Course Offerings

Drawing 1 CP

The Drawing 1 course focuses on the practices and applications of basic drawing principles and techniques in order to build students’ drawing skills. Students will be introduced to the elements and principles of design, aesthetic awareness, and art appreciation. A wide variety of drawing media such as graphite, charcoal, ink, markers, colored pastels, and/or colored pencil will be explored through a multitude of real and inventive subject matter. Students will be prepared to further explore their artistic expression as they continue in the art program. Students in Drawing 1 may be required to keep a sketchbook, which will increase their ability to convey a clear vision of their designs.


Drawing 2 CP (BCC ART-124)

The Drawing 2 course focuses on developing an in-depth proficiency of various drawing techniques, methods, and materials. Building upon knowledge and ability gained from Drawing 1, Drawing 2 is designed to be a continued exploration of drawing techniques, concepts, and various mediums. Students with a strong interest in drawing can expect to work on a range of assignments, both from observation and their own ideas in order to advance their drawing skills and abilities while increasing creative thought. Students in Drawing 2 will continue to build on their drawing skills and may be required to keep a sketchbook, which will increase their ability to convey a clear vision of their designs. This course may be taken as part of the Dual Enrollment program for credit through Bergen Community College - BCC ART-124  (3 Credits). 

Prerequisite:  Drawing 1 or any 8th grade advanced level studio art experience. 


Painting 1 CP

The Painting 1 course focuses on an introduction to painting as a means of artistic communication by using various materials such as acrylic, watercolor, and tempera paint. Students will develop an understanding of the core elements and principles of design, as well as painting techniques such as paint application, brush techniques, canvas construction, washes, and/or glazing. They will build and expand their abilities and creativity through a variety of projects working from life and their own original ideas. They will be prepared to further explore their artistic expression as they continue in the art program. Drawing and sketching is the foundation and basis of all art domains. Students in Painting 1 will be introduced to basic drawing skills and may be required to keep a sketchbook, which will increase their ability to convey a clear vision of their designs.


Painting 2 CP

The Painting 2 course focuses on developing an in-depth proficiency of various painting techniques, methods, and materials. Building upon knowledge and ability gained from Painting 1, Painting 2 is designed to be a continued exploration of painting techniques, concepts, and various mediums. Students with a strong interest in painting can expect to work on a range of assignments, both from observation and their own ideas in order to advance their painting skills and abilities while increasing creative thought. Students in Painting 2 will continue to build on their drawing skills and may be required to keep a sketchbook, which will increase their ability to convey a clear vision of their designs. 

Prerequisite: Painting 1 or any 8th grade advanced level studio art experience.

This course may be taken as part of the Dual Enrollment program for credit through Bergen Community College - BCC ART-127 (3 Credits).


Sculpture & Ceramics 1 CP

The Sculpture and Ceramics course is designed to provide the student with experience in the creation of three-dimensional art using various techniques such as carving, modeling, casting, and/or construction. Through multiple projects and activities, students will utilize a variety of traditional and non-traditional materials, which may include clay, wood, metals, plaster, found objects, paper-mache, and stone. They will understand the core elements and principles of design and how they apply to three-dimensional art. Students will be prepared to continue in the art program and further explore and expand their abilities and creativity in three-dimensional art. Drawing and sketching is the foundation and basis of all art domains. Students in Sculpture and Ceramics 1 will be introduced to basic drawing skills and may be required to keep a sketchbook, which will enhance their ability to convey a clear vision of their designs. 


Sculpture & Ceramics 2 CP

The Sculpture and Ceramics 2 course focuses on developing an in-depth proficiency of various techniques, methods, and materials used in creating three-dimensional works or art. Students will explore and develop their personal style while building on the skills developed in Sculpture and Ceramics 1. Students with a strong interest in Sculpture and Ceramics will work more independently while focusing on channeling their own artistic voices through their art. Drawing is the foundation for all areas of art. Students in Sculpture and Ceramics 2 will continue to build on their drawing skills and may be required to keep a sketchbook, which will enhance their ability to convey a clear vision of their designs.

Prerequisite: Sculpture and Ceramics 1

This course may be taken as part of the Dual Enrollment program for credit through Bergen Community College - BCC ART-108  (3 Credits).


Digital Design 1 CP 

Students are given a foundation in the principles and elements of digital design, and an introduction to the concepts, professional terminology, and skills of a graphic artist. Students apply design theory to solve digital design challenges such as logo design, magazine/book layout, image manipulation, editorial illustration, labels, package design, posters, brochures, advertising design, greeting cards, and corporate image design. Drawing and sketching is the foundation and basis of all art domains. Students in Digital Design 1 will be introduced to basic drawing skills and may be required to keep a sketchbook, which will enhance their ability to convey a clear vision of their designs.


