Communication, Media, Art, and Design

Grades: 10, 11, 12
Year: 1.0 Fine Arts credit
Prerequisite: Ceramics 2 or Sculpture 2
Materials: $60/year

This course is for students who have expressed an interest in completing the AP 3-D Design Portfolio. Emphasis will be placed on the completion of a volume of student-directed pieces within a sustained investigation. Effective visual communication skills and written skills will be emphasized. There is an expectation that a student will work outside of class time, if needed, to complete the volume of work necessary for the AP 3-D portfolio. Students enrolled in this class will be expected to participate in the portfolio submission in April. The course fee exists to cover the cost of materials and equipment.

Grades: 10, 11, 12 
Year: 1.0 Fine Arts credit 
Prerequisite: Drawing/Painting 2 
Materials Fee: $60

This course is for students who have expressed an interest in completing the AP Drawing Portfolio or the AP 2-D Design Portfolio. Units are presented in accordance with College Board Exam requirements. Emphasis will be placed on the completion of a volume of student-directed quality pieces. Students will be required to develop their own personal concentrations. Effective visual communication skills, written, and oral analysis skills will be emphasized as well. There is also an expectation that a student will work outside of class time to assist in completing the volume of work necessary for the portfolio. Students enrolled in this class will be expected to participate in the portfolio submission in April. The course fee exists to cover the cost of materials and equipment.

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Semester: 0.5 Fine Arts credit
Materials Fee: $25

This course is a hands-on studio class designed for those art students who like to create in clay. Students will create pieces using hand-building techniques such as pinch, slab, and coil. Students will learn to throw and trim ceramic pieces using the potter’s wheel. They will be introduced to a variety of ceramic surface treatments including cone 6 reduction glazes, underglazes, and cold finishing techniques. The final for this course is a project designed to combine the conceptual process with the culmination of skills taught throughout the semester.

Grades: 10, 11, 12
Year: 1.0 Fine Arts credit
Prerequisite: Ceramics 1
Materials Fee: $50

This course may be repeated for credit. This course is a continuation of Ceramics 1 with an emphasis on hand-building, wheel throwing, surface treatments, and the development of a digital portfolio. Using hand-building techniques, students will be introduced to mold making and coil building larger than 14 inches. Using the pottery wheel, students will learn to stack ceramic pieces, as well as throw lids for cylinders, and spouts for teapots. Students will engage in slip casting and burnout firing techniques, as well as self-directed ceramic pieces. Students will also continue to develop ceramic surfaces through experimentation with stain washes, saggar firing, decals, mixing their own cone 6 reduction glaze, and glaze testing. The course will focus on historical and contemporary ceramics as a means of cultural and artistic expression. The final will be the presentation and critique of the student’s digital portfolio of 3-dimensional artwork.

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Semester: 0.5 Fine Arts credit
Materials Fee: $25

This course opens the possibilities of drawing and painting for students to work from observation and imagination. Media covered include, but are not limited to, pencil, colored pencil, pen and ink, acrylic paints, collage, and printmaking. Students are exposed to a variety of artwork, art styles, critical thinking skills, and techniques.

Grades: 10, 11, 12
Year: 1.0 Find Arts credit
Prerequisite: Drawing and Painting 1
Materials Fee: $50

This course may be repeated for credit. Students will be introduced to and focus on exploring many new mediums and techniques used in modern contemporary drawing, painting, and printmaking. Media covered include, but are not limited to, acrylic paints, watercolors, pastels, pen and ink, fabric painting, woodburning, and a variety of mixed media techniques. Historical and contemporary artist movements and theories are studied, and techniques are explored. This course develops critical thinking and sharpens visual observations in solving visual problems as well as developing advanced drawing and painting skills.

Grade: 11
Year: 1.0 Fine Arts credit
Prerequisite: Acceptance to the IB Diploma Program
Materials Fee: $60

This first year of a two-year course, which prepares students for the Higher-Level (HL) Visual Arts exam, is open to International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma candidates as a sixth subject and highly motivated non-IB students who wish to pursue an IB Certificate in Visual Arts. Students study art history, art styles, and artwork from international and multi-cultural points of view. Students demonstrate creative thinking skills, explore techniques, and solve visual arts problems through the production of studio work and development of Investigation Workbooks, culminating in a personal art show and oral exam, in which all students are expected to participate, during the last quarter of their senior year. Contact the department coordinator for required summer assignments.

