Course Description (Main Areas)
VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS
ANIMATION 1-2 – 0142, 0143 Grades 9-12
Recommended Prerequisite: None
Basic animation will introduce students to the principles of traditional
cell animation and to the various materials used in the production of
this art form. The purpose of the course is to develop awareness and
appreciation of the art of animation and to provide students with the
opportunity for creative expression using the tools of animation as
their voice. It will also offer a foundation for those students who wish
to pursue a career in animation and/or related fields.
ANIMATION 3-4 – 0144, 0145 (Creative
Animation 5-6 – 0146, 0147) Grades 10-12
Recommended Prerequisite: Animation 1-2
Advanced Animation will introduce students to the principles of computer
animation and to the various programs used in the production of this art
form. It will continue to stress the fundamentals of pencil animation
and build on the skills developed in Basic Animation 1-2. Claymation and
the fundamentals of video will be merged with the pencil and computer to
broaden the possibilities of creativity. It will also offer a foundation
for those students who wish to pursue a career in animation and/or
relative fields. These areas will include set design, acting, producing,
directing, background artists, inkers, inbetweeners, 3-D animators, 3-D
modelers, sound editing, storyboarding, and script writing.
ANIMATION 5-6 – 0146, 0147 Grades
10-12
Recommended Prerequisite: Animation 3-4
Advanced Animation will introduce students to the principles of computer
animation and to the various programs used in the production of this art
form. It will continue to stress the fundamentals of pencil animation
and build on the skills developed in Basic Animation 1-2. Claymation and
the fundamentals of video will be merged with the pencil and computer to
broaden the possibilities of creativity. It will also offer a foundation
for those students who wish to pursue a career in animation and/or
relative fields. These areas will include set design, acting, producing,
directing, background artists, inkers, inbetweeners, 3-D animators, 3-D
modelers, sound editing, storyboarding, and script writing.
ANIMATION 7-8 – 0148, 0149 Grades
10-12
Recommended Prerequisite: Animation 5-6
Animation 7-8 – Digital Portfolio/Job Skills/Senior Project is the final
step in preparation for graduation, going on to higher education, and/or
gaining employment. By taking the time to finalize and formalize all the
students have accomplished in the previous courses, each individual is
able to bring examples of all that they have accomplished into a final
portfolio and demo reel to present at their exit interview and to
prospective schools or employers. This is a time consuming project that
will mean the difference between a professional presentation or just
another “wannabee” animator. New skills presented in this course will be
the written resume, oral presentation and sales of self-image, and
formalizing production skills acquired to date. Students
will be production leaders that will oversee one group community service
project to give back something to their community for the education.
This senior project will be a public service message with a theme of
antiviolence, drugs, alcohol, and/or tobacco, geared towards the K-12
children of our community. Even when not written, pencil animation will
be emphasized every semester and outside work including research and
reading will be required. Meeting deadlines and work ethic is stressed
in all classes.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT ART HISTORY 1-2 –
0153, 0154 Grades 10-12
Recommended Prerequisite: None
Art History is and in-depth overview of the history of art, from
Prehistoric to Modern Times, with an emphasis on Western as well as
non-Western art. Semester one will encompass the Ancient through
medieval periods, while semester two will cover the Renaissance to the
Present Era.
AP STUDIO ART 1-2 – 0151, 0152
Grades 10-12
Advanced Placement Studio Art: Drawing provides instruction for the
highly skilled exceptional students in drawing, painting, and three
dimensional design. The course assists these students in the preparation
of a portfolio for the Advance Placement program in Studio Art.
Portfolio preparation involves a significant time commitment and is,
therefore, intended for motivated students with advanced skills who are
seriously dedicated to studying art. It may be repeated for credit. This
course has been approved to meet the UC “f” or “g” requirement.
AP STUDIO ART 2D 1-2 – 0157, 0158
Grades 10-12
Advanced Placement Studio Art: 2D Design provides instruction for the
highly skilled exceptional students in two-dimensional design. The
course assists these students in the preparation of a 2D Portfolio. It
is designed to address a very broad interpretation of two-dimensional
design issues. This type of design involves purposeful decision-making
about how to use the elements and principles of art in an integrative
way. The elements of design (line, shape, space, form, texture, value
and color) are like a palette of possibilities that artists use to
express themselves. The principles of design help guide artists in
making decisions about how to organize the elements on a picture plane
in order to communicate content. These principles include contrast,
emphasis, balance, pattern, rhythm, movement and unity. Portfolio
preparation involves a significant time
commitment and is, therefore, intended for motivated students with
advanced skills who are seriously dedicated to studying art. This course
has been approved by UC to meet the UC “f” requirement.
