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While the art curriculum provides a four year program designed for the college bound art major, it also remains flexible to meet the elective needs of all students. The chart below illustrates the course offerings. Design Foundations is the prerequisite for the six classes in the second row – Graphic Design, Jewelry 1, Sculpture, Drawing 1, Fibers and Ceramics 1. The bold boxes show the track for students who may be considering art as a major in college.
Students who have a serious interest in art should plan to take two semesters of art (Design Foundations plus another) in the ninth grade to allow time for the sequential classes necessary to take the senior level Portfolio Preparation class. Serious students should also take a minimum of six semesters of art. Eight semesters are recommended for the college-bound art major.
Design Foundations is a 9th grade requirement. Portfolio Preparation is open to seniors only. All other classes are open to 9-12th grades. All classes are semester classes except Portfolio Preparation. Most classes are offered yearly. Sculpture and Fibers are offered every other year.
Classes focus on studio art production. Lessons in art history, art criticism, aesthetics, art careers, studio etiquette and technology are also integrated.
Note: Prerequisites are required for all classes except Design Foundations.
Design Foundations
Design Foundations offers all students an opportunity to discover their own creativity while acquiring knowledge and skill in both traditional fine art and computer art techniques. Students will learn the basic elements of art (color, texture, form, value, line, shape, space) and the principles of design (balance, contrast, emphasis, unity, pattern, rhythm and movement). The Design Foundations requirement acknowledges that we live in a visual world and the ability to communicate effectively in visual mediums is increasingly important. Instruction in these early skills becomes the basis of the student’s technology integration experience in high school. It also serves as a prerequisite for other art department courses. Students complete assignments in the areas of photography, video, animation, web page creation, drawing, painting and sculpture.
Graphic Design
Graphic Design students problem solve in the field of visual communication while creating pieces such as posters, brochures, banners, invitations, stationery, flyers and advertisements. Typography, logo design, illustration and corporate identity are topics that students explore. Students will also explore the basics of digital photography and video. This course utilizes Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign and Premiere Pro.
Jewelry 1
Jewelry is an introduction to three-dimensional design and metalworking techniques. Techniques include piercing, sawing, silver soldering and riveting. Possible pieces include rings, pendants and bracelets.
Jewelry 2
Students in Jewelry 2 use basic techniques in new ways and explore advanced jewelry-making and metalworking techniques such as lost wax casting, forging, doming and hinge construction. The students further develop their design skills and work towards a more individualized and expressive direction in their jewelry-making. Pieces may include rings, necklaces, boxes and book covers.
Sculpture
Students in Sculpture learn basic techniques to create both relief sculptures and sculptures in the round. The study of form, value and space will be emphasized as students use materials as varied as clay, plaster, foam board and paper. The practice of mold making is also covered. This class is offered in one section every other school year. It will be offered in 2013-2014 and 2015-2016.
Drawing 1
Students in Drawing acquire knowledge and perceptual skills to draw objects realistically. They learn to transfer three-dimensional objects to a two-dimensional picture plane. This course is modeled after the book, Drawing from the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards. Basic concepts of drawing such as line, negative space, proportion, perspective and value are covered. A variety of subjects are drawn in pencil including interiors, portraits and still-life.
Drawing 2
In Drawing 2, students study the human skeletal structure to draw portraits and the human figure in proportion. Students build upon the basic skills acquired in Design Foundations and Drawing 1. Materials include pencil, charcoal, ink and pastel. This course is of great value to any student who may consider a major in art.
Painting 1
Students in Painting 1 further their knowledge and skill in art through various painting techniques. Students continue to build upon the skills acquired in Design Foundations and Drawing 1. Subject matter includes still-life, people and landscapes. Materials include acrylic and watercolor paint.
Painting 2
Students in Painting 2 further their knowledge and skill in art. Students continue to build upon the skills acquired in Design Foundations, Drawing 1, and Painting 1. Subject matter includes still-life, architecture, landscape and figure. Materials include oil and watercolor paint.
Fibers
Fibers class is an introduction to three-dimensional design as it relates to fabrics. Possibilities for both functional and non-functional pieces are explored. Fabric dyeing, weaving, felting and beading are some of the techniques covered. This class is offered in one section every other school year. It will be offered in 2012-2013 and 2014-2015.
Ceramics 1
Students learn basic hand forming techniques and may have the option of throwing on the wheel. Emphasis is placed on design principles as well as on technical skills. Possibilities for both functional and non-functional pieces are explored by working with pinch, coil, slab and a combination of these methods. Students are exposed to both contemporary and historical ceramics.
Ceramics 2
Studio work in Ceramics 2 focuses on improving technique and skill level. Projects include using the potter’s wheel and may also include press molds, slabs, and coils to further students’ knowledge of the ceramic medium. Advanced students may learn how to load and fire kilns and are expected to recycle clay. Projects incorporate both functional and sculptural clay work.
Portfolio Preparation
Students in this advanced class are expected to apply learning from the previous art classes to solve challenging design problems in the fine arts. Emphasis will be placed on completion of a portfolio acceptable for college admission. Enrollment in Portfolio Preparation entails the following. Students register for two semester classes total. Students will be enrolled in Portfolio Preparation for the fall semester and a companion class of their choice from the following list of art electives: Ceramics 1 or 2, Jewelry 1 or 2, Painting 1 or 2, Fibers, Sculpture, Graphic Design.
Please visit our complete course guide for further details and prerequisites.
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Mercy High School • 29300 W. 11 Mile Road • Farmington Hills, MI • 48336-1409 Email: mhs@mhsmi.org • Tel: (248) 476-8020 • Fax: (248) 476-3691 Site Developed & Maintained by Brainwrap Web Design • Web Administrator: Julie Earle • 248.893.3591 |
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