Courses
The Marin Catholic curriculum is designed to provide a challenging, college prep experience for all of our students.
Visual and Performing Arts Department
The curriculum of the Visual and Performing Arts Department reflects our philosophy of developing the whole person. Our purpose is to direct each student in recognizing and developing his or her creativity through the arts. The courses in the Visual and Performing Arts Department are designed to assist students in forming an appreciation of the arts and to develop skills that are commensurate with their interests, talents and abilities. We consider the study of the Arts to be an essential component in a student’s secondary education. Courses are set up sequentially to allow students to take the arts all four years.Courses
Click on the course title for a full description:
- Art II
- This is the second course in the visual arts sequence. This course is designed for the students interested in further developing art and design skills. Whether the student will pursue an art career or continue as a hobby, they will feel confident in their abilities and understand how to truly express themselves artistically. Exploration of famous contemporary and historical artist’s work will be viewed. Classroom critiques of student work will help create a level of higher learning and confidence in abilities. Students will continue to use the Elements of Art and the Principles of Design as they apply them to drawing, painting, and printmaking. Included in the course are units in two-point perspective, drawing from observation and imagination, portrait and figure drawing, watercolor painting and printmaking. Homework is given to reinforce studio work and Art History material. This course will isolate more of the technical aspect of drawing but inclusive with the technical aspect will be the visual discovery as well. One museum visit is required each semester. This course will satisfy the graduation requirement.
- Art I
- This course introduces the beginning student to the elements of art, the fundamentals of drawing, and 9 master’s of modern art. Students are assessed through short writing assignments in class for the art history portion of the course. Projects make up the bulk of the Art I experience. No previous visual art experience is necessary. This course will satisfy the graduation requirement and is a prerequisite for other visual art courses (except for semester electives.)
- Art III: Drawing and Painting
- This is the third course in the visual arts sequence. This course explores and integrates the various areas of drawing and painting with the elements of art and the principles of design. Continued exploration of famous contemporary and historical artists will be viewed. Examples of professional artists’ style will be critiqued as well as the students, post each project. Students will confidently know their style and medium in which they create to the pinnacle of their abilities. Students will address mixed media, painting & drawing, design, and some computer graphics on the two-dimensional level. On the three dimensional level students will explore assemblage and converting a two dimensional painting to a three dimensional surface. Increased emphasis is placed on art criticism, journaling, sketchbooks and art history. Homework is given to reinforce studio work and Art History material. One museum visit is required each semester.This course will satisfy the graduation requirement. This course will satisfy the graduation requirement.
- Ceramics I
- This year long course offers an experience in working with clay as an artistic medium. Students will investigate various hand building techniques as well as working with the potter’s wheel. Students study the ceramic process as well as explore the historical and scientific aspects of clay. The emphasis will be on creating vessels in the first semester. The second semester will begin with an introduction to figurative sculpture. Students will incorporate Art history through an in depth study of the history of American ceramics, as well as contemporary art. Studio work is the emphasis of this class. One museum visit and report is required for each semester. There is a lab fee that covers unlimited clay and glaze for the entire year.This course will satisfy the graduation requirement.
- Ceramics II
- This course follows Ceramics I and is designed for the student who wants to develop hand building and wheel throwing techniques at an advanced level. More in depth projects and studio problems will challenge the student’s knowledge of various techniques. Studio work is essential to this class. One museum visit is required each semester. There is a lab fee that covers unlimited clay and glaze for the entire year.
- Chorale
- This is an elective course offering continuing instruction in choir and vocal techniques. As part of the choral experience, you will expand your range; sing on pitch with good breath control and projection; sing solos (not optional); recognize and sing basic intervals within an octave; sing harmony in groups up to five parts. The course also includes music fundamentals, theory, performance, listening, improvising, and continuing how to read standard music notation. Music will be selected from a wide variety of styles from the main eras in music.
- Symphonic Band
- Advanced Concert Band. This is an elective course offering continuing instruction in band and instrumental techniques. As part of the band experience, you will expand your range; play on pitch with good breath control and projection; play solos (not optional); recognize and play basic intervals within an octave; play in small ensembles (up to five parts). The course also includes music fundamentals, theory, performance, listening, improvising, and continuing how to read standard music notation. Music will be selected from a wide variety of styles from the main eras in music. Public performance is mandatory.
- Jazz Band
- This is an elective course offering continuing instruction in modern jazz band and instrumental techniques. As part of the band experience, you will expand your range; play on pitch with good breath control and projection; play solos (not optional); recognize and play jazz intervals within your range; understand and play jazz harmonies. The course also includes music fundamentals, jazz theory, performance, listening, improvising, and continuing how to read standard music notation. Music will be selected from the Twentieth Century with particular emphasis on our nations musical heritage, Jazz.
- Photography I
- Photography I is a year-long course introducing and integrating both traditional and digital photography. Students will learn the terminology and techniques of black and white photography, build a pinhole camera, work with both film and digital cameras, learn safe use and handling of photo chemistry, and how to make prints, mount and display finished work. Once there is a basic understanding of the composition techniques and aesthetics of photography as art, students will incorporate PhotoShop into their work. They will examine the history and development of photography including its historical impact on today’s world while developing a critical eye. Students will be introduced to careers in photography and recognize the cultural and historical significance of a cross section of photographers nationally and internationally. Students will be expected to create a body of work including a portfolio which will reflect their ability to see through the eye of a photographer. Digital or film camera required.
- Music Technology
- Students will study the evolution of music technology and understand music in relation to history and culture. Students will be introduced to music fundamentals, notation, theory, and composition through music technology. Students will evaluate and perform post-WWII music. They will learn and apply musical, technical, and management skills necessary for pre-production and production activities. Career connections will be made via research, performances and a portfolio.
- Photography II
- Photography II is a year long course designed to develop more advanced studio techniques by building on the knowledge and skills introduced in Photo 1. Students will work with more technically-advanced photographic equipment including more in-depth work with lighting, digital processes, experimental photo techniques, and PhotoShop. Students will focus on developing a distinctive personal style and will pursue individual interests, learning to critique their work. By continued exploration of photographic styles, they will be able to link photography to diverse disciplines and professions. Students will create a portfolio/body of work that demonstrates their growth as a photographer. Digital or film camera required.
- AP Studio Art
- This course is designed for the advanced and self-motivated senior art student who plans to pursue the arts in college. Students will be required to work independently in the art studio on college level assignments and projects. Students will be expected to incorporate a higher level of understanding while working with the principles of design and the elements of art in these projects. Research on contemporary and historical artists and art movements will be an integral part of the course. Students will be required to make monthly museum/gallery visits and will be responsible for visits and interviews with university art professors and professional artists in the bay area. This course is not based on a written exam; instead, students will submit photographed portfolios for evaluation at the end of the school year.
- Acting I
- Acting 1 is designed to stimulate the actor’s imagination as well as help him/her develop a sense of security and freedom in performance. This highly interactive and collaborative course encourages students to increase their ability to communicate verbally and non-verbally, and to express their own experience and the experience of others. Throughout the year, students will learn proper warm-up and relaxation techniques, develop their senses, build concentration, and learn basic acting skills by participating in a wide variety of drama games, improvisational activities, movement exercises, and scripted performances.
- Acting II
- This class is designed to further develop the skills learned in Beginning Acting. Contemporary and classical styles of theatre will be introduced and performed: classical Greek theatre, Shakespearean theatre, modern British comedy, and children’s theatre. Theatre history, audition techniques, and performance analysis will also be significant components of this course. The year will culminate in a performance of a full-length play. (This course may be repeated for credit.)
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