Graphic & Visual Arts
The Graphic & Visual Arts Department believes in the creative potential of each individual and that artistic expression is an essential part of the development of the whole person. We are strongly committed to provide a carefully designed curriculum in all aspects of visual art.
The faculty of the Visual Arts Department encourages each young woman to:
- Develop an appreciation and passion for the value of artistic expression and its impact on all cultures of the world
- Increase self-esteem and confidence through artistic expression and communication
- Pursue artistic expression through coursework involving dedication, commitment and hard work
- Become more sensitive to the unique qualities within her and within every work of art
Courses Offered
Open to All Grade Levels
4100AS GRAPHIC DESIGN I
Course Length: Semester Course
Grade Level: 9,10,11,12
This semester course is a beginning study in graphic and web design using digital media. The class is structured around projects emphasizing the art elements of line, shape, color, and space. It also introduces the principles of design including rhythm, balance, and type design. The application used is Adobe Illustrator. UC Approved*
*In order to receive UC credit in the fine arts category, students must successfully complete both semesters sequentially, as this course is approved as a year course.
4120AS GRAPHIC DESIGN II
Course Length: Semester Course
Grade Level: 9,10,11,12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Graphic Design I
This course explores intermediate concepts in art and design using digital media. Students explore topics in rendering, perspective, animated gifs, photo editing, and collage techniques, primarily using Adobe Photoshop. Graphic Design I and II meet the UC visual and performing arts requirement. UC Approved*
*In order to receive UC credit in the fine arts category, students must successfully complete both semesters sequentially, as this course is approved as a year course.
4130AS ADVANCED GRAPHIC DESIGN
Course Length: Semester Course
Grade Level: 9,10,11,12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Graphic Design II with a grade of B or higher
This studio course provides advanced design students with the technical and aesthetic framework for completing a comprehensive portfolio in digital arts. Students are assigned real-world projects designed for specific clients. Students use a variety of contemporary media including Adobe Creative Suite and AutoDesk to create works with a compelling and clear message. UC Approved
4400A PHOTOGRAPHY
Course Length: Year
Grade Level: 9,10,11,12
This year-long course explores the basics of digital photography with an emphasis on the technical and critical thinking skills that empower the student to create art through project-based work. Students will learn camera functions, composition techniques, and methods of creative visual communication. The curriculum will also teach elements of art and principles of design while learning to use DSLR cameras. Furthermore, students will learn post-processing techniques using Lightroom and Photoshop, experiment with lighting equipment, and create photo collages with their images. In addition to technical instruction, projects, and walking field trips, students will be introduced to the historical impacts of photography and study photographers throughout its history. UC Approved
4430A FUNDAMENTALS OF ART
Course Length: Year
Grade Level: 9,10,11,12
Fundamentals of Art is designed to explore the procedures, techniques, vocabulary and skills in drawing and painting. Emphasis is placed on developing the students’ observational skills to enhance creative expression. This course focuses on the art elements and principles of design using a variety of media in two-dimensional compositions. Students develop manipulative and organizational skills in using the visual arts media to translate ideas, feelings and values into visual expressions. Historical and cultural contributions will be introduced, as well as artistic analysis, interpretation and judgment of art work and that of others. UC Approved
4440A DRAWING AND PAINTING
Course Length: Year
Grade Level: 9,10,11,12
Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Art or Equivalent
This course is for drawing and painting students with previous experience and to develop existing skills. Students’ goals are to gain knowledge of advanced drawing techniques, media, vocabulary, and continue their study of the elements and principles of art. Emphasis is placed on developing the students’ observational skills to enhance creative expression. Additionally, the student’s objectives are to produce renderings from a wide variety of subjects such as figure, still life, faces, and landscapes for a portfolio of course work, use a variety of media will be used including pencil, pen and ink, markers, charcoal, pastel, and mixed media, develop perspective regarding historical and cultural contributions to the world of drawing, analyze, interpret, and evaluate of their work and that of others. The use of color theory will be advanced with a variety of different color applications and techniques. The Elements and Principles of design will be explored in landscape, still-life, and portraiture to create well - balanced / unique paintings for a portfolio of course work. Students will continue to develop their observational skills to enhance their art. Historical and cultural contributions to the world of painting will be introduced, and students will develop skills in artistic analysis, interpretation and judgment of their work and others. UC Approved
4500AS CERAMICS FUNDAMENTALS I
Course Length: Semester Course
Grade Level: 9,10,11,12
This semester course introduces students to the technical and aesthetic study of three-dimensional design through the medium of clay. The visual art elements and principals of design are emphasized and developed through projects. Students learn about historical and cultural contributions and the vocabulary of ceramics. UC Approved
4510AS CERAMICS FUNDAMENTALS II
Course Length: Semester Course
