Art

All introductory art courses (i.e., all semester art courses) will be offered at the college preparatory level only.

9th Grade Art H

Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
Grade: 9
Course Number: 06010903

This year-long, rigorous Honors course introduces ninth graders to a variety of materials used in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional pieces. Over the course of the year, students draw, paint, sculpt, and utilize digital technologies to begin developing their portfolios. Successful completion of this course will prepare students for additional years of Art Honors course work.

Art 1 H

Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
Course Number: 06010303

Observation is key to understanding the world around us. Students taking Art 1H will work through drawing exercises which facilitate greater visual awareness while developing rendering skills. A variety of drawing media and materials, including traditional and digital, are used to build confidence in making images and creating a portfolio that reflects the student’s growth, skills, and artistic voice. Studio practices will also be a focus where students understand how to develop and maintain proper workspaces

Art 2 H

Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
Grade(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: It is recommended that interested students successfully complete Art 1 H.
Course Number: 06010503

This course builds on the importance of observation from Art 1H, adding COLOR into the student vocabulary. Students taking Art 2H will work through drawing and painting exercises which heighten awareness and continue to develop artistic techniques and voice. A variety of color media, including traditional and digital, are used in making images and establishing a body of work that demonstrates student understanding and progress. Completion of this course will prepare students for Art 3H or AP Art & Design/AP Drawing senior course work.

Art 3 H

Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
Grade: 12
Prerequisite: It is recommended that interested students successfully complete Art 2 H.
Course Number: 06010713

This course focuses on conceptual thinking and technical mastery through portfolio development and completion. The course begins with a concentration in oil painting, but students use various mixed media, including drawing, painting, and portfolio completion. The course also encompasses printmaking, bookbinding, sculpture, mixed media, and digital media. In the second semester, students make a proposal that outlines an independent theme of art production. All students keep a personal sketchbook/research journal.

Art History

Length/credit: 1 semester - 0.5 credit
Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Course Number: 06040100

The history of our world is chronicled by the art and crafts of past cultures. They are the concrete evidence of the life and societies of the past. This course is designed to enlighten students about the arts of past and present cultures and how these cultures impact us today. Students will study images, artists, materials, aesthetics and criticism. They will take field trips, view films, and do research. While this is mostly an academic course, there will also be hands-on activities.

Art and Modern Culture

Length/credit: 1 semester - 0.5 credit
Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
Course Number: 06050100

This one-semester elective investigates our various cultural identities as Americans through the lens of creativity. The course will analyze TV, movies, fashion, video games, magazines, billboards, web pages, and public art and how that develops our visual culture. In this class, students will explore and investigate cultural identifiers using visual images and have the opportunity to produce graphic artwork. No art background is necessary for this course.

Art 1 Studio

Length/credit: 1 semester - 0.5 credit
Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Course Number: 06010200

In this exciting, introductory art course, students will learn techniques of drawing, painting, color theory, sculpting, and discover 2-D and 3-D design. It is an introductory art class for students with little to no art experience to practice various art techniques and art media. Students will engage in creative art-making skills to further expand their creative confidence. The purchase of a sketchbook is recommended for this course.

Art 2 Studio

Length/credit: 1 semester - 0.5 credit
Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: It is recommended that interested students successfully complete Art Studio 1
Course Number: 06010412

Art 2 Studio is intended for students who wish to further develop and expand their creative talents. Students enjoy the opportunity to pursue areas of interest and creative themes. Students will further enhance their creative knowledge by use of examples, exercises, critiques and creative projects. All media are available for students’ creative expression. The purchase of a sketchbook is recommended for this course. The purchase of a sketchbook is recommended for this course.

Art 3 Studio

Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: It is recommended that interested students successfully complete Art 2 Studio.
Course Number: 06010600

Students will start this year-long course with an opportunity to develop their own artistic theme. Students will work independently to enhance and create a diverse portfolio that expresses their creative voice and ambitions. As a culmination of the work begun in Art 1 Studio and Art 2 Studio, this course presents students with the opportunity to explore areas of artistic interest and develop ideas independently. The purchase of a sketchbook is recommended for this course.

Ceramics 1

Length/credit: 1 semester - 0.5 credit
Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Course Number: 06030100

In this course, students work with clay to create functional and sculptural pieces. Hand-building construction includes pinch, coil, and slab techniques. Additionally, students also have the opportunity to explore alternative stamping and texture methods. . Additionally, students also have the opportunity to explore alternative stamping and texture methods. Students design, decorate, glaze and ﬁre their work for permanency.