AP STUDIO ART 3D 1-2 – 0159, 0160
Grades 10-12
Advanced Placement Studio Art: 3D Design provides instruction for the
highly skilled exceptional students in 3D Design. The course assists
these students in the preparation of a Three-Dimensional Design
Portfolio. It is designed to address a very broad interpretation of
sculpture issues in depth and space. These may include mass, volume,
form, plane, light, and texture. Such elements and concepts can be
articulated through additive, subtractive, and/or fabrication processes.
Portfolio preparation involves a significant time commitment and is,
therefore, intended for motivated students with advanced skills who are
seriously dedicated to studying art.
This course has been approved by UC to meet the UC “f” requirement.
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN 1-2 – 0846, 0847
Grades 10-12
Architectural Design includes the study and application of the elements
and principles of design, the study of the history of ancient
architecture from Catal Huyuk to the Ancient Baroqueand its relevant
vocabulary and structural devices, and an introduction to basic
sketching and technical drawing skills. Students will experience working
with different mediums (a variety of different pencils, charcoal, pen
and ink, watercolor, tempera, and clay) to copy ancient structures and
to design their own structures using various construction devices.
Architectural Design 1-2 meets PUSD Fine Art or Practical Art credit,
PUSD Computer Literacy/Competency, and UC/CSU ‘f’ Elective Credit
(Students must complete 1 and 2 to receive UC/CSU ‘f’ credit).
CERAMICS 1- 2 – 0115, 0116 Grades
10-12
Recommended Prerequisite: None
Ceramics 1 and 2 are classes in which a variety of projects will be
completed using clay. Students will use at least three methods of
ceramic construction demonstrating coil, slab coil, carved, slab pinch,
and wheel thrown techniques. Students will construct projects using the
above techniques and will be required to improve craftsmanship as basic
skills develop. These courses meet the CSU/UC VPA requirements.
CERAMICS 3 4 – 0117, 0118 Grades 11 12
Recommended Prerequisite: Ceramics 1, 2
Ceramics 3 and 4 are designed for students who have mastered basic
construction and decoration techniques. These courses will stress
design, craftsmanship, and evaluation of ceramic art at a professional
level. Students will construct projects, at a professional level, using
hand built and wheel thrown methods.
CHOIR 1 – 1105 Grades 9-12
Recommended Prerequisite: None.
Beginning Choir 1 offers the student of choral music an opportunity to
develop musical skills and to broaden the musical experience through
rehearsal and performance. This is a performance class and students are
expected to participate in all choral activities. The make-up of this
class could be mixed voices, women only or men only.
CHOIR 2 – 1106 Grades 9-12
Recommended Prerequisite: None.
Beginning Choir 2 offers the student of choral music an opportunity to
develop musical skills and to broaden the musical experience through
rehearsal and performance. This is a performance class and students are
expected to participate in all choral activities. The make-up of this
class could be mixed voices, women only or men only.
CLASSICAL VOCAL ENSEMBLE 1-2 – 1110,
1111 Grades 10 12
Recommended Prerequisite: Audition; teacher approval
Classical Vocal Ensemble is a course for advanced choral musicians.
Advanced choral and vocal techniques will be taught. Classical and
traditional repertoire will be studied and performed. This is a
performance class, and students are expected to participate in all
choral activities. Outside time is required. Activities will include
school and community performances. The Classical Vocal Ensemble will
represent the school at District and state levels in adjudicated
festivals
COMPUTER GRAPHIC ART 1-2 – 0975-0976
Grades 10 12
This semester course is a beginning study in contemporary media. The
class is structured around projects emphasizing the art elements of
line, shape, color, and texture. It will introduce the student to the
principles of design including rhythm, balance, proportions, and
variety. Students will develop an appreciation of traditional artistic
expression as well as an understanding of the role of contemporary media
as a verbal and visual means of communication in today’s society. This
course has been approved to meet the UC “f” requirement, the PUSD
Practical Arts requirement or Fine Arts requirement, and the District’s
Computer Literacy requirement.
