| Curriculum |
| Advanced Placement Art History Students will develop concepts pertinent to history, anthropology, sociology, and science. This is based on the premise that human beings are essentially creative and that historical evidence indicates they are constantly in search of ways to achieve creativity. Students grow in ability to identify the general style and period of major art forms and know the general social context in which they were produced. Describe the interrelationships of economic, social, political, and religious conditions with the form and content of selected works of art. Understand major artistic concerns in contemporary art movements; the ways in which these forms represent social, economic, political, and cultural conditions; how they influence economic behavior; and how the affect the quality of contemporary life. Interpret and evaluate visual works of art, using concepts and metaphors appropriate to criticism, in terms of symbols, style, emotion, history, and illusion. Establish relationships between a work of art and the cultural context in which it functions. Discuss and write about works of art using appropriate terminology. Raise questions about important problems in art and appreciate the efforts of those who have attempted to formulate solutions to those problems. Demonstrate familiarity with the philosophy underlying such major movements in art as cubism, surrealism, romanticism, impressionism, and the baroque, etc. Provide beyond statements of mere preference, reasonable grounds for judgments of aesthetic quality. Use art resource materials such as books, prints, periodicals, films, and slides. Appreciate collections of original works of art in the community and be aware of the major national and world collections. Know the locations and requirements of training institutions for professions in visual arts fields. |
| Advanced Placement Three-Dimensional Design The Advanced Placement Program enables highly motivated students to perform at the college level while still in high school. The AP portfolio is based on a submitted portfolio. The portfolio is divided into three sections that include quality, concentration, and breadth. In section I, quality is the development of a sense of excellence in art. This displays the student's very best in concept, composition, and technical skill. This work is evaluated from five works that include both sections II and III. In section II, concentration is an in-depth exploration of a particular idea or expression. In this section there is a minimum of eight works necessary, some works with two views. In section III, breadth is a variety of experiences in the formal, technical, and expressive means available to an artist. These exhibit a wide variety of techniques, stylistic characteristics, media, approaches, and subject matter. |
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| In addressing the content standards of California, it is important that students in Advanced Placement Art History can identify similarities and differences in the purposes of art created in selected cultures. Also to articulate how personal beliefs, cultural traditions, and current social, economic, and political concerns influence the interpretation of the meaning or message in a work of art. Finally, developing an ability to compare the ways in which the meaning of a specific work of art has been affected over time because of changes in interpretation and context. In addressing the content standards of California, it is important that students in Advanced Placement Three-Dimensional Design solve a visual arts problem that involves the effective use of the elements of art and the principles of design. Also to prepare a portfolio of original three-dimensional works of art that reflects refined craftsmanship, aesthetic, and technical skills. Below is a further description of each discipline. |