Page 57 - POS SPHS Keeper 2019-20

ART

Art Department: Statement of Purpose
The focus of the South Plainfield Art Department is to foster critical and creative thinking through the
visual arts. Art is a mode of communication through which students will develop their skills of personal
expression and cooperative learning. Students will expand their appreciation of all cultures and gain a
respect of the arts. Students will learn different technical skills to create art projects, understand and
apply the steps of the creative process, and develop the ability to communicate through images and
words.
These courses satisfy the state graduation requirement for Fine and Performing Arts.

Course #
Credits
Course Name
Grade
700 Art Exploration 9-12 5

In this introductory course, students will experiment in both fine arts and crafts. Fine Arts include the
study of two-dimensional work such as abstract and realistic drawing and painting. In addition, students
will learn to use pencil, pastels, collage, watercolors, tempera paints and acrylic paints. Art History and
careers will be integrated into student studies.

Course #
Grade
Credits
Course Name
720 Painting and Drawing 10-12 5

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Art Exploration and teacher recommendation.
Building upon the techniques learned in Art Exploration, students will have the opportunity to expand
those skills while experimenting with pen and ink, pastels, collage, paint and charcoal, watercolors, acrylic
and oils in the creation of realistic and abstract and art projects. This course also coordinates the study
of past and present artists with selected student art projects. Careers in art will be explored.

Course #
Credits
Course Name
Grade
742 Sculpture 10-12 5

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Art Exploration, and teacher recommendation.
This full-year course will introduce students to the two basic sculptural processes: additive and
subtractive, which will be used in the creation of three-dimensional forms. This course will integrate the
basic methods of producing sculpture in a series of studio experiences which include skill development
in modeling, constructing, and assembling. Students will have the opportunity to work with a variety of
media including clay, wood, wire, plaster, metal, fiber, plastic, cardboard, paper, and found objects.
Students will also have the opportunity to make informed critical and aesthetic judgments as they create
art, while understanding the historical and cultural influences of sculpture and crafts. This course is highly
recommended for students with an interest in art or art-related careers.

Course #
Credits
Course Name
Grade
730 Advanced Studio 11-12 5

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Painting and Drawing, and teacher recommendation.
This third-year course will develop the student’s ability to draw and paint, and will also allow for further
exploration and development of skills using pen, ink, oil pastels, and paint. This course will also include
a focus on art appreciation, art history and art careers. Throughout this course, students may begin
working on their AP Studio Art Portfolio to submit to College Board.

Course #
Grade
Course Name
Credits
731 AP Studio Art 11-12 5

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Advanced Studio, teacher recommendation, dep’t approval.This
Advanced Placement course is for students interested in a rigorous and focused study in art. Student

-53-