Course+Descriptions

 100: Cultural Studies in Visual Art __** Students study the history of art from prehistoric times through the 20th century, and the practice of visual art in contemporary culture. Students develop the tools necessary to understand and enjoy visual art and speak effectively about the experience. Students visit local galleries and openings at the Messing Gallery and create a studio work at the end of the course. // Core Course // // 1 trimester course //
 * __

 This is a traditional photography course dealing with black and white film and darkroom printing. The first trimester of this course is designed to teach the basic functions and controls of the camera, as well as film developing and darkroom techniques for making black and white prints. The second trimester explores advanced camera controls, print and negative manipulation, and advanced darkroom techniques for printing larger scale prints. Students are encouraged to interpret assignments and be inventive; imagination is a plus. The third trimester offers students the opportunity to learn and explore the more creative aspects of traditional photography while expanding their technical knowledge. Students have a choice of assignments and the photographs produced reflect not only the assignments chosen but also the personal response and creativity of the student. 35mm cameras are supplied to those who need them. // Core Course // // 3 trimester course // 201: The Digital Eye: Pixels and Pictures __** This is a creative, hands on, learn-by-doing course designed to show students how to get the most out of a digital camera and computer, scanning and printing. Creating new types of images and combining images are part of the course. Students work with a computer and a digital camera to create a variety of types and styles of images and learn to alter existing photographs. Photoshop is the primary application used in this course and students systematically learn to navigate this application to give their ideas form. Students publish their work in book form at the end of the course. Digital cameras are provided to those who need them. // Core Course // // 1 trimester course //  This digital photography course is for students who may want to go in-depth learning digital photography or who take AP Studio Art using photography. Students not only delve deep into the creative power of Photoshop, but are asked to engage their imagination and creativity using the computer as a powerful tool to express their ideas. Students select from a variety of projects that comprise a portfolio of high quality images. Projects are based on real life uses of digital photography: advertisements, web images, product design, and commercial applications. Expanded digital photography skills, using the camera, the application, and the creation of new types of images, are open for investigation. Students publish their work in book form at the end of the course. Digital cameras are provided to those who need them. // Core Course // // 2 trimester course //  Learn the basics necessary to understand create and enjoy any visual art form. This course uses the computer and two graphic applications to engage students in a wide array of projects and processes designed to teach the Elements of Design, Color Theory, and Composition. Major artists and works of art serve as a source for analysis and inspiration. This course requires flexible thinking and imagination. Students work individually and in small groups to solve visual problems. The course begins with a series of Studio Projects designed to clarify the content of the course and continues with a series of open-ended problems designed to allow students to explore and interpret the course content. At the end of the course each student submits a digital portfolio of their work, the result of the process and the product. No special computer skills are necessary//.// // Core Course // // 2 trimester course //  **__ 210: Design __** Students develop an understanding of the various organizational possibilities available in designing for the flat surface and utilize the elements and principles of design by working in various black-and-white and color media. Learning and applying presentation skills, craftsmanship, the development of ideas, problem-solving skills, and understanding design concepts are the focus of this course. // Core Course // // 3 trimester course // **__ 220: Sculpture 1 __** Three fundamental sculpting methods provide the basis for this introductory course: carving, modeling, and assemblage. Clay is the primary medium, which includes work with sculptural forms and functional ware. Traditional hand building and wheel throwing methods are executed along with mold making and techniques of glazing. Media other than clay are investigated. Assignments are presented in the form of sculptural problems for the student to solve. The expressive properties of shape, texture, line, space, and color are considered as these elements of composition contribute to three-dimensional in clay. // Core Course // // 3 trimester course //  The Architecture curriculum prepares the student to be aware of the built environment around them. They learn to understand and interpret drawings, and to use structures as a lens through which to view their own and other cultures. They also learn to communicate their own ideas visually. Students study the basics of 2D drafting and design, along with a history of architecture from prehistory through the Byzantine culture. Projects are primarily individual endeavors, and students keep a sketchbook where they practice their drawing regularly. // Core Course // // 1 trimester course //  In the wake of the violent French Revolution and in the midst of the tumultuous industrial revolution, Romanticism was born. This course examines the numerous innovative styles produced by European artists that leads from the artist’s departure from the neoclassical styles of David and Ingres to the groundbreaking innovative works of the French Post Impressionists such as van Gogh, Cezanne, and Gauguin. // Grades 10, 11, and 12 // // 1 trimester course //  This course surveys significant developments in the visual arts that characterize the revolutionary changes of the twentieth century. Students trace the variety of new styles in painting, sculpture, and photography that found their inspiration in the traditions of Europe and ultimately resulted in the bold new character of American art. This course takes a global rather than exclusively American approach to modern art. Through lectures, selected readings, field trips, and videos, students examine the changing roll of the artist in modern society. // Core Course // // 1 trimester course //
 * __ 200: The Magic of Photography __**
 * __
 * __ 205: Digital Photography __**
 * __ 206: Digital Design __**
 * __ 231: Architecture 1 __**
 * __ 241: Art of the Nineteenth Century: Romanticism to van Gogh __**
 * __ 242: Art of the Early Twentieth Century: Picasso to Andy Warhol __**