Ceramics 2

Length/credit: 1 semester - 0.5 credit
Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: It is recommended that interested students successfully complete Ceramics 1.
Course Number: 06030202

In Ceramics 2, students learn to use the potter’s wheel and create a coil pot as well as have the opportunity to develop and create clay stamping techniques and more advanced hand-built projects. Students also gain a greater understanding of aesthetic qualities in ceramics and an appreciation of contemporary and historical ceramics.

Advanced Ceramics 3 H

Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: It is recommended that interested students successfully complete Ceramics 2.
Course Number: 06030503

In Advanced Ceramics 3 H, students design and create complicated clay works. Students have the opportunity to concentrate on or explore a combination of potter’s wheel techniques, advanced glazing and advanced conceptual hand building assignments. In addition, students gain a greater understanding of aesthetic qualities in ceramics, an appreciation of contemporary and historical ceramics artists, develop and create advanced clay stamping techniques, and will begin to develop their own artistic voice.

Advanced Ceramics 4 H

Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
Grade(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: It is recommended that interested students successfully complete Advanced Ceramics 3.
Course Number: 0603703

In this advanced course, students continue to develop and advance their ceramic skills within their chosen concentrations while developing a portfolio of ceramic work. Students can also develop and create advanced clay stamping techniques. Students can also develop and create advanced clay stamping techniques.

Advanced Ceramics 5 H

Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
Grade: 12
Prerequisite: It is recommended that interested students successfully complete Advanced Ceramics 4.
Course Number: 06030903

In this course, students continue to develop and advance their ceramic skills within their chosen concentrations while developing a portfolio of advanced ceramic work. Students can also develop and create advanced clay stamping techniques. Students can also develop and create advanced clay stamping techniques.

Communication Design 1

Length/credit: 1 semester - 0.5 credit
Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Course Number: 06100500

Students explore a variety of digital media and artistic concepts, while being introduced to the process of design thinking and creative problem solving. Investigations in graphic design, illustration, motion graphics, multimedia, and interactive design allow students to build an understanding of the essential elements of visual design, and how those have an impact on their imagery. No prior experience with digital platforms is needed but students should be open to working on the computer daily. Supported Software: Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, etc), Sketchbook Pro, and more.

Communication Design 2

Length/credit: 1 semester - 0.5 credit
Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: It is recommended that interested students successfully complete Communication Design 1.
Course Number: 06100600

In this course, students continue their creative exploration of Communication Design by building on the technical and visual design skills introduced in Level 1. Students explore advancing concepts and creative challenges, with a greater focus on the successful communication of intended meaning and message.

Communication Design 3 H

Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: It is recommended that interested students successfully complete Communication Design 2.
Course Number: 06100303

Students continue their study of Communication Design with the development of visual style and technique. Students begin to work collaboratively to design more complex communication across multiple platforms with a focus on addressing real-world challenges. More of an emphasis is placed on the design thinking and problem-solving skills of ideation, prototyping, and testing the success of their communication.

Communication Design 4/5 H

Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: It is recommended that interested students successfully complete Communication Design 3H.
Course Number: 06100403

At the advanced level of Communication Design students should have a strong technical and conceptual foundation that will enable them to create authentic and impactful designs and messages. Students use design thinking to develop and reﬁne their work through a sequence of unique critique-centric and technical seminars. Student-driven projects create a unique point of view, engaging collaborative work, and individualized portfolios. Supported Software includes Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), iPads with Procreate and more.

Film-Photography 1

Length/credit: 1 semester - 0.5 credit
Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Course Number: 06060100

This course students will discover the art of storytelling through film and photography. In this hands-on course, students will learn to capture stunning images and videos while experimenting with different techniques and tools. Work with a range of cameras, including mobile devices, and bring your own vision to life using Adobe Creative Cloud programs, like Lightroom, Photoshop, and Premiere Pro. Whether a student is new to the craft or looking to build their skills, this class offers a fun and supportive space to explore your creativity and tell your unique story.students will discover the art of storytelling through film and photography. In this hands-on course, students will learn to capture stunning images and videos while experimenting with different techniques and tools. Work with a range of cameras, including mobile devices, and bring your own vision to life using Adobe Creative Cloud programs, like Lightroom, Photoshop, and Premiere Pro. Whether a student is new to the craft or looking to build their skills, this class offers a fun and supportive space to explore your creativity and tell your unique story.introduces students to seeing and capturing their world through the art of film and photography.