Grade: 12
Year: 1.0 Fine Arts credit
Prerequisite: IB Visual Arts HL 1
Materials Fee: $60
Required: Summer Work

This second year of a two-year course, which prepares students for the Higher-Level (HL) Visual Arts exam, is open to International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma candidates as a sixth subject and highly motivated non-IB students who wish to pursue an IB Certificate in Visual Arts. Students study art history, art styles, and artwork from international and multi-cultural points of view. Students demonstrate creative thinking skills, explore techniques, and solve visual arts problems through the production of studio work and the development of Investigation Workbooks, culminating in a personal art show and oral exam, in which all students are expected to participate, during the last quarter of their senior year.

Grades: 11, 12
Year: 1.0 Fine Arts credit
Prerequisite: Acceptance to the IB Diploma Program
Materials Fee: $60

This one-year course, which prepares students for the Standard-Level (SL) Visual Arts exam, is open to highly motivated International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma candidates as a sixth subject and highly motivated non-IB students who wish to pursue an IB Certificate in Visual Arts. Students study art history, art styles, and artwork from international and multi-cultural points of view. Students demonstrate creative thinking skills, explore techniques, and solve visual arts problems through the production of studio work and development of Investigation Workbooks, culminating in a personal art show and oral exam, in which all students are expected to participate, during the last quarter of the year. Contact the department coordinator for required summer assignments.

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Semester: 0.5 Fine Arts credit
Recommended: Previous 3-D art experience
Materials Fee: $25

This course explores the 3-dimensional design principles of sculpture and relief work. Students will learn additive and subtractive techniques. Students will build armatures and experience a variety of materials, such as air-dry clay, glass, papier mâché, plaster, metals, and wire. The final for this course is a project designed to combine the conceptual process with the culmination of skills taught throughout the semester.

Grades: 10, 11, 12
Year: 1.0 Fine Arts credit
Prerequisite: Sculpture 1
Materials Fee: $50

This course may be repeated for credit. This course builds upon the skills and techniques learned in Sculpture 1. In addition, students explore non-traditional materials and examine artwork from a historical and cultural perspective. The final for this course will be the presentation and critique of the student’s digital portfolio of 3-dimensional artwork.

Grades: 9 ,10, 11, 12
Semester: 0.5 credit

This course may be repeated for credit. This class provides an opportunity to earn a visual arts credit while assisting CT students with severe disabilities. All students will learn about visual arts, inclusion, and valuing differences.

Grades: 10, 11, 12
Year: 1.0 Fine Arts credit
Prerequisite: Yearbook
Fee: $60

This course is for students who have expressed an interest in completing the AP 2-D Design Portfolio in Design. Emphasis will be placed on the completion of a volume of student-directed pieces within a specific investigation. Effective visual communication and written skills will be emphasized. There is an expectation that a student will work outside of class time, if needed, to complete the volume of work necessary for the AP 2-D Portfolio. Students will be expected to participate in the portfolio submission in April.

Grades: 11, 12 
Year: 1.0 Fine Arts credit
Certifications: Adobe Photoshop 
Prerequisite: Graphic Design II
Materials Fee: $60

This course is designed for the HS student who wants to pursue the opportunity to develop their own personal exploration in Visual Arts. This course is designed to accommodate students who have expressed an interest in completing the AP 2-D Design Portfolio with an emphasis on graphic design. Units are presented in accordance with College Board Exam requirements. Emphasis will be placed on the completion of a volume of quality student-directed pieces. Students will be required to develop their own personal concentrations. Effective visual communication skills and written and oral analysis skills will be emphasized as well. Students enrolled in this class will be expected to participate in the portfolio submission in April. There is an expectation that a student will work outside of class time to assist in completing the volume of work necessary for the portfolio. The course fee exists to cover the cost of consumable materials. Some additional materials may have to be purchased.

Grades: 10, 11, 12
Year: 1.0 Fine Arts credit
Certifications: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom
Prerequisite: Yearbook
Fee: $60

This course is for students who have expressed an interest in completing the AP 2-D Design Portfolio in Photography. Emphasis will be placed on the completion of a volume of student-directed pieces within a sustained investigation. Effective visual communication skills and written skills will be emphasized. There is an expectation that a student will work outside of class time, if needed, to complete the volume of work necessary to complete the AP 2-D Portfolio. Students will be expected to participate in the portfolio submission in April.

