The Fine Arts Philosophy
In order to produce a sensitive and balanced Christian man as prescribed in the school philosophy, the philosophy of the Jesuit Secondary Education Association, and in order to fulfill collegiate preparatory status, the department develops students through optical and aural aesthetic experiences. These sensitivity developing courses are intended to balance the learning process by offering alternative to deductive reasoning and the purely rational and factual areas of study. Therefore, the courses offer a more experiential, inductive and creative approach to learning through which the student exhibits his own personal expression—thereby learning something valuable about himself and communicates that to others.
Academic Course Offerings (2010-2011)
To meet graduation requirements, each student must acquire one and one-half credit in the arts. There are two types of courses offered in the fine arts: studio courses that require involvement in the creative process and study courses or history and lecture style presentations. All students are required to take Oral Interpretation and Computer Concepts in their freshman year.
COMMUNICATION ARTS
Oral Interpretation (825) (Study)
This course stresses the principles and practices of public speaking and communication of information and ideas. Historical and contemporary materials are used for analysis and performance. In addition, the students are taught the basics of multimedia creation and presentation using hardware and software multimedia technology.
Computer Literacy /Applications (205) (Study)
In a digital world, it is essential that individuals entering the workforce are properly skilled. This class serves not only as an introduction to a wide range of computer related skills, but also as a way for students to prove their proficiency. Visual demonstrations, online assessment tools, and research opportunities. The skill set obtained as a result of the class will be invaluable to the student through his Ignatius career. This class will teach you how to use computers more efficiently, but it will also teach you how to be technologically literate in a digital world. MS Office 2007 skills will be taught, computer literacy and Internet applications will be applied as well.The training modules and assignments will be constructed in the study it, learn it, show it, approach. This approach will maximize learning retention. Students may have the opportunity to “test out” of this course before the start of the school year.
Persuasion and Propaganda (828) (Study)
This course examines the history and techniques used in the creation, analysis and presentation of rhetoric. Topics of discussion include censorship, advertising, and mass media propaganda. The areas of analysis include motion pictures, political campaigns, contemporary music and popular culture. Class activities include video production, article analysis, group and individual projects and class discussion.
Prerequisite: Oral Interpretation.
Graphic Design (814) (Studio)
An introductory course to computer generated design. Students will explore the potential of technical design, 2-D/3-D production, and multimedia creation and animation and Web applications. Instruction is cross-platform Macintosh/PC. The course is project oriented with some objective testing, written and oral reports. Projects include production design, corporate identification (logos) and artistic expression.
Prerequisite: Drawing.
Advanced Graphic Design (813) (Studio)
The course will study more in detail complex design principles. An in depth study will challenge students to produce computer aided designs in conjunction with tactile hand produced works. A series of principle works, object studies, drawings, computer designs, illustrations, and independent study works will show significant development in the area of graphic design.. Students will be challenged to re-study the creative process. A new series of works will center on singular, specific design elements. Each student will need to produce a wide variety of works geared toward a final portfolio.
Prerequisites: Drawing, and Graphics Design.
Digital Photography (871) (Studio)
This course will explore the use of film as a studio experience. The use and techniques of traditional photography will be taught, but the application of photographic principles will be manifest through digital media. Students will take part in photographic essays, photo journaling, and related studio principles.
Argumentation and Rhetoric (827) (Study)
Creative thinking involves creating something new or original. It involves the
skills of flexibility, originality, fluency, elaboration, brainstorming, modification,
imagery, associative thinking, attribute listing, metaphorical thinking, and forced
relationships. The aim of creative thinking is to stimulate curiosity and promote
divergence. (Bloom’s Taxonomy) The course is designed to teach strategies for learning how to learn and for critical and creative thinking, including complex problem solving; examines from a psychological standpoint why people think the way they do. Helps you identify the strengths and weaknesses in your thinking, avoid common errors in thinking,
and develop higher-order thinking skills for your personal and professional
development.
Web Design (858) (Studio)
To enhance the individual students understanding of the principles of design through electronic media. To allow each artist to become not a technician, but a graphic artist using The Web as a creative medium. To allow the individual to discover how principles of design are applied through each work of art. In this class we will explore and examine principles of design as applied through electronic media specifically the World Wide Web. Class procedures will include lectures, group discussions of existing site designs and techniques, Internet research, and individual/group critiques.
THEATER ARTS
Introduction to Theater Arts (841) (Studio)
No prior experience with theater is necessary for this course. Students will participate in theater games, improvisation, and acting from scripts and monologues. They will also study the history of theater, and report on plays seen in performance and plays read. The rich theater history of Cleveland will be explored. The course will also introduce technical theater and students will learn some basics of construction and model making. No Prerequisite.
Advanced Theater Arts—Acting (847) (Studio)
This class will expand the students’ ability to perform. Introductory activities will include theater games, improvisation, and writing for actors. The essence of the course will be student prepared monologues, duo scenes, and group projects. Students will perform excerpts from works of world drama with an emphasis on contemporary theater. Students will analyze the work of professional actors and of each other. Styles of acting will be explored. Students will be expected to see plays in performance outside of class.
Prerequisite: Theater Arts
VISUAL ARTS
Drawing (848) (Studio)
The student learns the importance of composition and use of primary media (pencil, charcoal, pen and ink) and the elements of drawing (line, shape, perspective shading, etc.) through a variety of exercises and projects. The student works from still life and imagination. Artworks are displayed and critiqued. No prior experience is necessary. This course is a prerequisite for painting and A.P. Studio Art. There is a fee for supplies. No prerequisite.
