Visual Arts
(
modified from the Chesapeake Public Schools Secondary Student Guide)

Chesapeake Public Schools offers a wide variety of art courses. The study of art is not just for the artistically gifted student but is considered a vital part of every student’s education. No other subject offered in the secondary curriculum develops the visual literacy and perception that are necessary in such fields as architecture, interior design, industrial design, and commercial art. The art classrooms are furnished with equipment and materials to provide for individual creative expression. The information and skills learned in art have immediate application to the student’s home environment (e.g., room design, clothing selection, improved aesthetic awareness).
VISUAL ARTS
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
ADVANCED PLACEMENT CLASSES
ART LINKS

 

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Art I (252)   Credit: 1 Unit
Prerequisite:
None

Course Description: Art I acquaints students with many areas of art. It offers an opportunity for many types of artistic expression and development, sharpens awareness, and increases the powers of observation, analysis, and perception. A wide variety of art methods are explored which include basic problems in lettering, poster-making, painting, sculpture, graphics, and crafts with emphasis on design and creativity. Art history and art appreciation are also studied. All major art movements, from cave painting to the present, are included.

Art II (253)   Credit: 1 Unit
Prerequisite:
Art I (252)

Course Description: Art II is a continuation of subject areas in Art I. Art II gives students more freedom and explores given areas in more depth than Art I. Students are allowed more selection in their activities, but they must show more initiative and originality in carrying out ideas.

Art III (254)   Credit: 1 Unit
Prerequisite:
Art II (253)

Course Description: This course allows students to specialize in an area of their own choice. They may use oils or other advanced media. Students enrolled in Art III should show promise and ability to plan and carry out their plans effectively. Many students enrolled in Art III plan to pursue art as a profession. 

Art IV (256)   Credit: 1 Unit
Prerequisite:
Art III (254)

Course Description: Art IV allows students to continue specialization in a specific art medium. Students enrolled in Art IV should show unusual ability in planning and carrying out their own plans. Many students enrolled in Art IV plan to pursue art as a profession.

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Ceramics I (255)   Credit: 1 Unit
Prerequisite:
None

Course Description: This course develops basic skills in the making of pottery. The seven basic processes in working with clay are explored: (1) modeling from the lump, (2) pinching, (3) building with slabs, (4) building with coils, (5) throwing on a wheel, (6) slip molding, and (7) press molding.

Ceramics II (257)   Credit: 1 Unit
Prerequisite:
Ceramics I (255)

Course Description: This course continues to develop skills learned in Ceramics I. The seven basic processes of working with clay are further explored.

Ceramics III (262)   Credit: 1 Unit
Prerequisite:
Ceramics II (257)

Course Description: In this highly specialized course, students explore the basic processes of working with clay: firing and glazing.

Painting (268)   Credit: 1 Unit
Prerequisite:
None

Course Description: This course is designed to have students participate in a creative and practical approach to painting. Students are given the opportunity to explore various styles of painting. Students learn basic painting techniques relative to watercolor, tempera, acrylic, and gouache media. Emphasis is placed on the use of design principles.

Studio Art (269)   Credit: 1 Unit
Prerequisite: None
Recommended - Art 1 or Drawing

Course Description: This course is designed for students who are highly talented and wish to specialize in a particular media. It is an opportunity for students to explore the nature of media and to develop individual techniques and styles. Students are allowed to work independently.

Art Crafts I (258)   Credit: 1 Unit
Prerequisite:
None

Course Description: This course explores the making of objects by such means as weaving, leather crafts, mosaics, and clay.

Art Crafts II (263)   Credit: 1 Unit
Prerequisite:
Art Craft I (258)

Course Description: This course is a continuation of Art Crafts I in which the students’ skills are further refined in the making of objects.

Drawing (267)   Credit: 1 Unit
Prerequisite:
None

Course Description: This course is designed to allow students to participate in creative and experimental approaches to drawing. They will explore various drawing techniques with pencil, charcoal, pastels, and pen and conte’. Emphasis will be placed on design principles.

Airbrush Design (265) Credit: 1 Unit
Prerequisite:
None
Recommended - Art 1 or Drawing

Course Description: This course covers the creative and practical approach to the use of the airbrush. In addition to the fundamentals of the airbrush, this course includes T-shirt painting, poster design, and creative illustrating.

Airbrush Design II (261) 
Credit: 1 Unit
Prerequisite:
Airbrush Design I

Course Description: The student will continue to build upon the skills developed in Airbrush Design I by exploring the various ways that the airbrush can be used to paint fine art work.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES

Advanced Placement Art History (767)   Credit: 1 Unit
Prerequisite:
None

Course Description: This is a college level survey course that traces the history of art from pre-history to the present time. Emphasis is on painting, architecture, and sculpture.

Advanced Placement Studio Art (798)   Credit: 1 Unit
Prerequisite:
Art III or Art IV
Level of Difficulty: Advanced Placement and College Level Work

Course Description: Advanced Placement Studio Art is designed to develop skills in studio art that will enable the student to successfully complete the Advanced Placement exam. Students must be highly motivated to complete the number of required art works.

Art Links
These sites offer help or are sites related to art and art education. Some of the sites are commercial sites. A listing of the site is NOT an endorsement of the site or products that may be offered for sale at that site. The listing is offered solely as possible resources for the student and their parents.

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