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Semester: 0.5 Fine Arts credit
Certifications: Adobe Photoshop
Materials Fee: $25

A course for those who want to learn how to paint using the computer. Students will learn a variety of digital painting techniques. Tablets and Photoshop will be the primary means of painting. This course will focus on a foundation of drawing techniques, as well as color theory, identifying and replicating texture materials and drawing/painting a variety of subject matter. We will look at art that is found in CGI, video games, movies, animation and much more. For the beginner or the advanced artist, this course is for everyone.

Grades: 10, 11, 12
Year: 1.0 Fine Arts credit
Certifications: Adobe Photoshop
Materials Fee: $50

This course may be repeated for credit. A course for students who wish to advance their skills in techniques of drawing, painting, and rendering using Digital media. This course concentrates on the high-end capabilities of Adobe Photoshop as an illustration, design and photo retouching tool. Students explore a wide range of selection and manipulation techniques that can be applied to photos, graphics, and videos. The course competencies and outline follow those set out by the Adobe Certified Associate exam in Visual Communication Using Adobe Photoshop.

Grades: 10, 11, 12
Year: 1.0 Fine Arts/Practical Arts credits
Certifications: Adobe Premiere, Adobe After Effects
Prerequisite: Journalism, Video Production I, Photography, Graphic Design I, Digital Art I
Fee: $30/year

This course may be repeated for credit. As they plan and produce the school news media (CT-TV and CTHSToday.org), students will study journalistic-style storytelling and the basic requirements of investigative reporting. In addition, students will examine the production of all digital media platforms, the history of journalism, and journalistic ethics. Students will be responsible for every aspect of creating a news media platform: reporting, news and editorial writing, interviewing, editing, photography and videography, layout and design, filming, lighting, editing, post-production techniques, advertising design, advertising sales, and positive public relations. Students enrolled in this class will develop mastery in the Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Adobe Premiere, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe After Effects. Students should plan to work periodically after school, evenings, and/or weekends.

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Semester: 0.5 Fine Arts credit
Fee: $25

This course is designed for students who are interested in learning and exploring design and print production. Students will learn and use Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to produce professional quality graphics. Students will gain an understanding of advertising, poster and T-shirt production, photo and text manipulation and digital drawing. Students will also learn the principles of design and how they apply to the art they create.

Grades: 10, 11, 12
Year: 1.0 Fine Arts credit
Certifications: Adobe Illustrator
Prerequisite: Graphic Design I
Fee: $50

This course may be repeated for credit. This course provides a hands-on, project-based, extended study of graphic design principles and their application to more complex, real-world design problems. Students learn advanced techniques within the Adobe CC Design Suite to gain mastery in creating visual communications with this digital tool. Students will build on prior knowledge of the Adobe programs within this course.

Grades: 10, 11, 12
Semester: 0.5 Fine Arts/Practical Arts credit
Prerequisite: Computer Programming or Communications Course, Application
Course Type: Alternative Instruction/Work-Based Learning
Grading System: S/US

This course may be repeated for credit. The internship program will provide an opportunity for selected students to have experience in a career field that they would like to pursue after graduation. An internship is a form of firsthand learning that integrates knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skill development in a professional setting. Students will be trained and supervised by the CCSD educator. Within the internship, students can expect to do various work assignments, attend meetings, and complete projects on campus. Professional success also depends on the level of student’s maturity, responsibility, and reliability.

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Semester: 0.5 Fine Arts/Practical Arts credits
Fee: $15

This course is designed to introduce students to the process and structure of a publication class. Students will learn the ins and outs of digital photography, digital page layout using Adobe InDesign, and interviewing, copywriting, and copyediting skills. Part of the semester-long course will include an in-depth study of scholastic press law and analysis of the professional media’s coverage of current events. As part of this course, students may contribute to one of CT Journalism’s student publications: CT-TV, cthstoday. org, and/or The Legend in a limited capacity.

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Semester: 0.5 Fine Arts/Practical Arts credits
Fee: $15

This course focuses on studio-based photography. Students will learn basic DSLR camera operations, framing and the art of styling and lighting for professional photo shoots. Projects will include various print advertisements and studio work. Students will learn about careers in related to commercial photography and the postsecondary programs and requirements within Colorado. Some examples of jobs in this area are photographer, graphic designer and stylist.

Grades: 10, 11, 12
Semester: 1.0 Fine Arts/Practical Arts credits
Certifications: Prerequisite: Photography I
Fee: $50

This course may be repeated for credit. Course emphasizes the needs of commercial photographers with regard to technical expertise, creativity, and professional equipment. Technical aspects include film to digital transfer, lighting, digital image manipulation, alternative processes, large format camera work and stock photography. Creative exploration of subject matter, lighting, color theory and other psychological characteristics in the development of images are studied. A variety of photographic equipment is utilized for the studio and on location. Students are expected to create a portfolio of work for both print and electronic formats.

