Fine Arts
Course Descriptions
survey of sculpture with an emphasis on monumental as students begin to develop work for a cohesive
works and conceptual installations. A sketchbook is 3-dimensional portfolio. Participants will investigate
required various processes and work on both independent and
collaborative projects. The class will also investigate and
Studio Sculpture II discuss contemporary sculpture and processes used by
modern-day artists. A sketchbook and participation in the
Course Number: 904201R / 904202R All-City High School Art Competition is required.
Course Level: Regular
Prerequisites: Studio Sculpture I Studio Sculpture III
Number of Credits Earned: 1.0
Type of Graduation Credit Earned: Fine Arts – Visual Art/ Course Number: 904301R / 904302R
Drafting; Career Ed; Elective Course Level: Regular
Recommended Course Duration: 2 semesters Prerequisites: Studio Sculpture II
Teacher Certification Required: Art Number of Credits Earned: 1.0
Type of Graduation Credit Earned: Fine Arts – Visual Art/
COURSE DESCRIPTION Drafting; Career Ed; Elective
This course is a continuation of level I with an emphasis on Recommended Course Duration: 2 semesters
exploring new sculptural problems through both traditional Teacher Certification Required: Art
and experimental media. Students will further develop
their skills while investigating both additive and subtractive COURSE DESCRIPTION
methods of construction. Each participant will begin to This advanced course is a continuation of Sculpture II
develop their own style and make clear aesthetic choices. with an emphasis on developing a cohesive portfolio of
The class will also examine contemporary sculpture by 3-dimensional artwork. Students will continue to establish
both local and international artists. A sketchbook and their own personal vision through both independent and
participation in class discussion and critique are required. self-directed projects. The class will examine traditional
and contemporary expressions of the art form and will be
Studio Sculpture II expected to make comparisons with their own artwork,
processes and views.
Course Number: 904201H / 904202H
Course Level: Honors Studio Sculpture III
Prerequisites: Studio Sculpture I with Teacher
Recommendation Course Number: 904301H / 904302H
Number of Credits Earned: 1.0 Course Level: Honors
Type of Graduation Credit Earned: Fine Arts – Visual Art/ Prerequisites: Studio Sculpture II with Teacher
Drafting; Career Ed; Elective Recommendation
Recommended Course Duration: 2 semesters Number of Credits Earned: 1.0
Teacher Certification Required: Art Type of Graduation Credit Earned: Fine Arts – Visual Art/
Drafting; Career Ed; Elective
COURSE DESCRIPTION Recommended Course Duration: 2 semesters
This course will require a higher level of exploration Teacher Certification Required: Art
Course Catalog Page 279
Fine Arts
Course Descriptions
COURSE DESCRIPTION COURSE DESCRIPTION
This advanced course will culminate in a final project 2D Design Portfolio is intended to address two-dimensional
during which students will exhibit portfolios and give oral (2-D) design issues. Students submit portfolios for
presentations to Level II sculpture students. Participants evaluation. The instructional goals of the AP Studio Art
will continue to refine their personal vision through are to encourage creative and systematic investigation of
independent projects and will be expected to document formal and conceptual issues; emphasize art-making as an
their own artwork. The class will also investigate works ongoing process in which the student makes informed and
by local sculptors and visit an art studio and/or foundry. critical decisions; help students develop technical skills and
Participation in a National Portfolio Day event and / or All- understand the functions of visual elements; encourage
City Portfolio Review will be required. students to become independent thinkers who contribute
inventively and critically to their culture through the making
Advanced Placement Art Lab Extended – 2D of art.
Course Number: 900201A / 900202A Advanced Placement Art Studio Art – 2D
Course Level: Advanced Photography
Prerequisites: Art lab extended is taken in conjunction with
AP Studio Art – 2D Course Number: 924001A / 924002A
Number of Credits Earned: 1.0
Type of Graduation Credit Earned: Elective Course Level: Advanced
Recommended Course Duration: 2 semesters
Teacher Certification Required: Art education certification Prerequisites: Art one course
and attended in the five-day AP summer institute.
