Beginning Art
Grade Level: 9th to 12th Grade
Course Length: 1 Year
Maximum Credits: 10
Prerequisites: None

Course Description
This one-year course is structured to focus on the rudimentary understandings of the three major components of visual art - form, subject matter, and context. By manipulation of both dry and wet media and by the investigation of relevant art history, philosophy, and criticism, students will gain a greater awareness of the scope and magnitude of the visual arts and the career possibilities that lie within the discipline.  This course satisfies the fine arts requirement for graduation.


Drama 1
Grade Level: 9th to 12th Grade
Course Length: 1 Year
Maximum Credits: 10
Prerequisites: None

Course Description
This college-preparatory course is designed to introduce the beginning student to basic theatrical techniques and modes of communication.  Students will develop a system of valuing for and criticism of theater as a reader, participant and viewer.  This course will emphasize the development of skills for theatrical performance, as well as the history and culture of drama to allow the student to personally experience dramatic literature.


Advanced Band
Grade Level: 9th to 12th Grade
Course Length: 1 Year
Maximum Credits: 40
Prerequisites: Permission from Instructor.

Course Description
This course is intended for advanced wind and percussion players as a continuation of their music education.  The Advanced Band performs at football games, parades, community events, and local as well as out of town competition.  In the fall semester, students will learn modern marching band techniques through varied creative musical arrangements and show designs.  Second semester the course will shift it’s focus to concert literature for stage performance.  This is a year long course and may be repeated for credit.  This course meets the KHSD fine arts graduation requirement and the University of California’s “F” requirement.


Mixed Choir 1
Grade Level: 9th to 12th Grade
Course Length: 1 Year
Maximum Credits: 40
Prerequisites: Audition and/or permission from instructor.

Course Description
Mixed Choir 1 is a vocal ensemble for males and females. Instruction includes music theory, music history, advanced vocal techniques, advanced sight singing, performance decorum, and advanced ensemble performance techniques.  The ensemble performs during the school year, including community service concerts, festivals, and a spring tour. Enrollment is by audition and/or instructor permission.  This course satisfies the district Fine Arts requirement.


Advanced Mixed Chorus
Grade Level: 9th to 12th Grade
Course Length: 1 Year
Maximum Credits: 40
Prerequisites: Audition and/or permission from instructor.

Course Description
Advanced Mixed Choir is an advanced vocal ensemble formales and females.  Instruction includes music theory, music history, advanced vocal techniques, advanced sight singing, performance decorum, and advanced ensemble performance techniques.  The ensemble performs frequently during the school year, including community service concerts, numerous festivals, and a spring tour. Enrollment is by audition and/or instructor permission.  This course satisfies the district Fine Arts requirement.


Drama 2
Grade Level: 10th to 12th Grade
Course Length: 1 Year
Maximum Credits: 10
Prerequisites: Drama 1 with a "B" or better, or approval by instructor.

Course Description
This college-preparatory course is designed to teach experienced students techniques to further develop their acting skills through participation in basic acting exercises, classroom scenes, one-act plays, and competitions.  The students will also learn the basic techniques utilized in directing other students, as well as establish a broader knowledge of dramatic literature.


Exploring Music
Grade Level: 9th to 12th Grade
Course Length: 1 Year
Maximum Credits: 10
Prerequisites: None.

Course Description
This is a first year course in Music, emphasizing composition, theory, interpretation and historical context.  The course introduces students to music fundamentals through projects that include creative expression, artistic perception, and aesthetic valuing.  Students will learn the historical and cultural relationship of music to the artistic development of society.


Beginning Instruments
Grade Level: 9th to 12th Grade
Course Length: 1 Year
Maximum Credits: 40
Prerequisites: None.

Course Description
Beginning Instruments is an introductory course for students wishing to learn to play a band instrument, including guitar and bass guitar.  Instruction includes basic music theory, music history, performance and rehearsal techniques.  This course satisfies the district Fine Arts requirement.


Journalism P
Grade Level: 9th to 12th Grade
Course Length: 1 Year
Maximum Credits: 40
Prerequisites: None.