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Semester: 0.5 Fine Arts/Practical Arts credits
Fee: $15

Video Production is a course that explores the fascinating world of digital video and television production. Students work in collaborative teams to produce video projects using small cameras while learning the basics of studio and field production, lighting, and sound. Special emphasis is placed on creativity and the writing process. Part of the semester- long course will include an in-depth study of scholastic press law and an analysis of the professional media’s coverage of current events. As part of this course, students may contribute to one of CT Journalism’s student publications: CT-TV, cthstoday.org, and/or The Legend in a limited capacity.

Grades: 10, 11, 12
Year: 1.0 Fine Arts/Practical Arts credits
Certifications: Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop
Prerequisite: Journalism, Video Production I,
Photography, Graphic Design I, or Digital Art I
Fee: $30

This course may be repeated for credit. Students will plan and produce the CTHS yearbook, The Legend. Students will be responsible for every aspect of yearbook production including the following: taking photographs and writing captions, planning, and designing layouts, researching, writing copy and headlines, editing, promoting, and distributing the book, and selling advertisements. Meeting deadlines to create the yearbook will often require time not only during class, but also after school, evenings, and/ or on weekends. Students enrolled in this class will develop mastery in the Adobe Creative Suites, specifically Adobe Photoshop and Adobe In-Design. This course may be repeated for credit.

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Year: 1.0 Fine Arts/Practical Arts credits
Fee: $150/year

This course is designed for students who have never taken debate before. It will focus on Congress debate with an introduction to Lincoln-Douglas (LD) debate. By selecting this course, you are indicating a desire to join the CT Speech and Debate team. The course is research-intensive and emphasizes formalized debate. It is co-curricular, requiring students to participate in speech and debate competitions on selected weekdays and Saturdays. The course prepares students to successfully compete in individual or partner debates, with considerable class time dedicated to organizing, researching, outlining, presenting, and critiquing debates. Students will review debate theory and apply it as they prepare, polish, and rehearse for competition. Through participation in required competitions, students will gain membership in the National Speech and Debate Association.

Grades: 10, 11, 12
Year: 1.0 Fine Arts/Practical Arts credits
Prerequisite: Beginning Debate
Fee: $150/year

This course may be repeated for credit. By selecting this course, you are indicating a desire to join the CT Speech and Debate team. This elective course focuses on research-intensive, formalized debate. This course is co-curricular, and students are required to participate in speech and debate competitions which are held on selected weekdays and Saturdays. The course will prepare students to successfully compete in individual or partner debates. Considerable class time will be used to organize, research, outline, present, and critique debates. Students will review debate theory and apply this theory as they prepare polish and rehearse for competition. Students will gain membership in the National Speech and Debate Association through their participation at required competitions.

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Year: 1.0 Fine Arts/Practical Arts credits
Fee: $150/year

This course may be repeated for credit. By selecting this course, you are indicating a desire to join the CT Speech and Debate team. Speech/Debate is competitive speaking, acting, and debate. This elective course focuses on the first two of those three categories of competitive events. The course is co-curricular, and students are required to participate in speech and debate competitions on selected weekdays and Saturdays. Areas of intensive study include Original Oratory, Informative Speaking, Extemporaneous Speaking, and Interpretation of Literature. Specific event descriptions can be found at https://www.speechanddebate.org/competition-events/. Students will gain membership in the National Speech and Debate Association through their participation at required competitions.

Grades: 11, 12
Year: 1.0 Fine Arts/Practical Arts credits

IB Film is open to all 11th and 12th-grade students, including non-IB students depending on staffing. IB Film aims to develop students as proficient interpreters and makers of film texts. Through the study and analysis of film texts, and through practical exercises in film production, the film course develops students’ critical abilities and their appreciation of artistic, cultural, historical, and global perspectives in film. Students examine film concepts, theories, practices, and ideas from multiple perspectives, challenging their own viewpoints and biases to understand and value those of others.

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Semester: 0.5 Fine Arts/Practical Arts credits

Public Speaking is highly recommended for all students. The aim of the course is to develop students' poise, self-confidence, and speaking habits. Students learn the characteristics and elements of great speeches, how to craft and write them, practice, and deliver them. Rhetorical strategies and appeals are emphasized. Exercises in breathing and movement as well as improvisation are used to strengthen delivery. Throughout the course, students prepare and present both formal and informal speeches on a variety of topics.