Fine Arts Department
Additional Fine Arts Electives
(Only Level 3, Level 4 and AP Courses Above are Included in GPA)
Modernism L3/L4
FA330/340 - 0.5 Credit - Semester Long - Grades 11-12
Prerequisite:
- None
This interdisciplinary, team-taught course focuses on the art, music, literature, and theater of the twentieth century. Beginning with an analysis of contemporary cultural trends, the course then explores the roots of these trends by turning to the Modernist period. After some training in "aesthetic scanning," an approach to analyzing art, music, and literature, students will have the opportunity to study the connections between modern poetry, fiction, and theater; jazz, classical, and popular music; and artistic movements from impressionism to performance art. The course involves reading, discussion; slide lectures, listening to music, field trips, written assignments, and creative projects.
*Students taking this course for honors (L4) credit are required to do an extended research project.
*Students taking this course for honors (L4) credit are required to do an extended research project.
Music Theory I
FA105 - 0.5 Credit - Semester Long - Grades 9-12
Prerequisite:
- None
This course is an in-depth study of the basic elements of music including rhythm, melody, harmony, expressive elements, tone color and form. Ability to sing or play an instrument is helpful, but not required to take the course.
The main goal of the course is to give students a solid foundation in the basics of music theory and to develop skills in sight singing and rhythmic and melodic dictation. Selected examples of music from various periods of music history as well as music from modern idioms including Jazz and Rock are used for purposes of illustrating treatment of musical elements, and to broaden the musical background of the students.
The main goal of the course is to give students a solid foundation in the basics of music theory and to develop skills in sight singing and rhythmic and melodic dictation. Selected examples of music from various periods of music history as well as music from modern idioms including Jazz and Rock are used for purposes of illustrating treatment of musical elements, and to broaden the musical background of the students.
Music Theory II L4
FA241 - 0.5 Credit - Semester Long - Grades 10-12
Prerequisite:
- B- or better in Music Theory I; OR
- Permission of the instructor
This course is an in-depth study of harmony beginning with seventh chords and progressing to atonality. Topics include orchestration, 18th century harmony, 20th century harmony, ear training, dictation, and solfege.
AP Music Theory
FA350 - 0.5 Credit - Semester Long - Grades 11-12
Prerequisite:
- B- or better in Music Theory II L4; OR
- Permission of the instructor
The goals of this course are to prepare students for the Advanced Placement music theory exam, and develop advanced skills in music theory, music composition, analysis, and MIDI technology. Heavy emphasis is placed on developing skill in sight singing, as well as melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic dictation. Students will be expected to compose at least four original pieces during the course.
American Music History L3/L4
FA232/244 - 0.5 Credit - Semester Long - Grades 10-12
Prerequisite:
- None
This course focuses on how the development of Western music through the colonization of America and the influence of immigrants from around the world led to the birth and development of American Music. Throughout this course, students will carefully examine the various styles that were indigenous to America such as vaudeville, spirituals, ragtime, gospel, jazz, blues, and rock and roll. This course involves reading, discussion, slide lectures, listening to music, written assignments, and creative projects. Students wishing to take this class for Level IV Honors credit will be required to do an extended research project. This course may be taken to fulfill a senior history elective requirement.
Piano Lab
FA1021 - 0.5 Credit - Semester Long - Grades 9-12
Prerequisite:
- None
This course is designed for students with little or no experience with piano. The concepts of reading and performing standard notation, basic level piano repertoire, piano technique, sight-reading, improvisation, and MIDI will be presented. This course is offered to all students. No experience in choral or instrumental music is necessary. Students need not know how to read music.
Film and Society L3/L4
FA135/143 - 0.5 Credit - Semester Long - Grades 9-12
Prerequisite:
- None
This course will examine the art of motion pictures using examples from a variety of genres and eras. The course will cover film genres such as Silent Film, Propaganda Film,, Film Noir, and Animation, as well as feature works of master storytellers working in and outside these genres and styles. Students will learn about directing, editing, screenwriting, actor’s choices, character development, and cinematography. Students will also closely examine the effects that our society has had on American Cinema and how filmmakers have reflected and affected our world socially, financially, and artistically. This course will involve film viewing, script reading, lectures, discussions, written work, and creative projects.
*Students taking this course for honors (L4) credit are required to do an extended research project.
*Students taking this course for honors (L4) credit are required to do an extended research project.