Number of Credits Earned: 1.0
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The art lab extended time is to supplement instructional Type of Graduation Credit Earned: Career Ed; Elective
time and work time for the students as they complete their
individual portfolio. Recommended Course Duration: 2 semesters
Advanced Placement Studio Art: 2D Design Teacher Certification Required: Art education certification
Portfolio and attended in the five-day AP summer institute
Course Number: 905101A / 905102A COURSE DESCRIPTION
Course Level: Advanced AP Studio Art 2D- Photography is not based on a written
Prerequisites: Art 1 exam; students submit portfolios for evaluation. The
Number of Credits Earned: 1.0 instructional goals of the AP Studio Art are to encourage
Type of Graduation Credit Earned: Fine Arts – Visual Art/ creative and systematic investigation of formal and
Drafting; Career Ed; Elective conceptual issues; emphasize making art as an ongoing
Recommended Course Duration: 2 semesters process that involves the student in informed and critical
Teacher Certification Required: Art, AP summer institute decision making: help students develop technical skills and
familiarize them with the functions of the visual elements
through photography; encourage students to become
independent thinkers who will contribute inventively and
critically to their culture through the making of art.
Advanced Placement Studio Art: 2D Design
Portfolio II
Course Number: 905301A / 905302A
Page 280 Chicago Public Schools
Fine Arts
Course Descriptions
Course Level: Advanced Course Level: Advanced
Prerequisites: Advanced Placement Studio Art: 2D Design
Portfolio Prerequisites: Art 1
Number of Credits Earned: 1.0
Type of Graduation Credit Earned: Fine Arts – Visual Art; Number of Credits Earned: 1.0
Career Ed; Elective Type of Graduation Credit Earned: Fine Arts – Visual Art/
Recommended Course Duration: 2 semesters Drafting; Career Ed; Elective
Teacher Certification Required: Art, AP summer institute
Recommended Course Duration: 2 semesters
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Advanced Placement Studio Art: 2D Design Portfolio II is Teacher Certification Required: Art, AP summer institute
designed for students who have taken Advanced Placement
Studio Art: 2D Design Portfolio I in a previous school year. COURSE DESCRIPTION
Advanced Placement Studio Art: 2D Design Portfolio II is a 3D Design Portfolio is intended to address sculptural
two dimensional medium or process that includes but is issues. Students submit portfolios for evaluation. The
not limited to graphic design, digital imaging, photography, instructional goals of the AP Studio Art are to encourage
collage, fabric design, weaving, fashion design, print creative and systematic investigation of formal and
making. conceptual issues; emphasize art-making as an ongoing
process in which the student makes informed and critical
Advanced Placement Studio Art Extended – 3D decisions; help students develop technical skills and
understand the functions of visual elements; encourage
Course Number: 900301A / 900302A students to become independent thinkers who contribute
Course Level: Advanced inventively and critically to their culture through the making
Prerequisites: Students must also be enrolled in the AP of art.
Studio Art 3D class
Number of Credits Earned: 1.0 Advanced Placement Art Studio Art Extended –
Type of Graduation Credit Earned: Elective 2D Photography
Recommended Course Duration: 2 semesters
Teacher Certification Required: Should be an art major and Course Number: 924011A / 924012A
attended a five-day AP summer institute.
Course Level: Advanced
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The art lab extended time is to supplement instructional Prerequisites: Art one course
time and work time for the students as they complete their
individual portfolio Number of Credits Earned: 1.0
Advanced Placement Studio Art: 3D Design Type of Graduation Credit Earned: Elective
Portfolio
Recommended Course Duration: 2 semesters
Teacher Certification Required: Art education certification
and attended in the five-day AP summer institute
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The art lab extended time is to supplement instructional
time and work time for the students as they complete their
individual portfolio.
Course Number: 905201A / 905202A
Course Catalog Page 281
Fine Arts
Course Descriptions
Studio Mixed-Media I throughout history. Students will engage in critical
discussions about artists’ focus, process and intent that
Course Number: 906101R / 906102R impact their own works of art. A sketchbook for developing
Course Level: Regular composition is required.
