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Visual Arts

The Visual Arts Program at Bishop Amat High School is designed to nurture creativity, develop technical skills, and foster an appreciation for the arts. We offer a wide range of courses catering to different interests and skill levels, ensuring every student has the opportunity to explore and excel in the visual arts. Committed to providing a comprehensive and enriching art education, we invite you to explore your artistic talents and join our vibrant community of artists.

 

 

Visual Arts Courses

ART I (CSU/UC VAPA)

  • Grade Levels: Select Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
  • Description: This introductory course covers the basic elements and principles of visual art forms through two-dimensional assignments. Students will work with various media, including pencil, charcoal, pen and ink, pastels, and watercolors. The course also includes an overview of art history and art appreciation. Freshman students must complete Freshman Composition during summer school prior to taking this course. A supply and book rental fee is charged.

ART II (CSU/UC VAPA)

  • Grade Levels: Select Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
  • Prerequisite: B in Art I
  • Description: This course is for advanced art students and builds upon the concepts and skills learned in Art I. It is a multi-media class requiring students to maintain a weekly sketchbook and includes an in-depth analysis and research of art history. A supply fee is charged.

DIGITAL ART & DESIGN (CSU/UC VAPA)

  • Grade Levels: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
  • Prerequisite: B in Art I
  • Description: This course focuses on the artistic and technical aspects of digital art and design. Projects include illustration with drawing tablets, poster design, and animation. Students will learn the basics of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Animate. A supply and equipment fee is charged.

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY (CSU/UC VAPA)

  • Grade Levels: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
  • Prerequisites: B in Art I or permission of instructor
  • Description: This course introduces the history of photography and its connections to science and culture. Students use visual language for photography projects and group critiques, learn to use digital cameras, and edit photos in Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. A supply and equipment fee is charged.

ART HISTORY (CSU/UC VAPA)

  • Grade Levels: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
  • Description: This course allows students to analyze the historical development of visual art from the prehistoric period through contemporary times. Oral and written assignments requiring students to review and analyze works of art in historical context are components of the course. A supply fee is charged.

Tusitala Bishop Amat Yearbook and Yearbook Courses

In addition to our diverse visual arts offerings, we provide specialized courses for students interested in yearbook production. These courses develop essential skills in design, photography, and editorial leadership. The Yearbook course trains students in producing an artistic school yearbook, requiring a strong English grade, after-school commitment, and parental permission.

Freshman composition may be taken during summer with a grade of B or higher. The Honors Yearbook: Advanced Design & Publishing course is for sophomores, juniors, and seniors who take on editorial positions, study college and career options, and prepare for the future. Students in this course master all publication design principles and InDesign, leading roles such as Editor-in-Chief and Head of Photography.

Advanced and AP Courses

For students who are highly motivated and deeply interested in the study of art, Bishop Amat High School offers advanced courses that provide a rigorous and comprehensive art education. These courses are designed to challenge students, enhance their skills, and prepare them for higher-level studies in the arts.

IB VISUAL ARTS SL (CSU/UC VAPA)

  • Grade Levels: Juniors
  • Prerequisites: Successful completion of Art I, completion of IB application process, teacher signature required
  • Description: Designed for the highly motivated second-year art student, this course encourages students to adopt art as a lifestyle. The curriculum includes comparative study, portfolio construction, and an exhibition/interview of completed works. Class sessions beyond the scheduled class time are required. A summer assignment, supply, and exam fee are charged.

AP STUDIO ART (CSU/UC VAPA)

  • Grade Levels: Select Juniors, Seniors
  • Prerequisites: Art I; A- in Art II; teacher signature required
  • Description: This course is for highly motivated students who are seriously interested in the study of art. The artwork produced should reflect first-year college-level standards, requiring work outside the classroom. Students will submit a portfolio to the College Board for evaluation. A summer assignment, supply, and exam fee are charged.

AP ART HISTORY (CSU/UC VAPA)

  • Grade Levels: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
  • Prerequisite: B- in Honors English and History or B in English or History
  • Description: This course provides an in-depth analysis of the historical development of visual art from prehistoric times to the contemporary period. The course includes oral and written assignments requiring students to review and analyze works of art in historical context, preparing them for the Advanced Placement examination in May.