Classes in orange are available for Valley Southwoods students.

Introduction to Digital Graphics
ART207 or ART208 | First OR Second Semester
ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAI 

Introduction to Digital Graphics is a foundation- level course, which requires no previous art experience. This course will investigate artistic skills as they are applied to the digital medium. This course will provide a foundation for further study in application-level art courses, such as Animation Applications. 

Photographic Foundations
ART105 or ART106 | First OR Second Semester
ELECTIVE ⬛9 ⬜10 ⬜11 ⬜12
⬜DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAI 

Photographic Foundations is an introductory-level course and requires no previous photography experience. Topics will include basic Digital SLR camera operation, composition, and computer tips and tricks, as well as shooting tips and tricks. This course will provide a foundation for further study in Applications-level art courses at Valley High School. No camera is required.

Photo I: Principles of Digital Photography
ART201 or ART202 | First OR Second Semester
ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬛DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAI 

Photo I: Principles of Digital Photography is a one-semester course where students will learn the basic principles of digital photography. Topics will include basic camera operation, composition, metering, computer tips and tricks as well as shooting tips and tricks. A digital SLR camera in conjunction with the computer will become instruments to explore visual communication effectively. The training will provide the student with entry-level skills to meet current photographic industry standards. No camera is required. This course must be taken for DMACC credit.

Three-Dimensional Foundations
ART205 or ART206 | First OR Second Semester
ELECTIVE ⬛9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAI 

Three-Dimensional Foundations is an introductory level course and requires no previous art experience. The course will investigate ceramics, sculpture, metal skills, and art history, including wheel throwing and metal fabricating. This course will provide a foundation for further study in application-level art courses. 

Two-Dimensional Foundations
ART203 or ART 204 | First OR Second Semester
ELECTIVE ⬛9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAI 

Two-Dimensional Foundations is an introductory level course and requires no previous art experience. The course will investigate the creative process of drawing and painting skills. This course will provide a foundation for further study in application-level art courses. 

Video Production
ART303 or ART304 | First OR Second Semester
ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬛DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAI 

This class is designed for the student who would like to explore video production. Students will learn proper use of cameras, lighting, sound, and technology to create a variety of videos incorporating multiple shots and digital video clips. Students will also learn the fundamentals of video editing using professional-grade software. This course must be taken for DMACC credit.

Classes in orange are available for Valley Southwoods students.

Ceramics Applications I
ART311 or ART312 | First OR Second Semester
Prerequisite: Three-Dimensional Foundations
ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬛DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAI 

This course is designed to build upon the ceramic skills established in Three-Dimensional Foundations.  It is a comprehensive ‘hands-on’ experience working with clay. The discovery “process” of finding one’s unique sense of touch is stressed.  Fundamental techniques demonstrated in hand-building, wheel-throwing, mold making, glazing and firing methods. Concepts in ceramic art discussed, connecting cultures, artists and contemporary objects and functional art.  

This course must be taken for DMACC credit.

Ceramics Applications II
ART411 or ART412 | First OR Second Semester
Prerequisite: Three-Dimensional Foundations and Ceramic Applications I
ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬛DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAI 

This course was designed for students who want to build upon the skills developed and learned in Three-Dimensional Foundations and Ceramics Applications I.  Personal voice and independent working practices will be explored. Advanced wheel throwing, hand building methods, slop casting, model making, glaze formulation, alternative firing methods will be explored.  Interested students may take this course multiple times to expand their ceramic skills.

This course must be taken for DMACC credit.

Digital Animation Applications
ART503 or ART504 | First OR Second Semester
Prerequisite: Introduction to Digital Graphics
ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAI 

This course was designed for students who have taken Introduction to Digital Graphics. The Digital Animation class explores and builds upon previous learned skills. Students will explore techniques using storyboards and character design. They will create a group project that will allow them to work collaboratively, much like an animation production studio.

Digital Illustration
ART209 or ART210 | First OR Second Semester
Prerequisite: Introduction to Digital Graphics
ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAI 

This one-semester course, Digital art experience, is essential to landing your dream job in the art industry.  In this course, you will take your digital skills to the next level. You will create the type of digital art used in movie design, book illustration, advertisement posters, comics/graphic novels. Learn cutting edge techniques to create digital illustrations using Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator as well as other digital mediums. This is a second level Digital Illustration course with a prerequisite of Intro to Digital Graphics. Through independent working practice you will discover your unique artistic voice.

Drawing Applications
ART307 or ART308 | First OR Second Semester
Prerequisite: Two-Dimensional Foundations
ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬛DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAI 

This course is a broad approach to drawing techniques for both the beginning and the advanced student. Students will explore various methods and mediums to develop skills through form, content, and techniques. Mediums include pencil, chalk, pastel, and ink. Drawings will be done in both black and white and color. A portfolio will be developed at the end of the class. This course must be taken for DMACC credit. 

