Fine Arts

 

This course is designed for students of all abilities and levels of academic achievement. The purpose of this course, through academic competition, is to develop a greater respect for knowledge, promote wholesome competition in academic areas of study and interest, and stimulate intellectual growth and achievement. The primary focus of this course will be preparation for the Arizona Academic Decathlon competition. The students of varying backgrounds and varying abilities and achievement levels will work together to prepare themselves for academic competition. In the competition the students will participate in ten events—seven tests in standard subject areas (math, social science, language and literature, art, music, science and economics); speech, interview, and essay; and the Super Quiz, a fast-answer team relay on a theme topic.

Visual Art

Art I (9-12) (.5 credit)

This fundamental art class provides a survey of various painting and drawing media in a hands-on studio setting. It will focus on experimenting with a variety of materials, tools, and techniques, and developing an understanding of the Elements of Design. Students will be challenged to think creatively and learn how to express their ideas in a visual manner. Art history and art-related vocabulary terms will be integrated throughout the semester.

Art II (10-12) (.5 credit) Prerequisite: Art I

This studio art class will build upon the skills introduced in Art I. Students will develop an understanding of the Principles of Design and experiment with more advanced painting and drawing techniques to create meaningful, well-developed, carefully-executed pieces of art. This course also focuses on learning how to critique and make educated judgements about art. Art history and art-related vocabulary terms will be integrated throughout the semester. This course is a prerequisite for AP Art and Design.

Studio Art (11-12) (.5 credit) Prerequisite: Art 1 & II or Teacher Approval

Students will learn advanced skills in drawing or painting through an advanced approach from their prior knowledge.  Individual attention will be given to create a portfolio that can be presented to a college. Rigour Art history and vocabulary, students will understand how to find their own voice and style of art techniques

Ceramics I (10-12) (.5 credit)

Students learn and demonstrate the fundamental techniques of hand-building and wheel-throwing.  Through presentations, students will demonstrate their understanding of the cultural and historical development of functional and non-functional pottery. Terminology specific to Ceramics will be learned and demonstrated to facilitate 

communication during the studio experience. Students will learn and demonstrate their understanding of clay and glaze properties and the firing process. Emphasis will be placed on the quality of the student work, as well as the expression of the work. Students will analyze, evaluate and critique their work using specified criteria. Students will keep a log book of all projects.

Ceramics II (10-12) (.5 credit) Prerequisite: Ceramics I

Students will learn and demonstrate advanced methods of hand-building and wheel throwing techniques. Students will create and maintain a concept file for the development of ideas for projects. Students will study selected ceramic artists and recognize the characteristic traits of their works. Advanced and alternative glaze techniques will be learned and demonstrated. Students will analyze, evaluate and critique their work using specified criteria. Students will keep a log book of all projects. Students will select an area of focus to explore and create a body of work reflecting their chosen focus area.This course serves as a prerequisite for AP Art and Design.

Advanced Ceramics (11,12) (.5 credit) Prerequisite: Ceramics I & II or Teacher Approval

In Advanced Ceramics, students will extend their study of the visual arts through a ceramic medium while developing and using advanced pottery skills. In doing so, students will expand their artistic skills analytically, conceptually, and technically while further developing their visual arts vocabulary. Students will use both hand-building and throwing techniques, and/or a combination of these methods to produce more advanced and personalized works in clay. Students will expand further on their ability to create ceramic works as both functional pieces and decorative forms. The material learned in the Ceramics Studio during Ceramics 1 and 2 should be applied to all works in regard to the elements of art and principles of design in addition to introductory pottery skills.

 

Introduction to Journalism  (9-10) (.5 credit) Fall Only

The Introduction to Journalism class will emphasize journalistic integrity and provide a foundation for journalism ethics and principles, as well as an introduction to the different types of journalism. Students will learn about the history of journalism, the ethical uses of media (including social media), and how to apply these ethics to give them a well-rounded understanding of the world of communications. Students will gain the skills and knowledge they need for courses such as broadcast journalism, visual journalism, and news/editorial journalism. This is a required course to take prior to other Journalism courses.