 **__ 301: The Creative Darkroom __** A student-centered course that relies on creative energy, this course not only expands the technical and artistic range of black and white photography, but also gives students the opportunity to explore individually chosen subjects. Through a series of assignments, the student learns the more professional and creative aspects of traditional photography. The content of the assignments are specific but the student responses are open ended and meant to be interpreted by the student, as is the subject matter. This course introduces the use of different films, printing processes, and photo papers. Inventive thinking and creativity are key elements of this class. 35mm cameras are provided to those who need them. // Prerequisites: The Magic of Photography // // 1 trimester course //  In this course deadlines are flexible and students set the schedule. This course offers students the opportunity to pursue topics of their choice in depth. Students are required to create a photo essay, in prints related to a specific topic, subject or theme. Each student (with guidance from the teacher) selects a topic or theme that has the potential to be visually interesting as well as personally and aesthetically interesting.
 * __ 305: The Photographic Essay __**

The course has two primary components: The first is the execution of a portfolio of prints that is theme or topic related; the second is a narrative. This narrative consists of an explanation of the selection of the subject, a description of the process, and an explanation of each image. Students may elect to work in the darkroom, digitally, or a combination of the two. Students meet individually with the teacher once a week to discuss the work in progress and to address any issues related to content or technique. Cameras are available to those who need them. //Prerequisites://// The Magic of Photography and/or Digital Photography // //2 trimester course//  The course, designed to introduce the student to basic drawing techniques, devotes class time to the physical act of drawing. Various media are covered including charcoal, pencil, pen and ink. Standard drawing issues are addressed, including proportion, line, value and composition. This introductory studio course exposes students t200o basic skills and techniques in drawing from direct observation. // Prerequisite: Design // // 1 trimester course //  This studio course teaches the essentials of wheel throwing and hand building in the ceramic medium. The focus is on developing proficiency with traditional ceramic methods and on the production of functional ware. Advanced methods of glazing, firing, and other forms of surface decoration are executed. The course progresses through a series of projects which have been selected to provide the knowledge and skills of forming methods, clay bodies, ceramic form and design, glazes, and use of studio equipment. Students are required to produce works in both hand building and wheel throwing methods. Concentration in one method is encouraged during the second half of the course. // Prerequisite: Sculpture I // // 2 trimester course //  325: Sculpting the Figure __** This studio course is based on figure studies. Students learn how this most historically persistent and enduring of subjects continues to serve as inspiration or a wide array of sculptural styles. Drawing plays a modest part in the course work since students draw from nature and from the human figure. Course expectations include developing preliminary drawings that lead to finished works of figurative sculpture. Clay is the primary sculpture medium used, but students can expect to work with other contemporary materials including wire, plaster, plastic, fabric, stone, and mixed media. The work of historical and contemporary sculptors serve to introduce each unit of study. Students work collaboratively in small groups on some assignments. Course work includes one field trip to a museum, gallery, or an artist’s sculpture studio. // Prerequisite**:** Sculpture I // // 1 trimester course //  Students in the 2nd trimester of architecture study more advanced drawing techniques, along with a history of architecture from the Renaissance through the Industrial Revolution. Projects are more collaborative and guest faculty and/or local architects serve as clients to present the initial design problems and participate in critiques of the students’ work. Students incorporate research and the use of computers to produce presentations of their design solutions. // Prerequisite: Architecture 1 // // 1 trimester course //  This course reinforces and further develops the skills of drawing from direct observation established in Foundation Drawing. Direct observation is defined as drawing from still life, landscape, architecture, and the human form. Students use traditional subject matter to explore a range of drawing materials and techniques including the introduction of color, mark-making techniques, and gesture. Compositional and rendering skills are emphasized through various media//.