Visual Arts (845) (Study)
This is a study of visual aesthetics through paintings, sculpture and drawing. The course defines the basic artistic terms through discussion, lecture and demonstration. It will develop the learner’s viewing, analytical and critical thinking skills. Art history is included along with outside the classroom experiences. No prerequisite
Three-Dimensional Studio Art (842) (Studio)
The 3D Art class gives the student an opportunity to work in a variety of three dimensional art media. There is an emphasis on learning the principles and elements of three-dimensional design. Students will develop creative and critical thinking skills as they create works of art in response to their environment. The class begins with a series of drawing exercises that teach the principles and elements of design. However, the emphasis of the class is on creating three dimensional projects. The different media include wire, clay, wood, found objects and altered books. There is a fee for supplies. No prerequisite.
Painting and Advanced Drawing (852) (Studio)
Students in this course will experiment with types of texture, complex color design, 3-D space effects, and ideas through images both realistically and abstractly. Each student will develop his own unique style and explore it through acrylics, paint, lead, colored pencils, pastels, watercolors, and mixed media. Students will learn techniques of painting including staining, dappling, palette knife, scumbling (dry brush) etc. There is a fee for supplies.
Prerequisite: Drawing
Clay and Sculpture (849) (Studio)
Students in Clay and Sculpture class learn and practice the principles and elements of three-dimensional design. Students will strengthen their knowledge of methods and properties unique to working in clay, designing both functional and sculptural pieces. They will have an opportunity to work on the wheel. Sculpture in materials other than clay will be explored. There is an emphasis on developing creative and critical thinking by the students. Current periodicals on ceramics and sculpture are used as reference material. Possible projects may include clay sculpture, clay tiles, functional ceramics, outdoor installations, kinetic sculpture and raku firing. Field trips to current exhibits or studios may be fit into the semester if possible. There is a fee for supplies.
Prerequisite: Three-Dimensional Studio Art.
Film Study (865) (Study)
Film Study aims at teaching visual acumen, insight, cultural appreciation, media awareness, and the positive uses of esthetics in this area. It combines fact and imagination to allow the student to be more insightful quickly and be more pliable in a multi-cultural world, which communicates in varied but unique ways. The major goal is for the student to become more aware of his own ways of communicating and his abilities to be closer to others through visual communication.
Prerequisite: Junior or Senior Status
Advanced Placement Studio Arts (880) (Studio)
The A.P. Program in Studio Art is intended for the highly motivated students who are seriously interested in the study and production of art. All A.P. students will have had previous training in art. Students should be aware that A.P. work involves more commitment and accomplishment than the typical high school courses. Students must produce a high quality portfolio to submit for AP evaluation. The work will be closely related to their major. (drawing, painting, digital design, photography)
Prerequisites: Two visual arts classes and department approval.
MUSICAL ARTS
Musical Arts (846) (Study)
The purpose of this class is to learn about the broad history, construction, and cultural impact of music in our world today. Areas covered are Music Theory, World Music, American Music, and Music History in the West. Along with this, the study of such basic musical concepts such as sound, melody, harmony, rhythm, timbre, and how to attend a performance are covered. No prerequisite.
Chorus (815) (Studio)
This full year course is open to all students in grades 10-12. Emphasis is placed on the developing male voice, part singing, vowel production and breathing techniques. Students will further their knowledge and abilities in sight reading, harmony singing, and stage presence. Various historical periods and styles of choral music including liturgical music are explored. Performance required. No prerequisite.
Freshman Chorus (812)
This is a full year course open to all freshmen. Students will learn rudiments of solid vocal technique with special emphasis on the changing voice. They will grow in knowledge of reading a musical score including melody and harmony lines, learn to sing intervals, read rhythmic notation. They will develop techniques for sight singing and learn proper stage presence and deportment in choral performances. Freshmen Chorus is strongly recommended for all students seeking to participate in Chorus. Performance required. No prerequisite.
Band (803) (Studio)
Band begins the year as a Marching Band with daily rehearsals and required band camp at the end of July. The Wildcat Marching Band travels throughout the mid-West to support the football team and performs during half time shows as well as in parades and other special events. For both concert Band and Marching Band, there will be some required afternoon and evening rehearsals. Symphonic Band begins at the end of marching season and prepares several concerts through the school year. No prerequisite.
Jazz Orchestra (820) (Studio)
Jazz Orchestra performs a variety of Jazz inspired arrangements throughout the year. The Jazz Orchestra consists of 20-25 members that play various arrangements of Jazz and Swing standards. The Jazz Orchestra is selected by audition, meets regularly as a class, and is graded. This ensemble gives students the opportunity to learn different styles of music and develop improvisational and interpretational skills. The class meets during the 10th period (after school). No Prerequisite.
American Popular Music (819) (Study)
The purpose of this class is to learn about the socio-cultural parameters, aesthetic perimeters, and economic principles of popular music in America from the beginning of the 20th century through today. This class looks at many different styles of music in America that developed throughout the past 100 years. This will include the development of Tin Pan Alley, Ragtime, Big Bands, Rhythm and Blues, Rock and Roll, Motown, New Age, Heavy Metal, Reggae, Hip-hop, and Rap.
Prerequisite: Junior or Senior Status
Music Theory (808) (Study)
This course covers the fundamental knowledge musicians need to understand music. Students learn the structures of scales, intervals and chords. Note reading and ear training skills are improved through analysis of music and student composition. No prerequisite.
Advanced Placement Music Theory (890) (Study)
This full year course is an integrated approach to aural, sight-singing, written, compositional and analytical skills. Students will gain speed and fluency with the rudiments and terminology of music and work on common practice techniques such as part-writing, tonality, harmony, modulation, phrase structure and formal analysis. Students are required to take the AP exam in May. There will be a workbook and text fee.
Prerequisite: department approval.