Prerequisites: Art I or Teacher Recommendation
Number of Credits Earned: 1.0 Honors Studio Art I- G37 Advanced Arts
Type of Graduation Credit Earned: Fine Arts – Visual Art/
Drafting; Career Ed; Elective Course Number: 906131H / 906132H
Recommended Course Duration: 2 semesters Course Level: Honors
Teacher Certification Required: Art Prerequisites: Portfolio review, teacher recommendation,
and counselor approval. 1.0 credit of fine art preferred, but
COURSE DESCRIPTION not required.
Students in this secondary level course will combine various Number of Credits Earned: 2.0
art materials and techniques to create 2 and 3 dimensional Type of Graduation Credit Earned: Fine Arts – Visual Art/
works of art in mixed media. The class will focus on historic Drafting; Career Ed; Elective
and contemporary expressions of this art form and involve Recommended Course Duration: Double period, 2
students in a wide-range of projects including collage, semesters
bookmaking, assemblage and relief-work using text, images Teacher Certification Required: Art
and found objects with standard art materials. Participants
will also investigate the work of artists like Georges Braque, COURSE DESCRIPTION
Joseph Cornell, Romare Bearden and others to engage in Students create works of art in varied 2-D and 3-D
critical discussions about artistic focus, process and intent. media, methods, and techniques that advance students’
knowledge and application of the elements and principles
Studio Mixed-Media I in visual art.
NOTE: This course is offered through the CPS Advanced
Course Number: 906101H / 906102H Arts Program (AAP), an off-campus magnet program that
Course Level: Honors provides CPS 11th and 12th grade students with 2-hour
Prerequisites: English I Honors or AP arts course(s). Courses in AAP are team-
Number of Credits Earned: 1.0 taught by a certified or endorsed CPS teacher and a
Type of Graduation Credit Earned: Fine Arts – Visual Art/ professional artist currently working in the arts discipline
Drafting; Career Ed; Elective offered.
Recommended Course Duration: 2 semesters
Teacher Certification Required: Art Studio Mixed-Media II
COURSE DESCRIPTION Course Number: 906201R / 906202R
Students create works of art in combined 2-D and 3-D Course Level: Regular
media, methods, and techniques that advance students’ Prerequisites: Studio Mixed-Media I or Teacher
knowledge and application of the elements and principles Recommendation
in visual art. Students will research mixed media artists Number of Credits Earned: 1.0
Type of Graduation Credit Earned: Fine Arts – Visual Art/
Page 282 Chicago Public Schools
Fine Arts
Course Descriptions
Drafting; Career Ed; Elective Prerequisites: Portfolio review, teacher recommendation,
Recommended Course Duration: 2 semesters and counselor approval. 2.0 credits from the G37 Advanced
Teacher Certification Required: Art Arts Program required.
COURSE DESCRIPTION Number of Credits Earned: 2.0
This intermediate course will build on the concepts taught
in Studio Mixed Media I while engaging students in more Type of Graduation Credit Earned: Fine Arts – Visual Art/
detailed and complex projects. The class will investigate Drafting; Career Ed; Elective
work by contemporary artists and each participant will Recommended Course Duration: Double period, 2
begin to make aesthetic choices and establish a personal semesters
style. An emphasis will be placed on creating a cohesive
body of work for a portfolio and articulating ideas through Teacher Certification Required: Art
class discussion and critique. A sketchbook for developing
composition is required. COURSE DESCRIPTION
Students engage in further in varied 2-D and 3-D media,
Studio Mixed-Media II methods, and techniques to develop a portfolio that
demonstrates students’ knowledge and application of the
Course Number: 906201H / 906202H elements and principles in visual art.