// // Prerequisite: Drawing 1 // // 1 trimester course //  Students study model-making and 3D design, along with a history of architecture in the late 19th and 20th century. The course completes its study with student presentations in which they select, research and report on a contemporary architect or firm. Projects begin with basic models of existing structures, and end with a collaborative presentation that includes a detailed model of the team’s solution to a complex design problem. // Prerequisite: Architecture 2 // // 1 trimester course //  **__ 432: CAD __** Students study Computer-Aided Drafting and 3D modeling, using VectorWorks and Photoshop to produce draftings and renderings. Students work through tutorials in the software, supplementing their progress with projects that gradually become more complex. Final projects are individually-based, with students building on their work in Architecture to identify and develop solutions to design problems found on the MICDS campus. // Prerequisite: Architecture 2 // // 1 trimester course //  Stagecraft includes all of those roles in the theater that do not involve performing on stage. Students learn the safe use of the theater shop facilities and basic processes for executing scenery construction and the configuration of lighting and sound equipment. Once they have been introduced to the tools of the trade, students apply their work to a script, working as a class to design scenery, costumes, and lighting for a production of that script. Their final projects include writing, drawings and fully-executed carpentry and paint projects. // Prerequisite: Architecture 2 // // 1 trimester course //  This is a studio art course for highly motivated students who are seriously interested in the study of art in college, but not taking AP Studio Art using photo. This course involves significant commitment and accomplishment as it addresses concerns related to the portfolio used for the college application. Students tailor their portfolios to the demands of the colleges they are applying to. Quality, variety, and breadth of media are the major issues dealt with by students on an individual basis. Students taking this course must be responsible enough to work independently both outside and inside the classroom and beyond scheduled periods; they are expected to prepare a high quality portfolio as they work diligently toward artistic growth.
 * __ 311: Drawing 1 __**
 * __ 321: Hand Building and Wheel Throwing __**
 * __
 * __ 331: Architecture 2 __**
 * __ 411: Drawing 2 __**
 * __ 431: Architecture 3 __**
 * __ 436: Stagecraft __**
 * __ 501: Senior Portfolio (Photography) __**

//Prerequisites:// // The Magic of Photography, Digital Photography, //// and Photo Essay or Digital Design, Digital Photography, and Photo Essay // // 2 trimester course //  This course provides foundation in the practices and materials associated with painting. Working from direct observation, students develop an understanding of formal concerns as well as paint manipulation to produce strong representational paintings. // Prerequisite: // //Drawing 1 and 2 and Design // // 1 trimester cour //
 * __ 511: Painting 1 __**

 **__ 531: CAD/Rendering __** Students study Computer-Aided Drafting and 3D modeling, using VectorWorks and Photoshop to produce 3D renderings of complex design problems. Students begin with individually-based design problems formed by student research and develop concepts in traditional media that are translated into computer models. The final projects are group-based, thus require students to develop strategies to share resources and coordinate their efforts to create the final design solutions. // Prerequisite: CAD // // 1 trimester course //  The AP program in Studio Art is for highly motivated students who are seriously interested in the study of photography. This course involves significant commitment and accomplishment. The AP course addresses three major concerns: quality, concentration, and breadth. Students taking this course must be responsible to work outside the classroom and beyond scheduled periods and are required to submit a portfolio to the College Board for evaluation. Success in AP Studio Art depends upon a student’s readiness to prepare a high quality portfolio, a clear passion for photography, and the desire to work diligently toward growth and development of independent ideas.
 * __600 AP Studio Art: 2D Design (Photography)__**

