Studio Art is a year-long class that focuses on the production of artwork and development of techniques through experimentation in a variety of media. Projects are designed to develop skills and cement an understanding of the basic fundamentals of art, including the elements and principles of visual arts. Quality of design and personal expression are stressed. Art history, art appreciation and critical analysis frameworks are integral components to the curriculum. Students learn how to look at art critically and express their opinions using appropriate vocabulary to articulate concepts. Along with studio projects, students are regularly assigned homework as well as sketchbook entries, gallery and museum responses, study guides, quizzes and tests, and a research project. Pre-Requisites: None.

Graphic Design is a year-long course that focuses on creative problem solving. Projects are designed to develop skills and to cement an understanding of the basic fundamentals of art and design, including the elements of art and principles of design. Students learn how to conceive, plan, and execute a design that communicates a direct message in an imaginative and visually arresting manner. Students generate ideas through the design process in which they research, organize, and interpret information; define objectives; originate ideas; and define new visual forms. Modern advertising developed with the rise of mass production in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Students will study the history of design and the evolution of modern advertising, from the first newspaper ads of the 18th century, through the rise of mass production in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, to new media and current methods of product branding. Pre-Requisites: None.

This course is offered in rotation with Graphic Design.  It will be offered in 2016-2017; it will not be offered in 2017-2018.  Digital photography is a year-long, beginning class emphasizing comprehension and application of elements and principles of digital photography.  Students will engage in visual thinking strategies and personal expression through technique exercises, creative assignments and art criticism theory. Students will be introduced to the work of contemporary fine art photographers and the history of photography. Students will develop an understanding of the creative process, visual literacy and photographic theory through lectures, assignments and class critiques.  UC approval for this course is pending.  Pre-Requisites:  None.  NB:  Students must have a digital camera with manual controls.

In Advanced Studio Art, students begin their progression from proficiency towards mastery. This class builds upon the concepts, theory, and technical skills learned in Studio Art. The curriculum is focused on both 2-D and 3-D advanced projects that include painting, drawing, mixed media techniques, and extractive, additive, or assemblage sculpture. The challenging curriculum provides students with many opportunities to develop progressively higher levels of critical and creative thinking. Students evaluate and compare the suitability of drawing and painting or sculptural materials for expressing concepts. Students develop individual styles in personal artworks. This course emphasizes art criticism practice which creates a strong vocabulary and an astute ability to express ideas and observations. Students consider their personal role in society through an exploration of art history and cultural relationships. Each student will demonstrate progress over time by developing a body of work and organizing a portfolio. UC-approval for this course is pending. Pre-Requisites: Students must have earned a B- or higher in Studio Art, submit the online application by the published deadline, and receive departmental approval. Advanced students are expected to show a higher level of commitment toward a more rigorous study in which there is also a higher level of expectation. This may include additional time outside of class for performance and project work.

AP Studio Art students work with diverse media, styles, subjects, and content to develop a portfolio to submit to the College Board for the AP Exam.  The portfolio consists of three sections:  1) The Breadth section illustrates a range of ideas and approaches to art making.  2) The Concentration section shows sustained, deep, and multiperspective investigation of a student-selected topic. 3) The Quality section represents the student’s most successful works with respect to form and content. Works in this section may be selected from the other two sections.  Students’ work is informed and guided by observation, research, experimentation, discussion, critical analysis, and reflection, relating individual practices to the art world.  Students are asked to document their artistic ideas and practices to demonstrate conceptual and technical development over time.  This course requires excellent habits of time management, self-discipline, and independent initiative in order to complete the AP portfolio over the duration of the course.  Estimated homework load / types of homework required:    Students should expect 4 – 8 hours of homework per week in order to successfully complete AP portfolio requirements.  Additionally, homework assignments may includemaintaining a visual journal as evidence of concept development, writing reviews (artist statements), and researching contemporary artists and current trends.  Pre-Requisites:  Two years of visual arts classes, completion of the online application by the published due date, department approval, and completion of summer assignments.  Rising seniors with one year of visual arts course work and demonstrated interest in advanced study of visual art are encouraged to apply for the course.