Experimental Film Photography
ART211 or ART212 | First OR Second Semester
Prerequisite:  Photo I - Principles of Digital Photography or Photographic Foundations (VSW)
ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬛DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAI 

Experimental Film Photography is a course where students will learn principles of 35mm film photography as well as experimenting with photographic darkroom techniques. Topics will include 35mm film camera operation, film developing, darkroom photo printing, and special effects. No camera required. This is a college-level and college credit course (3.00 DMACC credit hours, 1.00 Valley Art credit). All students taking this course are required to take the final. There is no additional cost for the DMACC credit and a DMACC representative will complete the registration in class. This course must be taken for DMACC credit.

Metal Art Applications
ART313 or ART314 | First OR Second Semester
Prerequisite: Three-Dimensional Foundations
ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAI 

This course will help students develop skills and techniques needed to work with metals and various other materials. The students will explore innovative approaches to problem-solving in the creation of sculpture and/or wearable art. Areas covered will include cold construction, casting, soldering, stone setting, and coloring techniques. 

Painting Applications
ART305 or ART306 | First OR Second Semester
Prerequisite: Two-Dimensional Foundations
ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬛DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAI 

This course will provide students with an intensive study in painting techniques. Students will explore various methods and mediums to develop their skills through form, content, and technique. Mediums will include watercolor, acrylic, and oil. A portfolio will be developed at the end of the class. This course must be taken for DMACC credit.

Photo II: Photoshop for Photography (DMACC)
ART301 or ART302 | First OR Second Semester
Prerequisite: Photographic Foundations or Photo I: Principles of Digital Photography
ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬛DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAI 

Photo II: Photoshop for Photography is a one-semester course where students will learn advanced techniques in digital photography and photo editing. This course teaches students how to work with Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Lightroom, the industry-standard photo image software programs. This class is an in-depth look at the technical aspects of color management, light and dark adjustments, and other techniques for preparing the image for output to print or be used on the internet by using the digital darkroom. No camera is required. This course must be taken for DMACC credit.

Studio Art
ART401 and/or ART402 | First AND/OR Second Semester
Prerequisite: Three art courses in grades 9-12
ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAI 

Studio Art will introduce and expand on various student-chosen media, content, and techniques.  Students will develop and apply skills of inquiry and investigation, practice, experimentation, revision, communication, and reflection. This course was designed for students who would like to work independently and with instructors guidance, to develop a portfolio for college admittance, scholarships, or personal reasons, without being constrained by the  AP Art and Design portfolio requirements.

Studio Art can be taken for one or two semesters.

AP Art and Design
ART501 and ART502 | Full-Year Course—Can be taken more than once.
Prerequisite: A minimum of three art classes. Two of the classes should be in the area students wish to study.
ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬜10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAI 

Course Description Including Content Standards: The AP Art and Design course framework presents an inquiry-based approach to learning about and making art and design. Students are expected to conduct an in-depth, sustained investigation of materials, processes, and ideas. The framework focuses on concepts and skills emphasized within college art and design foundations courses with the same intent: to help students become inquisitive, thoughtful artists and designers able to articulate information about their work. AP Art and Design students develop and apply skills of inquiry and investigation, practice, experimentation, revision, communication, and reflection.

Taking the Advanced Placement exam (submitting a portfolio) is the culmination of the AP course curriculum. Taking the exam, is required for a weighted grade at Valley and consideration for credit at the college or university of your choice. The course can be repeated if you choose to create a different portfolio.

Portfolios: 

• AP 2D Art and Design
• AP 3D Art and Design
• AP Drawing

Each portfolio will consist of the following:

1. Sustained Investigation: 60%—Fifteen examples of finished art pieces and process photos from your sketchbook, investigating one topic. Written reflections.
2. Selected Works: 40%—Five of your best art pieces. Written reflections.

Other requirements in this course include:

• Pre-AP summer sketchbook assignments (Students will meet in the spring for details.)
• Independent art exhibit at Valley or in the community
• Development of a digital portfolio
• Final collaborative AP Art and Design exhibit

It is highly advised to take the Advanced Placement exam as a culmination of the AP course curriculum.  Students who successfully complete an AP course will have a .5 weighted grade applied to their GPA for the course. Students who participate in the AP exam will have a total of 1.0 weighted grade applied to their GPA for the course. Regardless of exam participation, a student's transcript will reflect the title of the AP course they enrolled in.

Each exam has a cost that will be incurred by the student.  If students are in need of financial assistance to help with the cost of AP exams, please see your assigned counselor for information.