//Prerequisites://// The Magic of Photography, Digital Photography, // //and Photo Essay// //3 trimester course//  The AP Studio Art: Drawing course is designed for students who are seriously interested in the practical experience of art. AP Studio Art is not based on a written exam; instead, students submit portfolios for evaluation at the end of the school year. This drawing course corresponds to the most common college foundation courses. // Prerequisites: Design, Drawing 1 and 2, and Painting // // 3 trimester course //  This course is intended to provide students with an understanding and enjoyment of architecture, sculpture, painting, and other art forms within a historical and cultural context. Students examine the artistic expressions of the past and those of current time through a chronological and systematic study. In addition to surveying the history of Western Art, approximately twenty percent of the course content is devoted to art beyond the western tradition. No prior experience in art history is required. // Grades 11 and 12 // // 3 trimester course //
 * __ 610: AP Studio: Drawing __**
 * __ 640: Advanced Placement Art History __**

**__ DRAMA __**  Students study the history of drama from prehistoric times until the 20th century, and the practice of drama in contemporary culture. Students develop the tools necessary to understand and enjoy theater and speak effectively about the experience. Students learn the roles of the various artists in theater, produce scenes, and participate in the MICDS Drama Program. // Core Course // // 1 trimester course //  This course introduces the student actor to the Stanislavski Technique. Students begin to learn the concepts and techniques that lead to emotional connection to the text and to richly developed characters. Students learn physical approaches to theater work through extensive exploration of voice and body work. Improve skills and rehearsal techniques are introduced. Acting I is intended to expand the talents of theater based arts students as well as relating to the student who would like to try out theater for the first time. // Core Course // // 2 trimester course //  This course is designed to highly train the physicalization of the Acting Technique. Students are asked to express thought provoking theater in non- traditional styles, including happenings, film work, social musical creations, and broad comedy. Creation without scripts is stressed. Acting II is intended for the serious Acting Student as well as those interested in developing communication skills. Students are encouraged to take their class work to compete in local MSSHA competitions. // Prerequisite: Acting 1 // // 3 trimester course //  This course is designed for those students who have an interest in both vocal and acting performance. The history of the musical and various musical styles are studied and performed by the students. Excursions to local companies and shows are a part of this class, with critical responses expected biweekly. Students learn the three components of song, dance, and scene and their applications. Students learn and are responsible for the production of a musical from start to finish. The final project for the production aspect for the class is to work on the troubadour production in some capacity to be determined by individual interest. // Prerequisite: Acting 1 and one year of choir or permission of teachers // // 2 trimester course //
 * __ 100: Cultural Studies in Drama __**
 * __ 200: Acting 1 __**
 * __ 300: Acting 2 __**
 * __ 310: Musical Theater __**

 This course is designed to take the basic knowledge learned in Acting 1 and 2 and expound it through intense study of tragic and comedic styles. Tragedy in its purest form begins the study; then students experience and perform the several varieties of comedy. Students are asked to perform at functions and are encouraged to use their class work to compete in local MSSHA competitions. // Prerequisites: Acting 1 and 2 // // 2 trimester course //  This course focuses on specific Modern American playwrights who have shaped Theater in America. On a regular basis, students perform works from the most prolific writers of Modern Theater, Williams, and Miller. Students are required to share their work with the MICDS community, with the outside community, and to compete in MSSHA competitions. Advanced rehearsal techniques are heavily incorporated. // Prerequisites: Acting 1, 2, and 3 // // 1 trimester //  This course focuses on specific Modern American playwrights who have shaped Theater in America. On a regular basis, students perform works from the most prolific writers of Modern Theater, Inge, Shepard, and Albee. Students are required to share their work the MICDS community, the outside community and compete in MSSHA competitions. Advanced rehearsal techniques are heavily incorporated. // Prerequisites: Acting 1, 2, and 3 // // 1 trimester //  This course delves explicitly into the genius of Moliere and his work. Students learn about and discuss the social norms of the 17th century and examine how Moliere poked fun at his society without notice. Actors study and practice the comedic style associated exclusively with Moliere and with Restoration Comedy. Advanced Comic Techniques are implemented. Students are required to share their work the MICDS community, the outside community, and to compete in MSSHA competitions. // Prerequisites: Acting 1, 2, and 3 // // 1 trimester course //
 * __ 400: Acting 3 __**
 * __ 501: Modern Playwrights 1 __**
 * __ 502: Modern Playwrights 2 __**
 * __ 530: Moliere __**

