Fine Arts

The Fine Arts enhance and enrich the human experience. The Fine Arts curriculum at The John Carroll School provides opportunities for students to explore the arts and to acquire historical and cultural knowledge while developing skills across various arts disciplines.

Course Title: INTRO TO DRAWING AND DESIGN

SEM, .5 credit

Grade Levels: 9-12 contemporary theories of color and light. It prepares students for painting with skills and understandings that grow out of observational drawing and painting experiences. Working with various drawing materials from pencil, charcoal and oil pastel, students are prepared for advanced painting in oils. Through a series of “Elegant Problems” to be solved, students develop visual perception and a personal aesthetic for making critical judgments. In addition to classwork, the student will create a digital portfolio to catalogue and assess work. This helps to prepare them for AP portfolios and applications to college.

Course Description: This semester course introduces students to the Elements of Art and the Principles of Design while developing drawing skills and painting techniques. In order to develop a student’s individual style and creative problem-solving skills, studio experiences in the classroom will include a variety of media while exploring the intersection of art with the fields of mathematics, literature, art history, and design. Learning experiences offered in this course will prepare interested students to pursue advanced courses in more specialized fields. This course is a prerequisite to the remaining visual art and design courses.

Course Title: STUDIO 2

SEM, .5 credit

Grade Levels: 10-11

Prerequisite: Studio 1

Course Title: STUDIO 1

SEM, .5 credit

Grade Levels: 10-11

Prerequisite: Intro to Drawing and Design

Course Description: Studio 1 is an intense observational drawing and painting program that is based on

Course Description: Studio 2 is an intense observational painting program that focuses primarily on painting in oils. The course is a continuation of the Studio 1 curriculum and prepares students for painting with skills and understandings that grow out of observational drawing and painting experiences. Students develop visual perception and a personal aesthetic for making critical judgments.

Course Title: HONORS STUDIO 3

SEM, .5 credit

Grade Levels: 11-12

Prerequisites: Studio 1-2

Course Description: Building off of design and critical thinking skills learned in Studio 1-2, Honors Studio 3 prepares students for AP Studio through assignments designed to embrace different styles and mediums. During this semester long examination of critical thinking and exploration, students will gain the confidence necessary to focus on an AP Studio concentration their senior year.

Course Title: HONORS STUDIO 4

SEM, .5 credit

Grade Levels: 11-12

Prerequisites: Studio 1-3 in Studio 1-4, students will complete an AP portfolio consisting of a minimum of 24 pieces to be submitted to The College Board for evaluation. Through instruction, emphasis will be placed on the production of a volume of quality pieces of art. Students will complete a comprehensive portfolio consisting of two parts: quality (five actual pieces of art of high quality), and concentration, in which students show the evolution and exploration of a visual idea (15 pieces). Students may elect to take the AP course for general credit, in which case the course is modified to meet the needs of the general student who is highly motivated to accept the artistic challenges presented in this course.

Course Description: Honors Studio 4 prepares students for AP Studio through assignments designed to embrace different styles and mediums. This semester long examination of critical thinking and exploration is a continuation of the Studio 3 curriculum in which students will gain the confidence n ecessary to focus on an AP Studio concentration their senior year.

Course Title: Ceramics and 3D Design

SEM, .5 credit

Grade Levels: 10-12

Prerequisite: Intro to Drawing and Design

Course Title: AP STUDIO

YR, 1 Credit

Grade Level: 12

Prerequisites: Studio 1-4

Course Description: Building off of design and critical thinking skills learned

Course Description: The Ceramics & 3D Design 2 course is designed to develop strong sculptural skills using a variety of both traditional and contemporary media. Sculpture and 3D design are the main focuses of the course, giving students an understanding of various sculptural techniques, which serves develop their understanding of the creative process. Students will be challenged to solve problems with knowledge of art elements and design principles within a 3D world. Through this process students will create work thinking about both a sculpture and its environment as well as develop their own personal aesthetic. At the conclusion of this course students will have created their own 3D portfolio.

Course Title: CERAMICS & 3D DESIGN 2

SEM, .5 credit

Grade Levels: 10-12

Prerequisites: Intro to Drawing and Design, Ceramics & 3D Design

Course Description: The Ceramics & 3D Design 2 course is designed to develop strong sculptural skills using a variety of both traditional and contemporary media. Sculpture and 3D design are the main focuses of the course, giving students an understanding of various sculptural techniques, which serves develop their understanding of the creative process. Students will be challenged to solve problems with knowledge of art elements and design principles within a 3D world. Through this process students will create work thinking about both a sculpture and its environment as well as develop their own personal aesthetic. At the conclusion of this course students will have created their own 3D portfolio.

Cad, the course will then develop into a project-based curriculum. Students will explore the design process while refining and challenging their CAD knowledge base to formulate solutions to real-life problems. Students will create computer generated models in both two- and three-dimensions in the first semester.