Film-Photography 2

Length/credit: 1 semester - 0.5 credit
Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: It is recommended that interested students successfully complete Film-Photography 1.
Course Number: 06060200

In this course, students will take their filmmaking and photography skills to the next level. This course builds on the basics, helping you expand your creative ideas and sharpen your technical skills. With engaging hands-on projects and creative challenges, this course is perfect for students ready to refine their techniques, and take on more ambitious projects.

Advanced Film-Photography 3 H

Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: It is recommended that interested students successfully complete Film-Photography 2 H.
Course Number: 06060303

In this course, students will dive deeper into filmmaking and photography in this yearlong course. Students will learn essential lighting techniques while honing technical and creative skills through in-studio shoots. Learn various cinematography techniques in order to master visual storytelling while constructing short films. By continuing to explore advanced editing software and conceptual ideas, you’ll develop a strong portfolio that showcases your growth as an artist. This is a perfect course for students looking to discover their artistic voice and create standout projects. By the end of the course, students will have developed a portfolio of photographs or ﬁlms and an artist’s statement.

Advanced Film-Photography 4 H

Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: It is recommended that interested students successfully complete Film-Photography 3 H.
Course Number: 06060403

In this course, students will discover how to explore creative lighting techniques and develop their ability to tell a story through various ways in which photographers/ ﬁlmmakers can approach and interpret their own ideas, messages, and stories through photographic/ﬁlm imagery through photographic/ﬁlm and writing assignments. Learn to create compelling visual narratives and explore advanced editing and digital manipulation to enhance work. By the end of the course, students will build a skillful portfolio that showcases artistics growth and illustrates creative vision. Students entering the Advanced Program should have a strong technical and conceptual foundation and will deﬁne a body of work on which they plan to focus. Students develop and reﬁne their work through a sequence of unique critique-centric and technical seminars while beneﬁtting from the mentorship of a faculty advisor; studio workshops focused on digital literacy aid students in more advanced editing and digital manipulation. The Advanced Program emphasizes the role of critique in the creative process; students are actively pushed to challenge and expand their established relationship with photography.

Advanced Film-Photography 5 H

Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: It is recommended that interested students successfully complete Film Photography 4 H.
Course Number: 06060503

In this course, students discover the varied ways in which the photographer/ﬁlmmaker can approach and interpret their own ideas, messages, and stories through photographic/ﬁlm imagery through photographic/ﬁlm and writing assignments. Students entering the Advanced Program should have a strong technical and conceptual foundation and deﬁne a body of work on which they plan to focus. Students develop and reﬁne their work through a sequence of unique critique-centric and technical seminars while beneﬁtting from the mentorship of a faculty advisor; studio workshops focused on digital literacy will aid students in more advanced editing and digital manipulation. The Advanced Program emphasizes the role of critique in the creative process; students are actively pushed to challenge and expand their established relationship with photography with the simultaneous support of the community. The program culminates in a student exhibition, showcasing student growth and a fully realized portfolio of compelling visual narratives.

Metal Arts 1

Length/credit: 1 semester - 0.5 credit
Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Course Number: 06020100

Basic metalworking and jewelry-making techniques are covered in this introductory course. Explore the endless possibilities of crafting with copper, nickel, silver, and brass as students create unique wearable art and small metal sculptures, including bracelets, rings, mobiles, and earrings. Learn essential techniques like sawing, soldering, riveting, and finishing, all while discovering how to infuse personal artistic style into creations. This course is your gateway to transforming metal into art.

Metal Arts 2

Length/credit: 1 semester - 0.5 credit
Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: It is recommended that interested students successfully complete Metal Arts 1.
Course Number: 06020502

In this advanced course, students will refine techniques like sawing, soldering, riveting, and semi-independent torchwork while exploring stone setting and inlay. Students will work with copper, nickel, silver, and brass to craft stunning small metal objects and wearable art, including containers, mobiles, bracelets, neckpieces, rings, and more. This course emphasizes developing your unique artistic voice as you create bold and intricate designs that showcase your growing expertise.

Advanced Metal Arts 3 H

Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: It is recommended that interested students successfully complete Metal Arts 2.
Course Number: 06020703

Explore techniques such as advanced stone setting, hollow forms, hinge making, chain mail, and casting, while tackling projects that involve complex soldering, independent torchwork, and sophisticated design strategies.

In addition to working with metals like silver, copper, and brass, you’ll experiment with alternative materials such as wood, plastic, and glass, broadening your artistic possibilities. This course emphasizes conceptual thinking and encourages you to refine your artistic voice as you create innovative, one-of-a-kind designs.

