Advanced Placement (AP) Art History is a rigorous, full year/ full time course designed to engage students at the same level as an introductory college art history survey and is intended to prepare students for the AP Art History exam.

This course offers a unique perspective into our world’s rich and diverse cultural heritage through study of the history and development of 250 works of art and architecture from antiquity to present. While visual analysis is a fundamental tool of the art historian, art history emphasizes understanding how and why works of art function in their historical context. Throughout the year, students will examine issues such as politics, religion, patronage, gender, function and ethnicity as they relate to the creative works of various cultures and time periods. Global and thematic connections will be made through the cross-cultural comparison of art. Additionally, students will engage with the history of art through a combination of lecture, discussion, research, gallery and museum visits, assigned projects, and hands-on studio experiences.

Students enrolled in this course are not required to take the AP exam, but it is recommended and encouraged. Transfer of passing scores on the AP Art History exam as college credit depends upon the institutions that students plan to attend. Students are advised to contact the specific colleges or universities in which they are interested in for their policies on accepting AP credit. This course enables the student to meet all State Academic Standards for Arts and Humanities.In addition, this is a college-level course designed to meet or exceed the standards set by The College Board.

Through AP Art History, students also have the option to register for the Scholar Program in partnership with La Roche College. As a Scholar Program participant, students can earn three college credits, but it is not required. The AP Art History course is approved as an equivalent to La Roche College’s course titled, History of Art I: Prehistoric to Gothic. A fee is required to enroll in the Scholar Program.

All levels of artistic ability and experience are welcome in this semester course. In Senior High Drawing and Design Concepts, students will learn to utilize a wide range of media and techniques, including charcoal, pencil, pastel, and digital media. Students will learn techniques for drawing from observation that help them see with an artist’s eye, a key to drawing success. Students will cultivate their imagination and ability to express your ideas visually with a variety of creative strategies. Learning to use color, light, and other visual elements will be explored. Types of art making that will be explored include: portraiture, still life, perspective, and conceptually derived artwork. Individual and group discussions of your artwork will help to take work to the next level. This course enables the student to meet all the State Academic Standards for Visual Arts.

Criteria for Selection - None.

Pottery 1 is an entry-level course, designed to offer students instruction in the aesthetics, techniques, and history of pottery. The class is primarily performance-based, and students are expected to actively participate in class every day. Practice is essential to acquiring the skill necessary to form pottery. Students will learn various forming methods such as coil, slab, and the potter’s wheel. Emphasis will be placed on craftsmanship, proper technique, glazing, and decorating. Pottery is a labor-intensive class; however, there is very little bookwork. Information is presented in lecture and hands-on demonstrations during class. No previous experience is necessary. This course enables the student to meet all the State Academic Standards for Visual Arts.

Criteria for Selection - None.

Pottery 2 is a class designed for students who are interested in a more in-depth clay experience. Pottery 1 taken at NASH is required prior to taking Pottery 2. Emphasis will be placed on refining basic skills to produce work that is more complex and mature. A variety of glazing/decorating techniques will be explored. In addition, the study of ceramic history will be included focusing on contemporary

Criteria for Selection - Pottery 1 taken at NASH, or approval of teacher.

This class will provide students with the opportunity to creatively express their thoughts and ideas in a three-dimensional form. Students will explore the processes of mold-making, casting, head modeling, reductive carving, and assemblage while utilizing a variety of materials including clay, plaster, wood, and found objects. Emphasis will be placed on handling the materials, craftsmanship, and creative solutions to assigned projects. No previous experience is necessary. This course enables the student to meet all the State Academic Standards for Visual Arts.

Criteria for Selection - None.

No previous experience is necessary to enjoy this course. Students will learn how to take great photographs, develop their own film, and make prints from their negatives. All film, chemicals, and darkroom equipment are provided. Digital photography and picture editing will also be explored. This course enables the student to meet all the State Academic Standards for Visual Arts.

More course information and student work can be found online by clicking here.

Criteria for Selection - Students must provide a 35 mm camera (a limited number can be provided to the students by the department) and their own enlarging paper.

Advanced Multi-Media Arts allows students to continue to design and create original media rich presentations, videos, animations, websites, and interactive games. This course builds upon photomontage, sound design, digital video, and animation concepts from the Multimedia Arts course. Students will explore advanced layout techniques, video mapping, and post-production video effects. Students will have the opportunity to create architectural projections, interactive portfolios, and mixed media installations.

The course emphasizes conception and planning, solving design challenges, personal artistic expression and communication through new media technology. The course provides a foundation for careers in the growing field of web, layout, and multimedia design.

Criteria for Selection - Successful completion of Computer Multi-Media Arts (6201)