CONCERT BAND – 1175 Grades 9-12
Recommended Prerequisite: Previous band experience.
Concert Band is designed for instrumental musicians. This is a
performance class, and students are expected to participate in all band
activities. Activities will include concerts for the band as well as
solo and ensemble festivals. This band represents the school at district
and state levels in concert festivals. All students are required to be
enrolled in Marching Physical Education first semester.
CONCERT CHOIR 1-2 – 1120, 1121 Grades
9-12
Recommended Prerequisite: Previous choral Experience; teacher approval.
Concert Choir 1-2 offers the student of choral music an opportunity to
further develop musical skills and to broaden the musical experience
through rehearsal and performance. This is a performance class and
students are expected to participate in all choral activities. The
Concert Choir will represent the school at district and state levels in
adjudicated festivals. The make-up of this class could be mixed voices,
women only or men only.
DANCE (INTERMEDIATE) – 1429 Grades
10-12
Recommended Prerequisite: Teacher Approval
Intermediate Dance is designed to give those students with previous
experience a chance to progress onto more challenging dance techniques.
Choreography, vocabulary of dance, and elements of critiquing the art of
dance will be included in the class. In addition, performances of
choreographed and original dance routines will be mandatory.
DANCE (ADVANCED) – 1430 Grades 10 12
Recommended Prerequisite: Recommendation of teacher
Advanced Dance is an accelerated class designed to explore dance from
many vantage points. Advanced dance technique will be the basis of the
class. Choreography, dance history, interpretive qualities, and
originality will complement the class. Performance of original
choreographies will be mandatory. Elements of critiquing the art of
dance will be refined.
DESIGN IN MIXED MEDIA 1-2 – 0125, 0126
Grades 9-12
Recommended Prerequisite: None.
Design in Mixed Media introduces students to the elements and principles
of design, which are part of the common core of knowledge and the
foundation for understanding and creating fine art. This course provides
students with practical experience in the production of two and
three-dimensional design artwork. It will develop student awareness and
appreciation of the fine arts.
DESIGN IN MIXED MEDIA 3 4 – 0127, 0128
Grades 10 12
Recommended Prerequisite: Design in Mixed Media 1 2
Design in Mixed Media 3 4 continue as project oriented courses in which
students build upon the knowledge and skills learned in Design in Mixed
Media 1 2.
DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCTION 1-2 – 0998,
0999 Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Must be 16 years old
This course provides introductory and intermediate training in digital
media production. This course covers the following: operation of video
cameras, digital video editing equipment, digital audio editing
equipment, lighting equipment, multi-track digital recorders, video
recorders, and compact disc recorders. Instruction includes basic
development of storyboarding, script writing, and production concepts.
Students will use equipment, which includes Avid Express 2.0 video
editing software. Digidesign Pro-tools, audio editing software, Sony
digital video cameras. Approximately 180 hours are needed to complete
this course.
DRAMA 1 – 0345 Grades 9-12
Recommended Prerequisite: None.
Drama 1 is a survey course, which includes many facets of dramatic
activity. Included are basic story telling, voice, and diction, reader’s
theater, pantomime, and improvisational exercises. The students will be
requested to visit at least one selected rehearsal or performance of a
school play each quarter.
DRAMA 2 – 0346 Grades 9-12
Recommended prerequisite: Drama 1 or consent of instructor.
Drama 2 is a course in which students do creative exercises to
illustrate characters and situations, as well as improvisational
exercise. It is a beginning study of theater with in-depth looks at
structure of theater and plays and more improvisations and pantomimes.
Students will visit movies and plays and be able to write a critique of
them. At least one basic scene and/or series of pantomimes must be
presented. Also included is a study of the function of the playwright,
the actor, the director, and the technicians. In addition, the students
will study the written scripts of four genres: melodrama, comedy, farce,
and modern drama.
DRAMA 3 – 0347 Grades 10 12
Recommended Prerequisite: Drama 1 and/or 2 or consent of instructor
Drama 3 is an intermediate acting course. Included in the course is a
study of the history of the theater and changes in acting styles.
Students are expected to perform scenes or plays from classical
literature after studying the influences of the various periods on
costume, movement, and makeup. Students are expected to investigate the
technical side of theater with regard to designing lighting, costuming,
and creating special makeup, along with knowing the function of a
playwright, actor, director, and technician.
