Home arrow Curriculum arrow Fine Arts
Fine Arts
Studio Art 1
Grades:
9-12
Length:
One Semester
Prerequisites:
None
Credit area:
Fine Arts
Description:
The aim of Studio Art is to improve students’ skills and confidence in making, understanding, and appreciating art. Regular discussion and evaluation of their own work and that of master artists is an integral part of the course. Art history is not taught as a separate unit, but great works of art are frequently used as the basis and motivation for assignments. In addition to the exploration of a variety of materials and methods, at least one medium or technique is featured and explored in depth each year. Instruction for all areas of emphasis centers on the elements of design and composition.
 
Studio Art 2
Grades:
10-12
Length:
One year
Prerequisites:
Studio Art 1
Credit area:
Fine Arts
Description:
This is an advanced elective course that will more deeply explore a variety of techniques and concepts. This is also a preparatory course for the students who wish to undertake AP or IB studio art in the future. The media will include drawing, painting, printmaking, mixed–media, sculpture, perspective study, ceramics and textiles. Concepts including color theory, design, composition, art history, elements of art, principles of design and aesthetics are taught in depth to support the practical aspects of the course. Throughout the course, the students are expected to compile a quality portfolio.
 
IB Visual Arts Standard Level
Grades:
11-12
Length:
Two years
Prerequisites:
Studio Art, Recommendation from instructor
Credit area:
Fine Arts
Description:
This course is intended for students with a serious interest in the visual arts and the ability to work independently on studio projects of their own theme. This is not based on an exam; evaluation will be based on 2 components: studio work and investigation work. The course requires total of 150 hours for both components. Studio work involves practical exploration and personal pursuits for artistic production. Investigation work involves independent visual and written contextual, visual and critical investigation and reflection. On completing the course each student will present a selection of their studio works in an exhibition. Students will also present selected pages from their investigation work books produced during the course.
 
IB Visual Arts Higher Level
Grades:
11-12
Length:
Two years
Prerequisites:
Studio Art,Recommendation from instructor
Credit area:
Fine Arts
Description:
This is a highly demanding course. Art students will be expected to provide a portfolio of studio work and investigation work books to support personal pursuits, accumulated through their two year focus in the IB program. The course requires a total of 240 hours for both components. Studio work involves practical exploration in concepts, techniques, and experimentation through in-depth studies. Investigation work involves visual and written independent contextual, visual and critical investigation and reflection. At the end of the course each student will exhibit and present a selection of their studio works. Students will also present selected pages from their investigation work books produced during the course.
 
AP Studio Art
Grades:
11-12
Length:
One year
Prerequisites:
Studio Art,Recommendation from instructor
Credit area:
Fine Arts
Description:
This course is designed for students who have shown serious interest and aptitude for the fine arts. Students hone a variety of artistic skills and techniques, while learning to recognize the relationships between the individual artist, society, and the texture of human cultures. Students analyze and assign meaning, while using these insights to inform and inspire their own work. AP Art offers students the choice of working in one of three distinct portfolio areas: Drawing, 2-D Art, and 3-D Art. Students will consult with the supervising teacher before deciding which to pursue. This course may be repeated for up to two credits. This class is not for the casually interested, as it involves the development of an extensive portfolio of work using a wide variety of media that must be submitted for external evaluation in order to receive AP credit.
 
Theater Arts 1
Grades:
9-12
Length:
One Semester
Prerequisites:
None
Credit area:
Fine Arts
Description:
Theater Arts I is a semester course designed to introduce students to the basic techniques use in theatrical performance. Skills including observation, concentration, imagination, emotional response, and sense recall will be studied and implemented along with the techniques of stage movement, voice, and characterization. Students will be involved in a variety of classroom exercises and activities that explore the physical, emotional and intellectual basic skills necessary for an actor. A requirement for the class will be a culminating memorized monologue (6-10 minutes in length) which will be viewed as a semester exam (20% of the semester grade).
 