Course Level: Honors
Prerequisites: Studio Mixed-Media I or Teacher Permission NOTE: This course is offered through the CPS Advanced
Number of Credits Earned: 1.0 Arts Program (AAP), an off-campus magnet program that
Type of Graduation Credit Earned: Fine Arts – Visual Art/ provides CPS 11th and 12th grade students with 2-hour
Drafting; Career Ed; Elective Honors or AP arts course(s). Courses in AAP are team-
Recommended Course Duration: 2 semesters taught by a certified or endorsed CPS teacher and a
Teacher Certification Required: Art professional artist currently working in the arts discipline
offered.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This honors studio course will build on the concepts taught Studio Mixed-Media III
in Studio Mixed Media I while engaging students in more
detailed and complex projects. The class will investigate Course Number: 906301R / 906302R
work by contemporary artists and each participant will
begin to make aesthetic choices and establish a personal Course Level: Regular
style. An emphasis will be placed on creating a cohesive
body of work for a portfolio and articulating ideas through Prerequisites: Studio Mixed-Media II or Teacher
class discussion and critique. A sketchbook for developing Recommendation
composition is required.
Number of Credits Earned: 1.0
Honors Studio Art II- G37 Advanced Arts
Type of Graduation Credit Earned: Fine Arts – Visual Art/
Course Number: 906231H / 906232H Drafting; Career Ed; Elective
Course Level: Honors
Recommended Course Duration: 2 semesters
Teacher Certification Required: Art
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Students in this advanced level course will work
independently on self-directed projects in mixed-media.
The class will build on concepts developed in Mixed Media
II and students will further refine their personal style or
artistic vision. The course will examine historical and
Course Catalog Page 283
Fine Arts
Course Descriptions
contemporary artists and require students to draw parallels Drafting; Career Ed; Elective
during class discussions and critique. Completed student Recommended Course Duration: 2 semesters
works for portfolio must demonstrate clear and convincing Teacher Certification Required: Art
evidence of skill mastery in the art form.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
AP Sculpture I- G37 Advanced Arts Through this beginning level course, students will explore
both scientific and photographic art processes. The course
Course Number: 907141A / 907142A will examine the historical, social and cultural aspects of
Course Level: Advanced photography as an art form and introduce varied styles and
Prerequisites: Portfolio review, teacher recommendation, techniques. Basic darkroom methods and digital processes
and counselor approval. At least 1.0 credit of fine art will also be covered along with the appropriate terminology
preferred. for this medium. A general orientation about the principles
Number of Credits Earned: 2.0 of art will be used to critique student work.
Type of Graduation Credit Earned: Fine Arts – Visual Art/
Drafting; Career Ed; Elective Photography – Fine Arts I
Recommended Course Duration: Double period, 2
semesters Course Number: 909101H / 909102H
Teacher Certification Required: Art Course Level: Honors
Prerequisites: Teacher Permission
COURSE DESCRIPTION Number of Credits Earned: 1.0
Designed for students who want to prepare portfolios for Type of Graduation Credit Earned: Fine Arts – Visual Art/
AP credit & college applications. Students will explore a Drafting; Career Ed; Elective
variety of techniques in sculpture such as carving, casting, Recommended Course Duration: 2 semesters
and modeling in a variety of materials like clay, wood, & Teacher Certification Required: Art
metal.
NOTE: This course is offered through the CPS Advanced COURSE DESCRIPTION
Arts Program (AAP), an off-campus magnet program that Through this intensive introductory course, students will
provides CPS 11th and 12th grade students with 2-hour explore both scientific and photographic art processes.
Honors or AP arts course(s). Courses in AAP are team- The course will examine the historical, social and cultural
taught by a certified or endorsed CPS teacher and a aspects of photography as an art form and introduce varied
professional artist currently working in the arts discipline styles and techniques. Basic darkroom methods and digital
offered. processes will also be covered along with the appropriate
terminology for this medium. A general orientation about
Photography – Fine Arts I the principles of art will be used to critique student work.