Course Title: CAD 2 (Computer Aided Design)

SEM, .5 credit

Grade Levels: 10-12

Prerequisite: Intro to Drawing and Design & CAD 1

Course Description: Students will build upon AutoCad skills and knowledge of the design process gained in CAD 1 to pursue more challenging projects. Advanced AutoCad skills will be taught which will enable the student to create more visually stimulating and life-like imagery using the computer software program. This project-based course will begin with 3D modeling of objects and environments, culminating in walkthroughs and flythroughs of those environments.

Course Title: CAD 1 (Computer Aided Design)

SEM, .5 credit

Grade Levels: 10-12

Prerequisite: Intro to Drawing and Design

Course Description: Students will be introduced to the world of Computer

Aided Design (CAD) utilizing the Autodesk Design Academy. Beginning with computer drafting fundamentals in Auto-

Course Title: DIGITAL MEDIA 1

SEM, .5 credit

Grade Levels: 10-12

Prerequisite: Intro to Drawing and Design

Course Description: Students will learn the basics of visual language through the Elements of Art and Principles of Design, as well as the rules of composition. The history of photography and graphic design will be discussed. Students will explore the notion of the computer as a creative tool for self-expression in the visual arts, while also developing real-world projects that will contribute to positive communications and relations with regards to John Carroll, via spirit wear t-shirts, brochures, posters, and event programs. By the end of the course, students will have an understanding of how the skills and tools in the digital arts can be used to create meaningful imagery and practical products. Students will discover their own voice and be assessed with a visual journal or blog, class participation and critiques, and a final portfolio of their work. promotional material for the school. Students will hone their critical eye for successful design by means of a visual journal or blog, class participation and critiques, and a final portfolio of their work, which will serve as assessments.

Course Title: INTRO TO ARCHITECTURE

SEM, .5 credit

Grade Levels: 10-12

Prerequisite: Intro to Drawing and Design

Course Title: DIGITAL MEDIA 2

SEM, .5 credit

Grade Levels: 10-12

Prerequisites: Intro to Drawing and Design and Digital Media 1

Course Description: This course expands upon the concepts learned and put into practice in Digital Media 1, while also exploring other design disciplines, including graphics, web, and multimedia to actively engage students in numerous design processes. Fonts, graphics, layout, and the Adobe Creative Suite software (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) will be investigated in greater depth. Projects will include print material for open houses, play productions and advertising campaigns. Students will collaborate with the Marketing and Communications Department to create

Course Description: The field of architecture offers diversity unparalleled in most professions - combining art, math, science, and technology in a very dynamic process. This course is intended to provide students with the fundamental tools necessary to understand the built environment more fully, and to present the opportunities to positively affect our surroundings. While the primary goal exposes students to the field of architecture, the myriad of interrelated disciplines will also be intermingled, including engineering, interior design, urban planning, construction, project management, etc. This project-based class is taught by a registered professional architect and conducted through a hands-on interactive format. Architectural fundamentals will be presented through a combination of lectures utilizing significant works of architecture to study basic principles, coupled with site visits, drawings, design, and three-dimensional modeling projects orchestrated to reinforce the lessons.

Course Title: ARCHITECTURE 2

SEM, .5 credit

Grade Levels: 10-12

Prerequisites: Intro to Drawing and Design & Intro to Architecture

Course Description: This course builds upon the fundamentals of architecture taught in Introduction to Architecture. Students will gain additional knowledge of the field and enhance their skillsets. They will apply this knowledge in the design of their own projects, beginning with rudimentary design principles and increasing in depth and complexity throughout the course. This projectbased class is taught by a registered professional architect and conducted through a hands-on interactive format.

Course Title: ORCHESTRA

Course Title: ADVANCED ORCHESTRA

YR, 1 Credit

Grade Levels: 9-12

Course Description: Orchestra includes the study and performance of standard chamber orchestra (strings only) and full orchestra (strings, winds, and percussion) literature appropriate for the age and ability level of the group. Instruction is given to improve students’ technique on their instruments, their knowledge of music fundamentals, and their ability to perform in an ensemble setting. Students enrolled in Orchestra perform at school concerts, prayer services, campus performances, and off-campus performances.

Course Title: BAND

Course Title: ADVANCED BAND

YR, 1 Credit

Grade Levels: 9-12

Course Description: The Band courses consist of study and performance of all genres of music, including classical, semi-classical, marches, and popular. Instruction will also be given to improve student technique, music fundamentals, and basic music theory. Students enrolled in the Band courses will perform with the marching and concert bands. Performances will include, but are not limited to, home football games, parades, school concerts, and offcampus performances.