Applied Journalism (10-12) (.5 credit) Spring Only. Prerequisite: Introduction to Journalism

The Applied Journalism class will emphasize journalist integrity and provide a foundation for journalism skills. They will learn basic skills story -gathering, interviewing, and storytelling, in both print and video formats. 

 

Broadcast Journalism I (10-12) (.5 credit) Prerequisite: Introduction to Journalism or Teacher Approval

Media I is recommended for students that have an interest in film production, broadcast journalism, or communications. Through the use of digital media tools, students will study the basics of planning, recording, editing, and evaluating video projects. Topics include scripting and storyboarding, basic camera use, lighting for video, and basic techniques for video editing. In addition to working to produce student news episodes (SCTV), students will also work on individual film projects.

Broadcast Journalism II (10-12) (.5 credit) Prerequisite: Broadcast Journalism I or Teacher Approval

In Broadcast Journalism II, students will continue to learn the process of communicating their ideas through film and digital media tools. Students will study more advanced techniques in cinematography, sound recording, video editing, and narrative storytelling. Broadcast Journalism II students will also mentor Broadcast Journalism students in the creation of student news episodes as well as creating individual film projects.

Editorial Journalism (Newspaper) (10-12) (.5 credit) Prerequisite: Introduction to Journalism, with 1st semester of Graphic Design OR Digital Photography, OR Teacher Approval 

This class will emphasize applying sound publishing principles to investigating, reporting, writing, story development, photography, design layout, advertising sales, and editing. Students will learn the basics of responsible journalistic writing and sharpen composition skills through weekly reporting, writing, and layout assignments.  The class will publish the Seton newspaper periodically throughout the year.

Yearbook Journalism (10-12) (1 credit) Prerequisite: Teacher Approval

The Yearbook/Journalism class will emphasize the application of sound publishing principles to investigating, reporting, writing, story development, photography, design layout, advertising sales, and editing. Students will learn the basics of responsible journalistic writing and sharpen composition skills through weekly reporting, writing, and layout assignments. The class will publish the Seton newspaper periodically throughout the year and produce the annual Seton Catholic Preparatory yearbook.

Photography I/Photoshop I (10-12) (.5 credit)

This course will provide students with a fundamental knowledge of all things related to digital photography. Students will study the basic functions and use of a Digital (DSLR) camera, all things related to composition in photography, the origins/history of photography, and a variety of other skills that are essential to taking quality photographs. Using the Adobe Creative Cloud suite as well as other digital tools, students will complete hands-on projects that will enable them to explore their creative abilities as a photographer as they build a photographic portfolio. Having your own DSLR is encouraged but not required.

Photography II/Photoshop II (10-12) (.5 credit) Prerequisite: Photography I/Photoshop I or Teacher Approval.

Students in this upper level visual arts course will focus on learning more advanced techniques related to digital photography. Time will also be spent learning advanced techniques and tools used for digital editing in the Adobe Creative Cloud suite. Greater independence is incorporated at this level thus allowing for a wider variety of project choices and experimentation in assignments. Students will continue to build their photographic portfolio that was started in the Photo I class. Having your own DSLR is highly encouraged at this level but it is not required. This course serves a prerequisite for AP Art and Design.

Graphic Design I (10-12) (.5 credit)

Graphic Design is recommended for students interested in pursuing a career in Marketing or Advertising. This class focuses on learning and practicing the principles of design as well as the design process as it applies to the field of Graphic Design. Students will use industry standard software in the Adobe Creative Cloud suite as well as digital tools to create designs in a variety of hands-on design challenges. Graphic Design students will also work to develop their design portfolio.