Course Number: 909101R / 909102R Photography – Fine Arts II
Course Level: Regular
Prerequisites: None Course Number: 909201R / 909202R
Number of Credits Earned: 1.0 Course Level: Regular
Type of Graduation Credit Earned: Fine Arts – Visual Art/ Prerequisites: Photography - Fine Arts I
Page 284 Chicago Public Schools
Fine Arts
Course Descriptions
Number of Credits Earned: 1.0 Photography – Fine Arts III
Type of Graduation Credit Earned: Fine Arts – Visual Art/ Course Number: 909301R / 909302R
Drafting; Career Ed; Elective
Course Level: Regular
Recommended Course Duration: 2 semesters
Prerequisites: Photography – Fine Arts II
Teacher Certification Required: Art
Number of Credits Earned: 1.0
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Through this intermediate level course, students will Type of Graduation Credit Earned: Fine Arts – Visual Art/
continue to explore the creative properties of photography Drafting; Career Ed; Elective
with an emphasis on developing their own unique vision.
Using the elements and principles of art as a guide, Recommended Course Duration: 2 semesters
students will examine a broad range of photographic styles
and genres though art history and contemporary art to Teacher Certification Required: Art
inspire their work. An in-depth and consistent system for
critique will help students develop a more sophisticated COURSE DESCRIPTION
art vocabulary. Students will start to master the technical This advanced course is a continuation of Photo II
aspects of the camera, darkroom, and Photoshop software. with an emphasis on developing a cohesive portfolio.
Students will continue to establish their individuality
Photography – Fine Arts II through independent and self-directed projects. Work by
contemporary artists will also be explored to increase the
Course Number: 909201H / 909202H classes’ overall knowledge about trends in the medium.
Participants will work to refine their skills and explore
Course Level: Honors other types of digital software. Students are expected to
create a series of works that demonstrate an advanced
Prerequisites: Photo Level I with Teacher Recommendation understanding of the medium.
Number of Credits Earned: 1.0 Photography – Fine Arts III
Type of Graduation Credit Earned: Fine Arts – Visual Art/ Course Number: 909301H / 909302H
Drafting; Career Ed; Elective
Course Level: Honors
Recommended Course Duration: 2 semesters
Prerequisites: Photo Level II with Teacher Recommendation
Teacher Certification Required: Art
Number of Credits Earned: 1.0
COURSE DESCRIPTION Type of Graduation Credit Earned: Fine Arts – Visual Art/
This course will require a higher level of thinking as Drafting; Career Ed; Elective
students begin to develop work for a cohesive Photography
portfolio. Using the elements and principles of art as a Recommended Course Duration: 2 semesters
guide, students will examine a broad range of photographic
styles and genres in art history and contemporary art. Teacher Certification Required: Art
Participants will also investigate various photo processes
and work on both independent and collaborative projects. COURSE DESCRIPTION
An in-depth and consistent system for critique will help This advanced course will culminate in a final project
students develop a more sophisticated art vocabulary. during which students will exhibit portfolios and give
Students will build technical mastery of the camera, the presentations to other photography students. Participants
darkroom, and of Photoshop software. Participation in the will continue to establish their individuality through self-
All-City High School Art Competition is required. directed projects and will be expected to document their
Course Catalog Page 285
Fine Arts
Course Descriptions
own work. The class will engage in on-going discussions COURSE DESCRIPTION
and critiques, investigate work by local artists and visit a This intensive course emphasizes design elements and
professional darkroom and/or photo studio. An overview principles in the purposeful arrangement of images and text
of art criticism, curating and collecting will also be included. to communicate a message. There is a focus on creating
Student participation in a National Portfolio Day event is art products such as advertisements, product designs, and
required. identity symbols. Students will utilize computer software to
design and develop contemporary works and also study the
Graphic Arts I cultural and historical significance of master design works
of different periods and styles.