Course Title: JAZZ ENSEMBLE

YR, .5 credit

Grade Levels: 9-12

Course Description: A study and performance of all genres of jazz music, including blues, funk, Latin, and swing. Instruction will be given to improve student technique, music fundamentals, improvisation, basic music theory, and music history. Performances will include, but are not limited to, school concerts and off campus performances.

Course Title: ROCK BAND

YR, .5 credit

Grade Levels: 9-12

Course Description: Students will form a rock band and prepare to perform and record cover songs and possibly original material. History of rock, evaluation of styles, and other research to enhance the authentic sound of the group will be included. An audition is required to be considered for the class.

Course Title: PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE

Course Title: ADVANCED PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE

YR, 1 Credit

Grade Levels: 9-12

Course Description: The Percussion equivalent to a first-year undergraduate music theory course with primary focus on the harmonies and structure of Western music from the common practice period (approx. 1600-1900). Students will begin this course by mastering the basic understanding of melodic and rhythmic musical notation, key signatures, time signatures, scales, intervals and chords. Course content will then expand to more complex theoretical concepts including understanding the structure and function of harmony and harmonic progression as well as phrase structure and form in music. Throughout this course, students will continuously develop and improve their musical skills through written, aural, sight-singing, and creative exercises. This course is recommended for juniors and seniors, though it is also open to interested sophomores. It is recommended that students who take AP Music Theory have at least one course credit in a major music ensemble at the high school level.

Ensemble course consists of study and performance of all genres of music, including classical, semi-classical, marches, and popular. Instruction will also be given to improve student technique, music fundamentals, and basic music theory. Students enrolled in Percussion Ensemble courses will perform with the marching and concert band. Performances will include, but are not limited to, home football games, parades, school concerts, and offcampus performances.

Course Title: CHORUS

Course Title: ADVANCED CHORUS

YR, 1 Credit

Grade Levels: 9-12

Course Title: AP MUSIC THEORY

YR, 1 Credit

Grade Levels: 11-12

Course Description: AP Music Theory is a class that covers the material

Course Description: The course includes the rehearsal and performance of sacred and secular choral literature. It introduces basic music theory to allow the student to develop sight-singing skills, as well as heighten the student’s aesthetic appreciation of music. Students must have a desire to learn vocal and music theory skills. Students enrolled in Chorus will perform at school concerts, campus performances, and off-campus performances.

Course Title: BELLA VOCE

YR, .5 credit

Grade Levels: 9-12 a cappella choir. It requires a basic knowledge of sight-singing skills as well as a developed sense of correct breathing, placement, and tone as it pertains to vocal techniques. An emphasis is placed on the ensemble element with particular attention paid to blend and balance. It is intended to heighten the student’s aesthetic appreciation of music. Students must have a desire to learn vocal and music theory skills. Students enrolled in Patriettes will perform at school concerts, campus performances, and off-campus performances. An audition is required to be considered for the class.

Course Description: The course includes the rehearsal and performance of sacred and secular a cappella choral literature in varying styles – pop, jazz, madrigal, Broadway, hymns, etc. for mixed a cappella choir. It requires a basic knowledge of sight-singing skills as well as a developed sense of correct breathing, placement, and tone as it pertains to vocal techniques.An emphasis is placed on the ensemble element with particular attention paid to blend and balance. It is intended to heighten the student’s aesthetic appreciation of music. Students must have a desire to learn vocal and music theory skills. Students enrolled in Bella Voce will perform at school concerts, campus performances, and off-campus performances. An audition is required to be considered for the class.

Course Title: ACTING 1

YR, .5 credit

Grade Levels: 10-12

Course Description: The purpose of this class is to teach the fundamentals and vocabulary of acting by performing improvisations, doing script analysis and scene interpretation, participating in theatre games, and completing assignments aimed at developing awareness of what it takes to be an actor. Students perform a play before an invited audience.

Course Title: PATRIETTES

YR, .5 credit

Grade Levels: 9-12

Course Description: The course includes the rehearsal and performance of sacred and secular a cappella choral literature in varying styles – pop, jazz, madrigal, Broadway, hymns, etc. for women’s

Course Title: ACTING 2

YR, .5 credit

Grade Levels: 10-12

Prerequisite: Acting 1 upon their technical knowledge of dance through academic coursework in history, anatomy, and kinesiology as it pertains to dance. Students will demonstrate their knowledge as they critique and view dance both as an art form and as a meaningful part of society. Students will explore their artistry and find their artistic voices as they write about dance, create their mission statements, understand dance as a vital part of our culture, and define their future goals as dancers.

Course Description: The purpose of this class is for students to utilize their experiences in Acting 1 and better understand character identity and character development. Students will analyze a script (or write their own script) that is selected for class performance. They will fine-tune the keys to acting (analysis, action, listening). These students also assist in the direction of the class play.

