2012-13 upper school course description book - University Liggett ...

CREATIVE AND PERFORMING ARTS
We offer courses in the major disciplines in art. Our offerings deal with mastery, competency, skill
acquisition, creative problem solving, history, heritage, criticism and discipline. The arts help build selfrespect,
self-reliance and cooperation among our students. Curriculum in visual art, vocal and
instrumental music, theatre and drama are based on approaching these disciplines as “language and
symbol systems.” Like the sciences in many ways and like athletics in others, the arts possess the power
to train and to motivate. The major goal, through required and elective courses, is to produce
aesthetically literate students through imaginative, energetic and resourceful teaching.
Upper School students are required to take three semester courses in the arts in at least two arts
disciplines (drama, music, visual art or art history) or complete four full years (eight semesters) in one
arts discipline to complete the graduation requirement. Students are required to keep portfolios,
sketchbooks, scene tapes and audition tapes in many arts classes to assist and recognize the differences
in the ways students and groups learn. Critical reviews will be written in each class for exhibitions,
concerts or theatre presentations.
Visual Art
Visual Arts offer a wide range of experiences in two- and three-dimensional art as well as historical and
contemporary art study. Primary emphasis is placed on understanding art and making works based on
that understanding, as well as knowing about art and artists. Secondary emphasis is on critical thinking
skills and the creation and support of value judgments about works explored in classes.
Ceramics I
First semester, 1/2 credit
Ceramics I is an introductory course using clay as an expressive medium with emphasis on handbuilding
and wheel throwing techniques, application of glaze materials, the understanding of form,
color, structural relationships and a variety of kiln firing techniques. The course will develop student
awareness of problem solving, and chemical reactions, as well as enhance insight into tools, history and
the mechanics of art.
Introduction to Visual Art Studio
Grades 9-12
First semester, 1/2 credit
Second semester, 1/2 credit
This course is concerned with two-dimensional visual art concepts. Emphasis is placed on studying
elements of design: line, color, value, shape, form, space, and texture. Students explore, experiment,
observe, and evaluate their work and others. This course is designed to help students make informed
visual choices and have control over the use of art elements and principals. Principles of design include
balance, unity, contract, emphasis, pattern, movement, and rhythm. The transfer of concepts, operations,
and values is important to other disciples: science and mathematics also deal with symbols and their
meanings. This course is an introduction to the other visual art courses offer in the upper school.
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