Advanced Graphic Design (10-12) (.5 credit) Prerequisite: Graphic Design 1 & Teacher Approval

Students will utilize the skills mastered in the Adobe Creative Cloud suite during Graphic Design I to create marketing/advertising content for Seton sports, clubs, House, classes, administration and more. Students will create sports programs, performance programs, promotional flyers, banners and other advertising items for Seton. 

Dance

Dance Survey (9-12) (.5 credit) 

This course will  introduce students to a variety of dance styles including but not limited to Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary/Modern and Hip Hop. Students will perform at the end of each semester. This exposure can then allow students the opportunity to enroll in a full year course, Dance 1, or audition for Dance II or Company Dance.

Dance I (10-12) (1 credit)

This course is designed to introduce different dance styles and the basic strategies to choreographic processes and principles. The styles that this course focuses on are: Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Broadway, and Contemporary/Modern. Students will learn how to identify and apply elements of time, tempo, rhythm, levels, directions, floor patterns, energy, emotion, movement, and many other fundamentals of dance. Any student can take Dance 1.

Dance II (10-12) (1 credit) Prerequisite: Dance I or Teacher Approval

This course is designed to further explore different dance styles and the basic strategies to choreographic processes and principles. The styles the course will focus on will be: Jazz, Hip Hop, and Contemporary/Lyrical. In addition, Dance II will introduce intermediate jazz techniques and focus on student’s flexibility.  This course may be taken for repeat credit. 

Dance III (9-12) (1 credit; this course may be repeated) Prerequisite: Teacher Approval – An audition is required to be admitted to the class.

Dance III students will continue to acquire skills and knowledge initially introduced to them in Dance I and Dance II. Advanced dance techniques are explored as well as the continued training in flexibility techniques. Safety is always a priority in our classes and correct body alignment and warm-ups are practiced to prevent injury. Dance III students will take on a more active role in choreographing for our Fine Art Shows. The styles the course will focus on will be: Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary/Lyrical and Musical Theater. This class may be taken for repeat credit. 

 

Dance Choreography and Performance (11,12) (.5 credit) Prerequisite: Dance I & II or Teacher Approval

Students taking Dance Choreography and Performance will draw upon previous dance experiences to create choreographic works. This course will expand on existing techniques and allow performers to create works that will build their confidence and artistic voice. Students will create individual choreography pieces and will be challenged to think outside the box in their creative endeavors. Each dancer will discover their own artistic voice in proportion to the richness and complexity of their personal creations. 

Company Dance-Advanced (9-12) (1 credit; this course may be repeated) Prerequisite: Teacher Approval – An audition is required to be admitted to the class.

This course is performance-based and provides further exploration in choreography and dance technique. As with all dance courses, it is designed to improve the student’s acquisition of strength, flexibility, endurance, timing, coordination and teamwork. The course not only provides instruction from the Seton Catholic dance teacher, but also gives the students input from outside choreographers. Projects include student choreography for the Fine Arts Night performances, as well as other events and activities.  This course may be taken for repeat credit. 

Drama

Acting I  (10-12) (.5 credit)

This is a one-semester elective that includes character development, improvisation and basic drama theory and in-class performances.

Theatrical Production  formerly stagecraft (10-12) (.5 credit)

Theatrical Production is designed to provide the student with an introduction to the many off-stage, behind the scenes aspects of theater and is open to any Seton student with an interest in drama/theater. The semester will include: introduction to theater, stage direction, technical theater, set design and construction, lighting and sound.

Advanced Musical Theater (11, 12) (.5 credit) Prerequisite: Audition, Acting, Choir, or Dance

Advanced Music Theater is a one-semester, intensive course that explores theatrical performance in a high-intensity and challenging environment. Students will become familiar with more theoretical acting techniques, playscript analysis, vocal techniques, musical theatre and classical styles of singing, as well as musical theatre dance and movement. Students will be educated in all elements of theatrical professionalism and will be prepared to enter both professional and collegiate-level theatre environments. Students will be expected to perform in an end-of-the-semester showcase, where they will perform in groups and individually, various pieces and selections from the semester as well as their own personal repertoire, which will be developed and expanded on throughout the span of the course. Students will work collaboratively in their artistic process and learn from the instructor as well as visiting and guest instructors to supplement the course. 

