Bensalem High School

Introduction to Art Concepts (05991)

Credit: 1.0

Prerequisite: Entry level class for 9th grade only

 

Intro to Art is designed to provide a foundation for advanced courses in art. It is the foundation course for the Fine Arts Pathway. Emphasis is placed on understanding the Elements of Art and Principles of Design as a basis for composition. Students will explore a variety of artists, art processes and materials such as drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics as well as two and three-dimensional design. Student artwork will reflect aesthetics as well as cultural and historical contexts. Willingness to get involved in the creative process is a more important requirement than the student’s talent or previous experience.

 

Painting and Drawing (2D Design I) [05155A]

Credit: 1.0

Prerequisite: Offered for 10th, 11th and 12th grades

 

2D design in an elective art class that has no prerequisite. It offers students the opportunity to explore techniques and media traditionally associated with 2D design. This class will introduce drawing techniques and develops observational skills. Charcoal, gradient pencils, pastel, watercolor, tempera and acrylic will be among some of the media introduced. The students will produce both representational and expressive work while also learning art history, criticism and aesthetics. The students will generate work in the studio and be responsible for sketchbook assignments as well as completion of a digital portfolio.

 

 

 

Painting and Drawing 2 (2D Design II) [05115B]

Credit: 1.0

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Painting and Drawing I

 

2D design II offers students the opportunity to continue with developing skills with materials associated with 2D design. The aim of this course is to expand the students experience working with 2D media. Students will continue to learn how to use the materials to further express themselves visually and develop a wide breadth of work towards their portfolios. Color theory, linear perspective, compositional structure, figure/ground relationships, visual perception, spatial concepts, and critical thinking skills will all be emphasized extensively. We will study and research major painting styles and movements in a historical context. Students will be responsible for sketchbook assignments as well as a digital portfolio. Successful completion of 2D Design I with a C or better is required.

 

 

 

Sculpture, Crafts & Pottery (3D Design I) [05159A]

Credit: 1.0

Prerequisite: Offered for 10th, 11th and 12th grades

 

3D design is an art elective course that offers an opportunity for students who wish to create three-dimensional art. Students will explore the element of form using a variety of materials such as clay, plaster, cardboard, and wood. Students will also learn the methods of working with clay such as coiling, slab building, and throwing on the wheel. Students are encouraged to explore individual styles while producing a diverse body of 3D work. The combined synergy of all of the above encourages and supports participants in both examining and stretching the boundaries of conceptual, technical, and aesthetic skills. The students will generate work in the studio and be responsible for sketchbook assignments as well as completion of a digital portfolio.

 

Sculpture, Crafts & Pottery 2 (3D Design II) [05159B]

Credit: 1.0

Prerequisite: Successful completion of 3D Design I

 

3D Design II offers students the opportunity to continue with the exploration of sculptural design. Students will be able to develop their skills in various 3D media. This course will emphasize craftsmanship and creativity as well as analytical and critical problem solving. Working with a wide range of materials, students realize structural solutions by gaining an understanding of dimensional relationships and will examine sculptural form as a means of communicating ideas. Students develop ideas, execute solutions to construction problems, analyze a variety of sculptural works and explore materials, contexts, styles and sculptural traditions. The students will be responsible for sketchbook assignments as well as completion of a digital portfolio. Students must have completed 3-D design I with a C or better.

 

 

 

Art and Culture (05151)

Credit: 1.0

Prerequisite: Offered for 10th, 11th and 12th grades

 

This class is an elective that will provide a multi-disciplinary approach to understanding many different cultures and their art. This class will blend anthropology, history, geography, literature and studio art as avenues of exploring various world cultures. The class will create artwork that is inspired by the study of the culture and the acknowledgement of the distinctive design elements that are specific to the culture. Reading assignments, writing assignments, as well as studio artwork will be requirements of this class.

 

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Advanced Placement (AP) Studio Portfolio (05171)

Credit: 1.0

Prerequisite: Offered for 11th and 12th grades with previous art classes at the high school level

 

The AP Studio Art course (AP Art and Design Program) is for students interested in a rigorous and focused study in art. Students will develop a quality portfolio that demonstrates a mastery of concept, composition and execution in 2D, 3D design or Drawing. This course is based on a student creating a body of work that demonstrates quality art work and a documentation of concept and experimentation. Students are encouraged to submit their portfolio to the College Board to be scored. As in any college level course students will be expected to spend a considerable amount of time outside of class in order to complete assignments, doing homework and sketchbook assignments. Students are required to submit their portfolio College Board. Students must have had previous art classes at the high school level and commit to a rigorous college level work load. It is recommended that students receive a recommendation from their art teacher or have a portfolio review before selecting this class. Students taking this course should plan to take the Advanced Placement test given in May to receive an AP weighted- grade for the course.

 

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Advanced Placement (AP) Art History (05153)

Credit: 1.0

Prerequisite: Offered for 10th, 11th and 12th grades

 

The AP Art History course is equivalent to a two-semester introductory college course that explores the history of art since 30,000 BCE. The AP Art History course welcomes students into the global art world as active participants, engaging with its art work and content as they research, discuss, read and write about art, art making and responses to the interpretations of art. The study of art history invites students to discover the diversity in and the connections among forms of artistic expression throughout history and from around the globe. Students should understand that this is a college level course and will help with developing research and writing skills. Students taking this course should plan to take the Advanced Placement test given in May to receive an AP weighted- grade for the course.

 

 

Interior Design (05199)

* Not available 2024 - 2025 School Year

Credit: 1.0

This studio is an introduction to the basics of interior design including 3D spatial awareness, the development and application of design concepts and the design context (physical and social). Skills are introduced in design research, process and communication (visual and verbal). The projects include an interior design foundation and 2 small-scale design projects. Based on the scope of a student's project or level of study there may be additional costs for materials and supplies.