Digital Design 2 CP (BCC ART-122)

The Digital Design 2 course focuses on developing an in-depth proficiency of various digital design techniques, methods, and digital materials. Building upon knowledge and ability gained from Digital Design 1, Digital Design 2 is designed to continue student exploration of design principles, concepts and various digital platforms. Students can expect to work on a range of design assignments structured to improve visual communication. Topics include creating strong digital compositions, developing sequential designs, designing packaging, understanding branding and exploring contemporary issues in professional design fields. Students in Digital Design 2 will continue to improve visual communication skills through drawing and sketching. Students may be required to keep a sketchbook, which will enhance their ability to convey a clear vision of their designs. This course may be taken as part of the Dual Enrollment program for credit through Bergen Community College - BCC ART-122 (3 Credits).

Prerequisite:  Digital Design 1


Digital Illustration & Animation 1 CP

Students will be introduced to the world of digital animation in illustration. In this course students will be given a foundation in the principles and elements of design, and an introduction to the concepts, professional terminology, and skill of a digital animator and illustrator. Students will be able to apply art theory and critical thinking skills to solve artistic problems. Some of these will be character development, animatics, digital illustration, narrative storytelling/illustration, and movement in art. Drawing and sketching is the foundation and basis of all art domains. Students in Digital Animation/Illustration 1 will be introduced to basic drawing skills and will be encouraged to keep a sketchbook, which will enhance their ability to convey a clear vision of their illustrations, visual narratives, and animations. 


Digital Illustration & Animation 2 CP (BCC ART-189)

In Digital Animation/Illustration 2 students will delve further into animation and illustration skills. In this course students will review the principles and elements of design, and build upon the concepts, professional terminology, and skill of a digital animation and illustration. Students will be able to apply art theory and critical thinking skills to solve artistic problems. Some of these will include the exploration in animation as a career, advanced character design, advanced narrative storytelling / illustration, and stop motion. Drawing and sketching is vital in all art domains. Students in Digital Animation/Illustration 2  will be continuing to advance their drawing skills and will be encouraged to keep a sketchbook which will enhance their ability to convey a clear vision of their illustrations, visual narratives, and animations. This course may be taken as part of the Dual Enrollment program for credit through Bergen Community College – BCC ART-189 (3 Credits).

Prerequisite:  Digital Illustration & Animation 1 


Digital Photography 1 CP

The Digital Photography 1 course focuses on the introduction of the elements and principles of design, and an introduction to the concepts, professional terminology, and skills of a photographer. Students will become well rounded in the fundamentals of digital photography and photo editing. Topics include: camera and lens operation, basic functions and settings of a DSLR camera, exposure, white balance, composition, lighting, creativity, depth of field, portraiture, storytelling, and image editing software.  Students will be introduced to the basic technology necessary for the production of their artwork, as well as learning about the visual arts, critiques, and exposure to the work of professional photographers.


Digital Photography 2 CP (BCC ART-184)

The Digital Photography 2 course focuses on the continued application of the elements and principles of design, advanced digital photography concepts, professional terminology, and skills of a photographer. Topics include: camera and lens operation, advanced functions and settings of a DSLR camera, exposure, white balance, composition, lighting, creativity, panoramic, landscapes, portraiture, storytelling, and image editing software.  Students will continue to use the advanced technology necessary for the production of their artwork, as well as learning about the visual arts, critiques, and exposure to the work of professional photographers. This course may be taken as part of the Dual Enrollment program for credit through Bergen Community College – BCC ART-184 (3 Credits).

Prerequisite:  Digital Photography I


Advanced Studio Art H

This course gives students the opportunity to develop and refine his or her current art portfolio. Students will also be able to create artwork that expresses their individual uniqueness, vision, and imagination. Students will explore, develop, and advance their creative and visual voice, while budgeting their time. They will also experiment with materials while exploring their particular areas of interest in the fine arts. 

Prerequisite: This course requires the completion of at least three art classes. Drawing is the basis for all Art. Drawing 1 is highly recommended for any students wishing to continue with Art in college.


Advanced Placement Studio Art

The Advanced Placement Studio Art course is offered to students who wish to pursue advanced college level work in studio art. Students will produce work for the AP Studio Art Portfolio in May. Students will choose to work on one of the following three AP portfolios: Drawing, 2-D, and 3-D. 

Prerequisite: This course requires the completion of at least three art classes.  Drawing 1, and any second level class with a portfolio review, and a signed Art teacher recommendation.