AP Art History is conducted online through the Bay Area Catholic Schools Online Consortium (BACSOC). The course is designed to provide the same benefits to secondary school students as those provided by an introductory college course in art history. In the course, students examine major forms of artistic expression from the ancient world to the present and from a variety of cultures. They learn to look and analyze works of art within their historical context, and to articulate what they see or experience in a meaningful way. A meaningful way to experience works of art is learning to frame an understanding that relates how and why works of art communicate visual meaning. Estimated homework load / types of homework required: Students can expect to spend four to five hours a week on this course. Course work will include note-taking, online class discussions/webinars, individual and cooperative expository and creative projects, and other activities. The vast majority of work for this class will be conducted independently and online. There will be monthly online class webinars, established early in the year, at which all students must be online to participate in virtual discussions, lectures and assessments. Technical requirements: Students must have access to a computer with internet access and audio and microphone capabilities. Pre-requisite: 3.25 GPA. Application form and deposit check made out to Justin-Siena are due to the student's counselor by no later than May 1. This course has limited enrollment and acceptance is not guaranteed. NB: All policies listed in the 2014-2015 Justin-Siena Braves Life Student/Parent Handbook regarding transfer credit and online courses (pp. 12-13) apply. This course does not satisfy the Justin-Siena graduation requirement nor the UC requirement for a full year of Visual and Performing Arts.

This course is designed for students with at least one year of instruction. In this course, instrumental ensembles of all sizes and types (from classical duos to garage bands to full jazz band) will form, giving flexible opportunities to explore traditional and contemporary repertoire in several musical genres and styles. All instruments (brass, woodwinds, percussion, and stringsÑincluding piano) are welcome. Instruction will focus on fundamentals in music theory, history, cultural connections, technique, giving and receiving critiques, and performance. The ensembles will perform in two or more public concerts throughout the year. Additional time outside of class may be required in preparation for performances. Students must provide for themselves a metronome, tuner, and instrument of choice (school has a limited number of instruments available for student use). This course is offered in conjunction with the Napa School of Music and combines individualized instruction and practice with small ensemble and large group rehearsal and performances and takes advantage of NSMÕs professional quality facilities and musical equipment. Pre-Requisite: Students must submit the online application by the published deadline, perform an audition for placement purposes, and receive departmental approval. Students will be placed according to their experience, instruments, interests, and scheduling needs.

Students in Choir will learn the rudiments of proper vocal technique, music theory, and ear training. Students will experience choral works in many different styles and genres. The Choir will perform several times per year and may compete in at least one festival. No prior singing experience is required, but the ability to match pitch and a good attitude is expected. This course is offered in conjunction with the Napa School of Music and combines individualized instruction with small ensemble and full choir rehearsal and performances. Additional time outside of class may be required in preparation for performances. Pre-Requisites: None

This advanced course consists of primarily a performing in an ensemble. Broad-based musicianship skills will be reinforced and enhanced primarily through the rehearsal and performance of a wide-ranging and challenging repertoire. Extremely complex harmonies enhance a student's opportunity to study music in this advanced and fast-paced course. Students are required to participate in all performances. This course is offered in conjunction with the Napa School of Music and combines individualized instruction with small ensemble and full choir rehearsal and performances. Pre-Requisites: Students must submit the online application by the published deadline, participate in an audition, and receive departmental approval. Advanced students are expected to show a higher level of commitment toward a more rigorous study in which there is also a higher level of expectation. This may include additional time outside of class for performance and project work.

Film Studies is a year-long course designed to introduce students to the study and analysis of film. Students will learn how to express critical arguments of film interpretation. With a focus on the history of filmmaking, narrative techniques, and cinematic terminology, students will gain an understanding of how film is used in today's culture. Film Studies is also designed to encourage students to develop their analytical skills. Film viewing, lecture, and participation in group discussion and personal writing responses are the primary method of instruction and assessment. Pre-Requisites: Student must be at least a junior.