Course Title: PUBLIC SPEAKING

SEM, .5 Credit

Grade Levels: 10-12

Course Description: Public speaking class is an exploration of inter and intra-personal communication and an examination of formal and informal speech making. Verbal and non-verbal communication as well as hearing vs listening will also be explored. Students will have an opportunity to explore their personal communication abilities and preferences then practice a variety of communication styles.

Course Title: BALLET I, II, III, IV

YR, 1 Credit

Grade Levels: 9-12

This course is only available for students in the College Preparatory Dance Program.

Course Title: DANCE SEMINAR

YR, 1 Credit

Grade Levels: 10-12

This course is only available for students in the College Preparatory Dance Program.

Course Description: Students will expand

Course Description: Students will train weekly to achieve technical proficiency in Ballet via structured repetitive exercises at the barre, in the center, and across the floor. Students will fill any gaps in their prior training and gain a solid, technical foundation of ballet technique that will create capable, strong technicians in dance. Structured lessons that incorporate proper body alignment, vocabulary and ballet body positions will be the core of the material that is taught. Through a highly effective and well-disciplined curriculum, the students will gain all the necessary skills to be a proficient ballet dancer.

The Ballet II, III and IV courses advance appropriately to achieve technical proficiency in Ballet Dance at the advanced level by the time the student has completed all four courses.

Course Title: MODERN I, II, III, IV

YR, 1 Credit

Grade Levels: 9-12 prose writing opportunities. Students examine, compose, revise, collaborate, and share a variety of poems, narratives, and short stories. Students maintain a daybook with daily in-class entries, at home entries, and inspirations. Each student creates a portfolio in order to showcase his or her work. This class is a performance-based course. NCAA

This course is only available for students in the College Preparatory Dance Program.

Course Description: The Modern 1 course is a comprehensive introduction to a variety of modern dance skills. Students participate in weekly dance technique classes that focus on the introduction of the elements of Modern Dance. The course develops the foundation of modern dance through development of these skills. Throughout the course, rigorous attention is given to correcting the technical details of every movement. This focus is accomplished through the intensive study of a set warm-up, center exercises and across the floor sequences. Main course techniques include: Limon, Humphrey, Cunningham, Graham, and Taylor. The Modern II, III and IV courses advance appropriately to achieve technical proficiency in Modern Dance at the advanced level by the time the student has completed all four courses.

Course Title: ADVANCED CREATIVE WRITING

SEM, .5 credit

Grade Levels: 11-12

Prerequisite: Creative Writing

Course Description: This course provides a focus on the fine art of written expression by composing both poetry and prose. The workshop format of this course provides students with extensive and intensive opportunities to write original works, as well to examine and respond to the works of their peers. Students also work on developing a literary vocabulary that focuses on the elements and techniques of writing. Students create work for the school’s literary magazine The Pinnacle. NCAA

Course Title: CREATIVE WRITING

SEM, .5 credit

Grade Levels: 10-12

Course Description: Creative Writing offers a combination of poetry and

Course Title: JOURNALISM

YR, 1 Credit

Grade Levels: 10-11

Course Description: The Journalism course provides an overview of the journalistic process in the high school setting and beyond. Journalism also prepares students to become full editorial staff members of the school’s award-winning newspaper, The Patriot. The course begins with an introduction to journalistic history and ethics. The first semester then focuses on content–reporting, interviewing, writing, editing, and photography. The second semester focuses on presentation–graphic design, typography, layout, and computer skills. Throughout the year, students contribute to the student newspaper. NCAA elective, fine arts journalism courses. These courses are designed to develop and refine journalism skills in writing, photography, and layout design. Students in these courses will study all aspects of desktop publishing to produce the John Carroll yearbook publication.

Course Title: ADVANCED JOURNALISM

YR, 1 Credit

Grade Levels: 11-12

Prerequisite: Journalism

Course Description: This course provides an in-depth and hands-on learning experience related to the production of the student newspaper, The Patriot Students will participate in a studentcentered activity where virtually all content will be created, designed, and edited by students. Students will be required to apply the experience and knowledge gained from the Journalism course to the creation of content for the print and online editions of the student newspaper.

Course Title: ADVANCED YEARBOOK JOURNALISM

YR, 1 Credit

Grade Levels: 11-12

Prerequisites: Yearbook Journalism and teacher recommendation

Course Description: Yearbook Journalism and Advanced Yearbook Journalism are elective, fine arts journalism courses. These courses are designed to develop and refine journalism skills in writing, photography, and layout design. Students in these courses will study all aspects of desktop publishing to produce the John Carroll yearbook publication.

Course Title: YEARBOOK JOURNALISM

YR, 1 Credit

Grade Levels: 10-12

Prerequisites: Application and instructor recommendation

Course Description: Yearbook Journalism and Advanced Yearbook Journalism are