Advanced Metal Arts 4 H

Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
Grade(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: It is recommended that interested students successfully complete Advanced Metal Arts 3H.
Course Number: 06020903

At this level, students further advance their metalworking skills through artmaking challenges that encourage personal expression. Students choose the advanced techniques they want to explore, such as stone setting, casting, and hinge making, while experimenting with new ideas and materials.

Through research, experimentation, and hands-on practice, students are expected to produce high-quality work and develop a comprehensive portfolio of Metal Arts artworks. This course empowers students to push their creative boundaries while refining their skills and artistic voice.

Advanced Metal Arts 5 H

Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
Grade: 12
Prerequisite: It is recommended that interested students successfully complete Advanced Metal Arts 4.
Course Number: 06021103

At this level, students continue to refine their skills within their chosen metal concentrations while developing a portfolio of very advanced metal arts work. Students select the advanced techniques they wish to explore and are encouraged to experiment with new ideas and materials. Through research, experimentation, and hands-on practice, students are expected to produce high-quality work that reflects their growing expertise and artistic vision. This course challenges students to push their creative boundaries while building a diverse and impressive portfolio.

AP 2-D Art and Design

Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
Grade(s): 11, 12
Prerequisites: It is recommended that interested students have successful completion of any LMSD art course and recommendation of the Department Chair.
Course Number: 06011004

The AP 2-D Art and Design course is an inquiry-based approach to learning about and making art. Students create a 2-D Art portfolio that demonstrates investigation of individually chosen ideas and concepts. Portfolios include works of art, process documentation, and written information about the work presented. Based on the body of artwork they create throughout the year, students choose to submit their work for evaluation in May as either an AP 2-D Art and Design portfolio (drawings, paintings, graphic designs, photography, collages, printmaking, etc.)-OR- an AP Drawing portfolio (drawings and paintings primarily focused on mark making). All students submitting portfolios for evaluation have the potential to earn college credit.

AP 3-D Art and Design

Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
Grade(s): 11, 12
Prerequisites: It is recommended that interested students have successful completion of any LMSD art course and recommendation of the Department Chair.
Course Number: 06011104

The AP 3-D Art and Design course offers an inquiry-based approach to creating and exploring art. Students develop a three-dimensional portfolio, focusing on a medium of their choice, such as metal arts, ceramics, or sculpture. The portfolio showcases their investigation of personally selected ideas and concepts, including completed artworks, process documentation, and written reflections. In May, students submit their portfolios for evaluation, providing an opportunity to earn college credit based on their work and creativity.

International Baccalaureate Visual Arts Classes

International Baccalaureate Visual Arts Class Sequence:

IB Visual Arts SL-or- IB Visual Arts HL Part 1 (Year 1)
IB Visual Art HL Part 2 (Year 2)

*It is not necessary to be a member of the IB Program to take the IB art classes.

IB Visual Arts-SL (offered at Harriton High School only)

Length/Credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
Grade(s): 11, 12
Course Number: 06080105

This course places creative exploration and art-making at its heart, empowering students to engage with ideas, transform their perspectives, and emerge as reflective artists and active contributors to their communities. Structured around three interconnected areas—Create, Connect, and Communicate—students develop key skills in creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration through dynamic, non-linear learning experiences.

At both Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL), students undertake personal artistic inquiries, building portfolios that showcase their conceptual growth and technical expertise. They delve into the cultural and contextual dimensions of art-making, researching its impact and drawing meaningful connections between their work and that of other artists.

The course culminates in a cohesive body of resolved artworks, accompanied by visual and written reflections that celebrate each student’s artistic journey and evolving practice.

The assessment tasks for both Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL) are closely aligned, with SL featuring a slightly reduced workload to reflect the shorter time frame. At Harriton, SL is offered as a one-year course, while HL spans two years, providing extended opportunities for deeper exploration and artistic development. All students enrolled in this class are required to complete the International Baccalaureate assessments.

IB Visual Arts-HL (Part 1) (offered at Harriton High School only)

Length/Credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
Grade(s): 11, 12
Course Number: 06080205

The course culminates in a cohesive body of resolved artworks, accompanied by visual and written reflections that celebrate each student’s artistic journey and evolving practice.

This course is also suitable for advanced art students looking to build a portfolio for admission to art school or other higher education programs with an art focus. Non-IB students may take Part 1; however, scheduling Part 2 is not guaranteed. All students enrolled in this class are required to complete the International Baccalaureate assessments.

IB Visual Arts-HL (Part 2) (offered at Harriton High School only)

Length/Credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
Grade(s): 12
Course Number: 06080305

The course culminates in a cohesive body of resolved artworks, accompanied by visual and written reflections that celebrate each student’s artistic journey and evolving practice.