Fine Arts Courses

The introductory fine arts course will center on exploring art as a visual language. The objective is for the student to develop visual literacy and the ability to discuss and critically analyze works of art. We will study the art elements, which are the artists’ vocabulary. Studio assignments will include a variety of media such as drawing, painting, pastel and printmaking. Class discussion, writing and homework assignments will play a key role throughout the course.

Prerequisite
None

This course focuses on 2 dimensional design skills. Drawing techniques and skill will be emphasized. A variety of media will be explored.

Prerequisite
FAR 101

This course focuses on choices of subject matter in art in relation to the social, religious and political climate of the culture that created it. A range of time periods and cultures will be examined.

Prerequisite
None

This course focuses on the history of American art with an emphasis on the Philadelphia region in relation to the growth and development of America as a nation.

Prerequisite
None

This course will explore the use of the elements and principles of design to create 3 dimensional works. Ceramics will be the primary medium used. Other processes will be explored such as plaster carving, carting and using found objects.

Prerequisite
FAR 101

This is an intensive art course, which will cover a variety of media. The objective is to create a body of work for submission as the AP Studio Art portfolio to the College Board in May. A serious commitment to the process and exploration of creating art is essential. The course will comprise writing and reading assignments in addition to studio projects.

Prerequisite
FAR 301

This course starts with an introduction to the language of drama, and discusses basic elements of the theatre: audience awareness, plot, character, and theme. It will also look at the differences between the play on the page and the play on the stage. Once the basics are established, a study of the history of drama through plays will begin. Roughly 15 plays will be explored - some abridged - ranging from classic drama to modern comedies, with discussions about style changes, innovations, and emphases through the centuries. An emphasis will be placed on the students' own concepts of plays in performance. In class, they will discuss the plays from a performance perspective. They will design sets, costumes and lighting; read and act out scenes; write dramaturgical essays. They will learn about the history of landmark productions of each play. They will see the plays in performance on local professional stages as well. Placement priority in this course will be given to seniors.

Prerequisite
None

The General Music course will concentrate on creating a musically literate student. Through the course, the student will learn the basics of reading and writing musical notation. Music theory will also be covered. We will explore the major periods of western music history, enabling the student to recognize the styles, composers, and major musical happenings of these periods. The class will include a unit on music of the twentieth century, including the styles of jazz and rock. Listening to examples and guest performers will give each student a taste of the music they have been studying. In addition, each student will attend and report on a concert of his choosing each month. Placement priority in this course will be given to seniors.

Prerequisite
None