This year-long, foundational class promotes enjoyment and appreciation for all aspects of theatre. Class work focuses on the exploration of theatre literature, performance, historical and cultural connections, and technical requirements. Improvisation, creative dramatics, and beginning scene work are used to introduce students to acting and character development. Theatre provides opportunities for students to develop skills in critical listening and thinking, as well as stage presence, ensemble work, and aesthetic awareness culminating in periodic classroom or public performances. Students additionally learn about the organizational structure of theatre and theatre literature. This course provides opportunities to develop fundamental group and self-assessment skills; problem-solving skills; the ability to connect the literature being studied to a variety of cultures, history, and other content areas; and 21st-century skills that will help students be successful after high school graduation. Pre-Requisites: None.

This year-long, advanced level class, designed for students with a year of experience or more, promotes enjoyment and appreciation for all aspects of theatre through opportunities to build significantly on existing skills. Class work focuses on characterization, directing, and script analysis, while improvisation, creative dramatics, and scene work are used to help students challenge and strengthen their acting skills and explore the technical aspect of scene work. Students will have additional performance opportunities, which may include Shakespeare, one-act plays, children’s theatre or other genres of theatre. Students will develop group and self-assessment skills; problem-solving skills; the ability to connect the literature being studied to a variety of cultures, history, and other content areas; and 21st-century skills in such areas as time management, critical analysis, leadership, and collaboration to help them be successful after high school graduation. Pre-requisites: Students must have earned a B- or higher in Theatre, participate in an audition, submit the online application by the published deadline, and receive departmental approval. Advanced students are expected to show a higher level of commitment toward a more rigorous study in which there is also a higher level of expectation.  This may include additional time outside of class for performance and project work.

This course is for the advanced student who wishes to put theatre technique into practice. Students will not only discover the professional side of performance (from auditions to unions to survival), but the production side as well. Students will learn how stage productions move from "page to stage" and assist in producing plays, musicals, and touring productions. Pre-Requisites: Student must have earned a grade of B- or higher in Theatre, submit the online application by the published deadline, and receive departmental approval. Most students will take this course after Advanced Theatre. Advanced students are expected to show a higher level of commitment toward a more rigorous study in which there is also a higher level of expectation. This may include additional time outside of class for performance and project work.

This year-long dance activity course is designed for students with little or no experience in dance. It is a course that encompasses the beginning/intermediate study of jazz dance, modern dance, contemporary dance, and basic ballet. Cultural dance such as Latin, African and Asian styles will also be explored.  Students learn and practice beginning/intermediate level dance techniques which focus primarily on the principles of core strength, coordination, balance, and flexibility. Students will also learn the basics in dance history, dance vocabulary, and basic anatomy.  Students learn and rehearse choreography culminating in a formal dance performance at the end of the year. Additional time outside of class may be required in preparation for performances.   One full year of this course satisfies one year (three seasons) of the Physical Fitness requirement.    Pre-Requisites:  None

This year-long dance activity course is a continuation of the study of intermediate and advanced techniques of jazz dance, modern dance, contemporary dance and basic ballet. Cultural dance such as Latin, African, and Asian styles will also be explored in more detail. Students learn more challenging and complex movement skills, which focus on the principles of core strength, correct body alignment and balance and flexibility. Students are also challenged to create their own dance works through the choreographic principle of composition and improvisation and will choreograph dances for performance as their skills progress. Dance history and vocabulary continue to be a focus of the course and there are reading, dance reviewing, and writing components enabling students to develop critical thinking skills through writing about dance.  One full year of this course satisfies one year (three seasons) of the Physical Fitness requirement.   Pre-Requisites:  Student must have earned a grade of B- or higher in Dance, submit the online application by the published deadline, and receive departmental approval.    Advanced students are expected to show a higher level of commitment toward a more rigorous study in which there is also a higher level of expectation.  This may include additional time outside of class for performance and project work.