Theater Arts 2
Grades:
9-12
Length:
One Semester
Prerequisites:
Theater Arts 1, Stage Experience or Recommendation from instructor
Credit area:
Fine Arts
Description:
Theater Arts II is a continuation of Theater Arts I. As it builds on previously learned skills, it is designed primarily for students who have already successfully finished Theater Arts I or have stage experience. As this is not an introductory class, expectations are higher with longer, more demanding performances (much of which will necessitate memorization). Emphasis will be on the quality of movement and characterization. Genres studied are oral interpretation, reader’s theater, choral reading, radio drama, monologues, duet acting, ensemble scenes, and one act plays. In addition, play writing will be included with students writing, directing and performing in the finished products. At the end of the semester a final performance will be viewed as a semester exam (20% of the semester grade).
 
Choir
Grades:
9-12
Length:
One year
Prerequisites:
None
Credit area:
Fine Arts
Description:
Vocal performance, theory and appreciation develops skills in basic theory, ear training, sight reading and singing. Classical and contemporary music styles and composers are introduced from around the world through performance materials and library resources. Level of difficulty is tailored to each student’s ability and readiness. Students have the opportunity to participate in at least one performance per year.
 
Beginners' Band
Grades:
9-12
Length:
One year
Prerequisites:
None
Credit area:
Fine Arts
Description:
This course is designed for students who have had no previous experience in playing a band instrument. Students will have the opportunity to learn a band instrument from beginners’ level and if capable, be able to then play in concert band in subsequent high school years. Instructional activities are directed toward achieving a good standard in musical performance. The repertoire taught includes music representing diverse genres and styles from various periods and styles. It is hoped that students will be able to perform profi ciently in the chosen musical instrument by the end of the course.
 
Concert Band
Grades:
9-12
Length:
One year
Prerequisites:
Recommendation from instructor
Credit area:
Fine Arts
Description:
Concert Band is open to all students who have had previous experience on a band instrument. The band will perform in scheduled performances during the year, playing in a variety of musical styles. Specific instrumental technique, ensemble skills, theoretical literacy, and historical awareness will be developed throughout the course. This course may be repeated each year for credit. All concert band members are required to attend all scheduled performances and rehearsals, including after school and weekends.
 
Symphonic Band
Grades:
9-12
Length:
One year
Prerequisites:
Recommendation from instructor
Credit area:
Fine Arts
Description:
Honors Symphonic Band is an advanced course for serious musicians who wish to challenge their skills with more difficult music. They play a varied repertory of music and will be encouraged to do solo and small ensemble performances, as well. Specific instrumental technique, ensemble skills, theoretical literacy, and historical awareness will be developed throughout the course. The Symphonic Band represents the school in the community through concerts and other programs.
 
String Orchestra
Grades:
9-12
Length:
One year
Prerequisites:
Must have some experience in playing one of the following instruments: violin, viola, cello, double bass.
Credit area:
Fine Arts
Description:
The String Orchestra program expects students to already have experience in playing a stringed instrument. Students are expected to be proficient players who can perform with sufficient technical skills in an ensemble. These skills will be further developed over time during the course these classes. In the process, students will also develop an understanding of musical concepts and context, and learn to adjust constantly to musical demands and to make musical decisions on tempo, tone, style, rhythm, phrasing and feeling. The String Orchestra curriculum provides the framework to ensure a meaningful musical growth through instrumental performance. Must have own instruments (except double basses which will be made available at school for rehearsals.)
 
IB Music - Standard Level
Grades:
11-12
Length:
Two years
Prerequisites:
Recommendation from instructor
Credit area:
Fine Arts
Description:
IB Music is designed to promote greater awareness and understanding of music throughout the world. This course is designed for students who will pursue music in college or those who have great interest in this subject. This course is an historical and theoretical study of music style periods of Western and non-Western music. Students listen to, compose, and/or perform a great deal of music as a soloist and in an ensemble. Students need to provide their own instruments. Students may choose to concentrate in either performance or composition skills. It is recommended that students participate in school ensemble groups.
 
© 2010
American International School of Guangzhou.
All rights reserved.