the Adobe Suite in creating pages and advertisements. Students will be assigned deadlines and tasks to complete for grading purposes. 

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation.

 

BMHS ONLY

IB ART Year 1 Hl/SL 11 1 Credit

*[Graduation Requirement: Fine Arts; Humanities Elective]

IB Art is a studio-based art course that highlights the creative process as a method for learning. Students develop 2D, 3D, or time-based art products as a result of skill development and artistic inquiry. Students focus on their own thinking and art making processes. Students document their learning in written and visual formats as evidence of in-depth research into chosen areas of interest. Throughout the course emphasis is placed on all stages of the creative process: plan and practice; create; revise; present; reflect. Students are encouraged to be independently motivated, as they investigate the history and practice of a chosen art form. Students form a thesis across cultures, time periods, and disciplines to unite their work throughout the course. Students will learn how to connect research and art creation that expresses personal meaning within a cultural, historical and discipline-based context. In addition to learning how to appreciate and evaluate their own work and that of others, students will be encouraged to stretch and explore their own work and share it with an audience through critiques, exhibitions, and presentations.

 

SL IB ART: Over the course of the year, students experiment with various media, techniques, processes, and styles. Gradually, they are asked to identify themes in their own work and determine an area of focus. Through various teacher-driven assignments, students will gain practice in taking ideas and ways of knowing, from other disciplines, as inspiration for artistic expression.

 

HL IB ART: Students concentrate their work in one or two media and focus on developing a strong, cohesive portfolio of art that explores a central thesis that shows evidence of depth and breadth of research and investigation. Thematic series are strongly recommended, and occur naturally in most cases.

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BMHS ONLY

IB ART Year 2 Hl/SL 12 1 Credit

*[Graduation Requirement: Fine Arts; Humanities Elective]

IB Art is a studio-based art course that highlights the creative process as a method for learning. Students develop 2D, 3D, or time-based art products as a result of skill development and artistic inquiry. Students focus on their own thinking and art making processes. Students document their learning in written and visual formats as evidence of in-depth research into chosen areas of interest. Throughout the course emphasis is placed on all stages of the creative process: plan and practice; create; revise; present; reflect. Students are encouraged to be independently motivated, as they investigate the history and practice of a chosen art form. Students form a thesis across cultures, time periods, and disciplines to unite their work throughout the course. Students will learn how to connect research and art creation that expresses personal meaning within a cultural, historical and discipline-based context. In addition to learning how to appreciate and evaluate their own work and that of others, students will be encouraged to stretch and explore their own work and share it with an audience through critiques, exhibitions, and presentations.

 

SL IB ART: Over the course of the year, students experiment with various media, techniques, processes, and styles. Gradually, they are asked to identify themes in their own work and determine an area of focus. Through various teacher-driven assignments, students will gain practice in taking ideas and ways of knowing, from other disciplines, as inspiration for artistic expression.

 

HL IB ART: Students concentrate their work in one or two media and focus on developing a strong, cohesive portfolio of art that explores a central thesis that shows evidence of depth and breadth of research and investigation. Thematic series are strongly recommended, and occur naturally in most cases.

 

BMHS ONLY

IB Art History Year 1 SL 11 1 Credit

*[Graduation Requirement: Fine Arts; Humanities Elective]

This course involves an intensive study of notable works of architecture, sculpture, painting, and other art forms within diverse and historical contexts. Students will develop their understanding of artistic heritage in broad terms, from delving into scholarly sources and gaining first-hand knowledge of museum and art gallery collections, to analyzing the visual imagery surrounding them in all aspects of life. This course gives students the means to critically engage with the images, which saturate our world, to explore why they look the way they do, and to interpret their layers of meaning. Students will be actively engaged with visual analysis, reading assignments, writing assignments, and oral presentations. Students will learn to understand the vital role artistic expression holds within all societies and recognize the universality of human thought and artistic expression in conveying historical, cultural, and personal perspectives. Students may earn college credit by passing the IB exam.
 

BMHS ONLY

IB Art History Year 2 SL 12 1 Credit

*[Graduation Requirement: Fine Arts; Humanities Elective]

This course involves an intensive study of notable works of architecture, sculpture, painting, and other art forms within diverse and historical contexts. Students will develop their understanding of artistic heritage in broad terms, from delving into scholarly sources and gaining first-hand knowledge of museum and art gallery collections, to analyzing the visual imagery surrounding them in all aspects of life. This course gives students the means to critically engage with the images, which saturate our world, to explore why they look the way they do, and to interpret their layers of meaning. Students will be actively engaged with visual analysis, reading assignments, writing assignments, and oral presentations. Students will learn to understand the vital role artistic expression holds within all societies and recognize the universality of human thought and artistic expression in conveying historical, cultural, and personal perspectives. Students may earn college credit by passing the IB exam.

 

BMHS ONLY

IB Film HL Year 2 SL 12 1 Credit

*[Graduation Requirement: Fine Arts; Humanities Elective]