 This course is for students with a deep interest in Acting. Students work on audition pieces for college applications, performance pieces for the outside community, and competition pieces for MSHHA. Students use all skills previously learned to build a resume of styles, playwrights, and techniques. The class moves quickly and knowledge of theater vocabulary is required. Final projects include a fully produced play. // Prerequisite: Acting 1, 2, and 3 // // 11th Graders may take Acting 3 simultaneously. // // 2 trimester course // **__ Music __**  This course provides a historical overview of the way music has developed in our culture. It is designed for non-music majors, so no previous musical training is required to take this class. Students learn about the elements and principles of music including notation, rhythm, melody, harmony, color, texture, and form. Listening skill development is an essential component of this class. The ultimate goal of this course is to develop a student’s ability to recognize, understand, and appreciate the basic materials and processes of music. // Core Course // // 1 trimester course //  The Upper School Instrumental Music course is designed to teach the elements, techniques, and principles of music, using a concert band instrument. The main goal of the class is to develop student musicianship, listenership, and the love of music. Students learn rehearsal and performance skills in order to understand the musical language, and to experience the joys of recreating music in the medium of their choice. A wide variety of band literature is analyzed from a cultural and historical perspective, and then experienced through rehearsal in class. Opportunities for public performance exist for members of the Concert Band, Jazz Band, MICDS Ram Pride Pep Band, and Troubadour Orchestra. Individuals may choose to participate in league, district, and state level music festivals. Membership in the Upper School Concert Band is a full year (three trimester) commitment. Students are required to perform at school concerts and events. // Prerequisites: Audition // // 3 trimester course //
 * __ 550: Auditioning for the Experienced Actor __**
 * __ 100: Cultural Studies in Music __**
 * __ 300: Instrumental Music __**

 The Upper School Concert Choir studies and performs standard high school choral literature of various styles, periods, and languages. Students develop and refine their singing voices, music reading skills, and sight-singing skills. Additionally, students work on ensemble skills such as style, blend and balance, intonation, and expression. Students are expected to analytically listen to and discuss performances of themselves and others. They are required to perform at school concerts and events. Students may select to participate in various workshops and festivals. // Prerequisites: Audition // // 3 trimester course //  This course is an introduction to music terminology, history and literature. The course acquaints students with a wide range of interesting music, increase their grasp of its structure, and enhance their powers of aural perception. More specifically, students become familiar with a variety of voices and instruments, learn about the basic elements of music, understand some of the common musical forms, and are able to distinguish the main historical styles. The course accomplishes this through a combination of in-class discussion, readings, and outside listening. // Prerequisites: Audition // // 2 trimesters //
 * __ 200: Concert Choir __**
 * __ 210: Music Perspectives __**

 Bella Voci (//Italian, meaning “beautiful voices”)// is designed to help young women further develop freedom, beauty, and maturity in the singing voice. It is also designed to empower singers with more advanced ear training, sight-singing skills, and competency in reading four part and double choir voicing. Phonetics of various languages and a variety of musical styles are presented. Work includes singing exercises to expand the range and flexibility of the voice and to improve diction, breath support, and resonance. Music Theory and Music History are included on a daily basis. Additional work includes singing in small ensembles, written tests, singing tests and required evening performances. // Prerequisites: Audition, Concert Choir // // Grades 10, 11, and 12 (female) // // 3 trimester course //
 * __ 320: Bella Voce: Women’s Choir __**