Music

Audio Production (10-12) (.5 credit) 

The focus of this course is to learn the basics of recording an audio signal into a digital audio workstation (DAW) on a computer.  Students will learn how to use the DAW to create an entire song using standard instrumentation from scratch to recording, mixing, and mastering the song. Students will learn modern recording and production techniques for using this technology both inside and outside of the classroom setting. 

Band (9-12) (1 credit; this course may be repeated) (Zero Hour)

This is a performance-oriented course which acquaints students with different styles of band music. The course requires students to take part in performances outside of regular class time. Basic music theory instruction is provided.

Orchestra (9-12) (1.0 credit; this course may be repeated) 

This is a performance-oriented course, which acquaints students with different styles of orchestral music.  The course requires students to take part in performances outside of regular class time.  Basic music theory instruction is provided.

  

Guitar I (10-12) (.5 credit)

This class is a performance-oriented class for guitar players of all ability levels. It explores the fundamentals of guitar playing, various strumming and picking techniques and different forms of musical notation for guitar. Solo and ensemble music from a variety of styles are studied and prepared for performance. Basic music theory instruction is provided also. This course requires students to take part in performances outside of regular class time.

Guitar II (10-12) (.5 credit) Prerequisite: Guitar I or Teacher Approval

This class is a performance-oriented class for guitar players of intermediate ability level. This class reviews the fundamentals of guitar playing, various strumming and picking techniques, and different forms of musical notation for guitar. This course requires students to take part in performances outside of regular class time. Throughout the semester, students learn basic musicianship through guitar experiences including music reading, symbols, terminology, and rehearsal, instrumental and performance techniques.

Piano I (10-12) (.5 credit)

This course is for piano players of beginning ability level. This class will explore the fundamentals of piano playing, finger placement, and basic music notation. Solo piano music from a variety of styles will be studied. Basic music theory instruction will also be provided. Students will be expected to complete assignments, worksheets and projects as well as practice and songs for in-class performances.

Piano II (11-12) (.5 credit)  Prerequisite: Piano I or Teacher Approval

This course is for piano players of intermediate ability level. This class will review piano and theory fundamentals. Students will explore and learn progressively more complex songs from a variety of styles and more advanced music theory concepts and topics. Students will be expected to complete assignments, and worksheets as well as practice songs for in-class performances.

Show Choir (10-12) (1 credit; this course may be repeated)  Prerequisite: Teacher Approval

Students are familiarized with different styles/eras of vocal music, stage performance, and basic show choir movement.  Did you love Glee and Pitch Perfect? Come explore the real world of contemporary singing! Show Choir serves intermediate to advanced singers capable of holding their own part alone or with others. Repertoire includes arrangements by Pentatonix, Contemporary, Broadway, and Jazz genre artists. Beatboxers are welcome!  The course requires students to take part in performances outside of regular class time.

Music Appreciation (10-12) (.5 credit)

Music Appreciation is a semester class designed to expose the students to a variety of styles of music from several time periods. The class explores the history and development of music from the Medieval Period to contemporary times, including classical and popular styles of music.

Introduction to Music Theory (10-12) (.5 credit)

This course will provide the students with a basic knowledge of music reading and writing in order to enhance their music performance experiences. Throughout the semester, students will learn basic music theory terminology, symbols, and writing and reading music notation. Students will also be introduced to basic fundamentals of playing the piano. This course is a prerequisite for AP Music Theory.

AP Music Theory (11, 12) (1 credit) Prerequisite: Introduction to Music Theory or Teacher Approval

This course will explore the fundamentals of music theory and prepare students to take the AP Music Theory exam. Topics will include music terminology, notation, composition, score analysis, aural skills and theory concepts.