Course Description
Journalism P is designed to introduce students to journalistic concepts and skills and to prepare them to participate in the production of a school newspaper.  The course emphasizes interviewing and researching, writing and revising, designing, desktop publishing, and advertising for school newspaper.


Photography 1
Grade Level: 9th to 12th Grade
Course Length: 1 Year
Maximum Credits: 40
Prerequisites: None.

Course Description
Photography 1 is an introductory black and white photography course.  This course will provide students with opportunities to extend their knowledge and skills in the field of photography.  This course will familiarize the student with photographic equipment, materials, methods, and processes.  The students will also be introduced to computer technology and digital photography.


Publications
Grade Level: 9th to 12th Grade
Course Length: 1 Year
Maximum Credits: 40
Prerequisites: Grade of "B" or higher in English class or permission from instructor.

Course Description
The Publications class produces the high school annual "The Laurion."  Students learn concepts of computer fenerated design and layout (desktop publishing), alonf with photography techniques, writing skills, advertising, and sales.


Video Production and Performance
Grade Level: 9th to 12th Grade
Course Length: 1 Year
Maximum Credits: 40
Prerequisites: None.

Course Description
This course provides introductory training in video production and media analysis.  Instruction will cover storyboarding, video script writing, field videography, editing and production terms.  By producing short film projects, students will learn how to use video production equipment to express their creativity and demonstrate their acquired skills.  Students will also explore the history of film and television, and analyze various media sources for creativity and content.  In addition, students will become aware of the many job opportunities in the field of electronic media production.


Intermediate Art
Grade Level: 10th to 12th Grade
Course Length: 1 Year
Maximum Credits: 10
Prerequisites: Beginning Art with a "B" or better, or permission from instructor.

Course Description
This one-year course is structured to take a more in depth look at the varying facets of visual form, subject matter, and context. Students will refine production techniques and processes and will be asked to discover relationships between media and content. Students will make aesthetic judgments utilizing important historical and philosophical concepts based in appropriate context. This course satisfies the fine arts requirement for graduation.


Crafts
Grade Level: 9th to 12th Grade
Course Length: 1 Year
Maximum Credits: 20
Prerequisites: None.

Course Description
This course is designed to instruct the beginning student in the fundamental methods and skills in the use of basic craft materials.  The history and cultural background of each area introduced will be covered, when applicable.  Advanced students will deal primarily with larger and more detailed work.  This course satisfies the Fine Arts requirement.  Course is repeatable.


Ceramics and Sculpture
Grade Level: 9th to 12th Grade
Course Length: 1 Year
Maximum Credits: 10
Prerequisites: None.

Course Description
This course is a technical and aesthetic exploration of 3-dimensional design through the mediums of clay, metal, glass, stone, wood, plastic and fiber.  The course will also include 2-dimensionsl basic drawing and layout skills.  The student will participate in a wide range of experiences using additive or subtractive sculpture techniques, designed to builds artistic and creative confidence.  The products created in this course may serve as functional items or fine art works.  This class will meet the VAPA requirement for entrance to the CSU system.


Technical Theatre
Grade Level: 10th to 12th Grade
Course Length: 1 Year
Maximum Credits: 10
Prerequisites: Approval from instructor.

Course Description
A one-year elective course.  May NOT be entered at the semester without instructors approval.  This course has been designed as a beginning course in technical theatre with an applied emphasis on set design including stage settings, lighting, sound, and construction.  Students work in teams and have specific responsibilities within a project.  Processes and procedures in the correct use of hand and power tools, various lighting instruments, light and sound board, and construction of a set are discussed and demonstrated.  Students will work together to build sets and props for the drama performances throughout the year and run the show during the performances.  Through lectures, demonstrations, readings, individual and team problem solving, the student will develop and integrate basic reading, writing, communicating and technology skills as they build performance sets.  Students will be expected to work extra time outside of class for constructing set rehearsals and performances.  This course may not be repeated for credit without instructors approval.