 The Upper School Chamber Choir is a full-year commitment. This course is the most advanced vocal ensemble offering, focusing on the performance of four-part advanced mixed-voice literature in various styles. Students study advanced music fundamentals, such as note values, time signatures, pitch memory, sight-singing, scales, key signatures, intervals, as well as Music Theory and Music History. The choir studies music of all styles and periods and performs regularly at concerts, festivals, competitions, and outside venues throughout the year. Students have the opportunity to continue their previous study of music theory and music terminology. Students should have a strong personal and group motivation for performance of high caliber music. Daily work includes vocal exercises designed to expand the range and flexibility of the voice, improve breath support, and to improve singing diction and resonance. Additional work includes singing in small ensembles, written and singing tests, reflection papers, and required evening performances. // Prerequisites: Audition and completion of a year in Concert Choir and/or Women’s Choir // // Grades 10, 11, and 12 // // 3 trimester course //  This course is designed to help students broaden and deepen their knowledge and understanding of piano music repertoire. The course surveys the standard solo keyboard literature covering the Pre-Baroque, Baroque, and Classical eras, with emphasis on musical styles. Students are involved in class discussions, score analysis, and listening to important piano works from the 18th Century. There are opportunities to perform in and out of the school community. // Prerequisites: 11th and 12th graders electing to take this class should be serious musicians who plan to interact with this music for a lifetime. Students should have a working knowledge of music reading and be able to play the piano. Students interested must gain permission of the instructor. // // Students who have the desire to participate in District and State Solo Festivals must enroll in Piano Literature and Performance 1, 2, and 3. // // 1 trimester course //  This course is designed to help students broaden and deepen their knowledge and understanding of piano music repertoire. This class surveys the standard solo keyboard literature covering the Romantic and Impressionistic eras, with emphasis on musical styles. Students are involved in class discussions, score analysis, and listening to important piano works from the 19th Century. There are opportunities to perform in and out of the school community // Prerequisites: 11th and 12th graders electing to take this class should be serious musicians who plan to interact with this music for a lifetime. Students should have a working knowledge of music reading and be able to play the piano. Students interested must gain permission of the instructor. // // Students who have the desire to participate in District and State Solo Festivals must enroll in Piano Literature and Performance 1, 2, and 3. // // 1 trimester course //  This course is designed to help students broaden and deepen their knowledge and understanding of piano music repertoire. This class surveys the standard solo keyboard literature covering the Nationalistic and Contemporary composers, with emphasis on musical styles. Students are involved in class discussions, score analysis, and listening to important piano works from the 20th Century. There are opportunities to perform in and out of the school community. // Prerequisites: 11th and 12th graders electing to take this class should be serious musicians who plan to interact with this music for a lifetime. Students should have a working knowledge of music reading and be able to play the piano. Students interested must gain permission of the instructor. // // Students who have the desire to participate in District and State Solo Festivals must enroll in Piano Literature and Performance 1, 2, and 3. // // 1 trimester course //  The musically talented student is challenged to recognize and understand the basic materials and processes of music. This goal is approached through the development of fundamental aural, analytical, compositional, sight singing, and music dictation skills. The course provides a solid foundation in intervals, scales, chords, metric/rhythmic-patterns, and the terms used to describe these elements of music as related to the major-minor tonal system. With this foundation, the course progression includes more complicated analysis of music, including study of motivic treatment and the rhythmic and melodic interaction between voices; harmonic analysis of a functional chord passage and the realization of figured bass. The course covers music dictation and sight singing at an advanced level, and all topics necessary for the Advanced Placement Test, which all students are required to take. // Prerequisite: Students are required to have at least two years of instrumental, orchestral, or vocal performance experience, or have studied privately for at least two years. Students must pass an entrance exam (administered in the spring) and score an 80% or above to be admitted to this demanding course //. // 3 trimester course //
 * __ 400: Chamber Choir __**
 * __ 501: Piano Literature and Performance 1 __**
 * __ 502: Piano Literature and Performance 2 __**
 * __ 503: Piano Literature and Performance 3 __**
 * __ 600: AP Music Theory __**