DRAMA 4 – 0348 Grades 10 12
Recommended Prerequisite: Drama 3 or consent of instructor
Drama 4 is a course in play production. The course includes a detailed
study of how plays are produced, designed, costumed, cast, and directed.
Specifically, students are expected to choose material, prepare the
prompt book, draw a floor plan of the set, draw a set elevation, and
design appropriate costumes for each character. Additionally, students
are expected to collect a “makeup morgue,” to arrange the rehearsal
schedule, and to act in two scenes for other directors. A continuing
study is made of theater history and additional styles and terminology.
Students will begin to learn principles of directing and technical
theater as well as produce a semester project and participate in logs of
scene work. This is a performance class.
DRAMA 5 – 0349 Grades 10 12
Recommended Prerequisite: Drama 4 or consent of instructor
Drama 5 continues the application of the play direction techniques
introduced in Drama 4. Students are expected to select a semester
project and to carry it to culmination in presentation and evaluation by
an audience. In addition, students are expected to develop a prompt
book, which demonstrates an increased attention to detail, steady
improvement in basic techniques, and heightened creativity. Also
elements of theater management will be covered.
DRAMA 6 – 0350 Grades 10 12
Recommended Prerequisite: Drama 5 or consent of instructor
Drama 6 is a course in which students explore advanced methods and
techniques of acting, interpretation, and direction. Students are
expected to participate in classroom scenes and touring productions.
Students are expected to research an individually selected topic.
Costuming and makeup are also to be covered in this course. This is
essentially a director’s laboratory/workshop and a performance class
with scenes and projects.
DRAWING & PAINTING 1-2 – 0130, 0131
Grades 9-12
Recommended Prerequisite: None.
Drawing and Painting is a course designed to allow students the
experience of working in an artistic atmosphere and to participate in
the processes used by artists to create works of art. These processes
include conceptualization, designing, drawing, painting, and finishing a
variety of different media. Working through these processes the student
not only gains an appreciation for the artistic process but also gains
an insight into their own creative abilities. This course will give
students a framework in which they may explore other creative outlets of
their own.
DRAWING AND PAINTING 3 4 – 0132, 0133
Grades 10 12
Recommended Prerequisite: Drawing and Painting 1 2
Drawing and Painting 3 and 4 are designed for students who have both the
interest and talent to further develop their drawing and painting
skills. Students will produce, view, discuss, and analyze a wide variety
of drawings and paintings. This class will be conducted in a studio
environment, which combines communication of ideas, symbols, moods, or
feelings with originality. Projects are completed independently.
FASHION DESIGN AND HISTORY 1-2 – 0930,
0931 Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Clothing 1 helpful but not required
Fashion Design and History 1-2 prepares students for entry into one of
the nation’s largest industries as merchandising assistants, buyers, and
department store managers. The two-fold purpose of the program
incorporates professional preparation for a fashion design career, and
possibilities for self-employment. These skills make a student
immediately employable, and many students find part-time employment
while completing the program. *This class is A-G/UC approved course and
is articulated for waiver credit at Palomar College. ROP Certificate
will be awarded upon 90+ class hours. The student may have a choice of
receiving Fine Art or Practical Art credit.
FIBER ARTS 1-2 Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: none
Fiber Arts 1-2 introduces the student to the fundamentals of fibers and
textiles, and fabric design and their functions. Creative expression is
emphasized, placed on the basic study and the creative process of the
principles and elements of art and design. Included in the course will
be basic drawing. Students will analyze the artistic nature of fabric.
Content will include cultural and historical influences of fibers and
textile art. This course is project based. *This course is A-G/UC
approved. The student may have a choice of receiving Fine Art or
Practical Art credit.
FRESHMAN BAND – 1174 Grade 9
Recommended Prerequisite: Previous band experience.
Freshman band offers the student of instrumental music an opportunity to
further develop musical skills and to broaden the musical experience
through rehearsal and performance. All students are required to be
enrolled in Marching Physical Education first semester.
INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLE – 1186
Grades 9-12
Instrumental Ensembles is a course for all levels of instrumental
musicians. Small ensembles are encouraged, although solos may be
prepared for the solo and ensemble festival held at two different
locations in the county. The students may be required to participate in
the solo and ensemble festival. This course may be repeated for credit.