Course Number: 910001R / 910002R
Course Level: Regular Graphic Arts I
Prerequisites: None
Number of Credits Earned: 1.0 Course Number: 651101H / 651102H
Type of Graduation Credit Earned: Fine Arts – Visual Art/ Course Level: Honors
Drafting; Career Ed; Elective Prerequisites: Art I or Teacher Recommendation
Recommended Course Duration: 2 semesters Number of Credits Earned: 1.0
Teacher Certification Required: Art Type of Graduation Credit Earned: Fine Arts – Visual Art/
Drafting; Career Ed; Elective
COURSE DESCRIPTION Recommended Course Duration: 2 semesters
This course emphasizes design elements and principles Teacher Certification Required: Art
in the purposeful arrangement of images and text to
communicate a message. There is a focus on creating art COURSE DESCRIPTION
products such as advertisements, product designs, and This course explores the complex field of visual
identity symbols. Students will utilize computer software to communication by teaching students to use Adobe
design and develop contemporary works and also study the Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe InDesign to create
cultural and historical significance of master design works posters, logos, advertisements, publications, and websites
of different periods and styles. and understand how to communicate slogans, concepts,
and messages in a visual format.
Graphic Arts I
3D Graphic Modeling
Course Number: 910001H / 910002H
Course Level: Honors Course Number: 923141R / 923142R
Prerequisites: Teacher Permission Course Level: Regular
Number of Credits Earned: 1.0 Prerequisites: Art I or Teacher Permission
Type of Graduation Credit Earned: Fine Arts – Visual Art/ Number of Credits Earned: 1.0
Drafting; Career Ed; Elective Type of Graduation Credit Earned: Fine Arts – Visual Art/
Recommended Course Duration: 2 semesters Drafting; Career Ed; Elective
Teacher Certification Required: Art Recommended Course Duration: 2 semesters
Teacher Certification Required: Art
Page 286 Chicago Public Schools
Fine Arts
Course Descriptions
COURSE DESCRIPTION COURSE DESCRIPTION
Students will create “virtual worlds” by using both digital This course is a historical survey of the visual arts including
and analog software applications and techniques to make painting, sculpture, architecture, and the principles of
time-based works of art, environments, and interactive design. The course will enable students to develop an
installations. understanding of how an artist has the power to inspire and
inform the viewer by making a personal, social, political, or
Topics in World Art religious statement. Students will also explore the history
and art of both past and present world cultures.
Course Number: 910101R / 910102R
Course Level: Regular Multimedia Art I
Prerequisites: None
Number of Credits Earned: 1.0 Course Number: 912101R / 912102R
Type of Graduation Credit Earned: Fine Arts – Visual Art/ Course Level: Regular
Drafting; Career Ed; Elective Prerequisites: Art I or Teacher Recommendation
Recommended Course Duration: 2 semesters Number of Credits Earned: 1.0
Teacher Certification Required: Art Type of Graduation Credit Earned: Fine Arts – Visual Art/
Drafting; Career Ed; Elective
COURSE DESCRIPTION Recommended Course Duration: 2 semesters
This course provides the opportunity for students to engage Teacher Certification Required: Art
in the intensive study of specific topics in art history. The
class will focus on a different theme or topic each time COURSE DESCRIPTION
it is offered and must have advance approval. The class This beginning level course introduces students to
may examine a range of information related to eastern computer arts and digital media through the exploration
or western culture, symbolism or iconography, or social of the technical resources used in this art form. The
/ political movements through art history. Students will class will produce computer-generated art, learn image
be expected participate in research, writing and critical manipulation, and digital video production. Students will
discussion related to course content. Art making in work on both individual and collaborative projects and
response to course material may be incorporated as well as learn about the trends and terminology of this medium.
final student projects.
Multimedia Art I
Art Appreciation
Course Number: 912101H / 912102H
Course Number: 911101R / 911102R Course Level: Honors
Course Level: Regular Prerequisites: Teacher Permission
Prerequisites: None Number of Credits Earned: 1.0
Number of Credits Earned: 1.0 Type of Graduation Credit Earned: Fine Arts – Visual Art/
Type of Graduation Credit Earned: Fine Arts – Visual Art/ Drafting; Career Ed; Elective
Drafting; Career Ed; Elective Recommended Course Duration: 2 semesters
Recommended Course Duration: 2 semesters Teacher Certification Required: Art
Teacher Certification Required: Art
Course Catalog Page 287