Grade Level: 9,10,11,12
This is a semester course that builds upon the skills of design and composition learned in Ceramics Fundamentals I. Advanced projects in sculpture techniques, designs, and glazing explored. In-depth study of the historical and cultural contributions to the world of ceramics is emphasized. UC Approved
Open to Grade Level 10 & Higher
4300AS VIDEO PRODUCTION I
Course Length: Semester Course
Grade Level: 10,11,12
Students create videos in a variety of classic styles while learning the “language” of film-making. Students learn how professionals connect with their audiences to make powerful and lasting motion pictures. Individually and in groups, students will plan, create, and assemble video projects using professional editing applications like Adobe Premiere, Sound Studio, and iDVD. UC Approved
4310AS VIDEO PRODUCTION II
Course Length: Semester Course
Grade Level: 10,11,12
This course enhances film-making knowledge with topics in composition, sound design, lighting, and film criticism with an emphasis will be on planning and production skills. Students create original broadcast segments for Royal TV and portfolio DVD that includes a project showcasing student work. UC Approved
4350A BROADCAST JOURNALISM
Course Length: Year
Grade Level: 10,11,12
Students study all aspects of journalism for a daily live broadcast including writing, camera work, lighting, anchoring, researching, sound, editing, teleprompter, producing and directing. Students master the techniques of journalistic research, interviewing, and honing all the performance skills that are necessary for the rigors of professional journalism including reflective self-evaluation and critical review. UC Approved
4410AS ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHY
Course Length: Semester Course
Grade Level: 10,11,12
Prerequisites: Intro to Photography and Photography II
This course will build upon the technical and critical thinking skills learned in the Intro and Photo II courses. Students will create numerous pieces of photographic art with DSLR-type digital cameras driven by concept-based ideas. As advanced photography students, they will learn how to write artist statements and document their work properly. This class will also visit museums and galleries throughout LA and Orange counties during school study trips when possible. In addition to technical instruction, projects, and class field trips, students will be introduced to contemporary photographers who are shifting the art form of photography to new levels. UC Approved
4420A ART OF ANIMATION
Course Length: Year
Grade Level: 10,11,12
Prerequisite: Graphics I or Fundamentals of Art
Animation is unique in its ability to grant total control to the artist and in its universal appeal. This course uses twelve principles of animation to bring character designs to life with the application of classic techniques to new media. Adobe Animate is used to create animated banners, short story videos, and more. Students create exercises and short stories in a variety of styles. UC Approved
4520A CERAMICS STUDIO
Course Length: Year
Grade Level: 10,11,12
Prerequisite: Ceramics I and II
This semester class expands upon the techniques and design concepts introduced in Ceramics I and II. Students gain knowledge in art criticism, art history, aesthetics, hand building and wheel throwing to further develop her three-dimensional art portfolio. UC Approved
Open to Grade Levels 11 & 12
4200A YEARBOOK
Course Length: Year
Grade Level: 11,12
Prerequisite: Application and interview required in February prior to enrollment
This is a year-long course in digital media production. Students learn about the role of journalism and social media in contemporary society. Topics include writing styles, journalism ethics, effective design & typography, photojournalism, and reporting techniques. Staff members will gain valuable experience creating official print and online publications for Rosary Academy. UC Approved
4450P AP STUDIO ART: DRAWING
Course Length: Year
Grade Level: 11,12
Prerequisite: Completion of Fundamentals of Art with an A and teacher approval
AP Studio Art is a college level course for students who are seriously interested in the practical experience of art as a medium for investigation and communication. Home assignments, sketchbooks, and work beyond the class period are required throughout the school year. Ongoing group critiques with peers and the teacher, as well as ongoing individual conferences with the teacher take place throughout the course. AP Studio Art is not based on a written exam; instead, students submit portfolios and quality. The AP portfolio consists of two parts: sustained investigation (15 pieces exploring a line in inquiry and research chosen by the student) and selected works (5 pieces demonstrating overall excellence). All students are required to participate in the AP Portfolio Assessment in May. The College Board charges a fee for this exam. UC Approved
4530P AP STUDIO ART: 3D DESIGN
Course Length: Year
Grade Level: 11,12
Prerequisite: Completion of Fundamentals of Ceramics I & II and teacher approval. Completion of Ceramics Studio art class recommended
AP Studio Art is a college level course for students interested in the practical experience of art as a medium for investigation and communication. Home assignments, sketchbooks, and work beyond the class period are required throughout the school year. Ongoing group critiques with peers and the teacher, as well as ongoing individual conferences with the teacher take place throughout the course. AP Studio Art is not based on a written exam; instead, students submit portfolios of twenty artworks for evaluation in early May. AP work must reflect three areas of concern: breadth (eight projects treating a range of subject matter and techniques), concentration (twelve projects reflecting the sustained investigation of an idea), and quality (five selected works reflecting overall excellence). All students are required to participate in the AP Portfolio Assessment in May. The College Board charges a fee for this exam. UC Approved