This course has been approved to meet the UC “f” requirement and PUSD
Fine Arts requirement.
ORCHESTRA 1-2– 1183, 1184
Grades 9-12
Recommended Prerequisite: Previous experience playing an orchestral
string instrument.
Orchestra is designed for the stringed-instrument student who desires to
play in a performing organization based upon orchestral instruments. The
group will play a variety of string orchestra music and will perform at
school concerts and at festivals.
PHOTOGRAPHY 1 – 0872 Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Must be 16 years old
Photography 1 provides a media that allows the student a pragmatic
method of application of chemistry, art, and physics, as well as an
introduction to vocational possibilities in the field of photography.
This course will deal primarily with learning to properly use photo
developing equipment and different cameras.
PHOTOGRAPHY 2 – 0873 Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Must be 16 years old
Photography 2 will continue fine-tuning the technical skills learned in
Photography 1. Students will learn to use a camera as a way of
communication and creative expression. Imagination, emotion, and
aesthetic perception will be stressed through proper organization of
photographic elements and composition. The history of photography and
critical evaluation of prints will be emphasized throughout the courses.
Students may receive Fine Arts or Practical Arts credit for this class.
STUDIO ART – 0150 Grades 11-12
Recommended Prerequisite: Drawing and Painting 1-4 and Portfolio Review
The Studio Art program is intended for the highly motivated and gifted
art student. It provides the opportunity for students to excel and allow
them the experience of working in an artistic atmosphere and to
participate in the processes used by artists to create works of art.
These processes include conceptualizing, designing, drawing, painting
and finishing a variety of different media. Working through these
processes, the student not only gains an appreciation for the artistic
process but also gains an insight into their own creative abilities.
Studio Art helps students to prepare an extensive portfolio for future
college and artistic endeavors. . Instructor permission is required for
enrollment.
TALL FLAGS – COLOR GUARD – 1197 Grades
9-12
Recommended Prerequisite: None.
The Color guard class provides students with the opportunity to develop
musical/visual concepts, skills, and interpretations. These concepts
will be used in conjunction with the marching program and the indoor
tall flag instruction. The Southern California School Band and Orchestra
Association and the California Tall Flag Association, in addition to
teacher observation will provide evaluation. Tall Flags/Color guard
satisfies Fine Art requirement.
TECHNICAL PRODUCTION FOR THE THEATRE 1-2
– 0340, 0341 Grades 9-12
Technical Production for the Theater 1-2 is a course which covers the
basics of set design and construction, lighting, costuming, sound,
makeup, and stage management. Specifically, students will be expected to
design, construct, and paint flats, to plan and draw a lighting plot for
a play, to operate a lighting board, and to choose costume designs and
colors for characters in a play. In addition, students will be expected
to operate the equipment used in sound effects and musical background
for a play, to plan and apply makeup for play characters, and to act as
stage manager.
TECHNICAL PRODUCTION FOR THE THEATRE 3-4
– 0342, 0343 Grades 10-12
Technical Production for the Theater 3-4 is a practical theater class
which continues to build on knowledge, experience, and interest acquired
in 1-2. Students will be able to perform the varied “behind the scenes”
tasks at a level of expertness which would make them eligible for
theater employment. This course does not apply to the English or Fine
arts graduation requirements.
WIND ENSEMBLE – 1177 (Advanced –
061178) Grades 9-12
Recommended Prerequisite: Concert Band.
Wind Ensemble is a course for advanced instrumental musicians. This is a
performance class, and students are expected to participate in all band
activities. Some outside time is necessary. Activities will include
concerts for the band and various festivals. The Wind Ensemble will
represent the school at district and state levels in concert
evaluations. All students should be enrolled in Marching Physical
Education in the fall.
WOMEN’S ENSEMBLE – 1118 Grades 10 12
Recommended Prerequisite: Previous Choral Experience; audition
Women’s Ensemble is a course for advanced choral musicians. Advanced
choral and vocal techniques will be taught. Classical and traditional
repertoire specifically written for women’s voices will be studied and
performed. This is a performance class, and students are expected to
participate in all choral activities. Outside time is required.
Activities will include school and community performances. The Women’s
Ensemble will represent the school at District and state levels in
adjudicated festivals.