Curriculum Guide

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US Visual Arts

  • Animation I

    ANIMATION I US7363
    (Offered second semester) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 9-12


    This course explores the ability of 2D animation software to create the illusion of motion from a series of still images. Based on the core concepts of visual storytelling, students investigate the transition from static to dynamic in the context of narrative structure. Walk cycles, lip sync and stop-motion principles are explored. Software used includes Adobe After Effects, Adobe Animate, and Adobe Character Animator.

  • Animation II

    ANIMATION II US7367
    (Offered second semester) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 9-12


    This course explores the ability of 2D animation software to create the illusion of motion from a series of still images. Based on the core concepts of visual storytelling, students investigate the transition from static to dynamic in the context of narrative structure. Walk cycles, lip sync and stop-motion principles are explored. Software used includes Adobe After Effects, Adobe Animate, and Adobe Character Animator.

  • Architecture I

    ARCHITECTURE I US7521
    (Offered first semester) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 9-12
     
    This class introduces skills, techniques and concepts that create a robust foundation for the understanding of architectural principles. Students will create 3D models of existing buildings, generate 3D models based on basic floor plans, and design their own unique structures. Concepts in design, critique, and critical thinking will be utilized. Field trips have included the Chicago River Architectural Tour, the Frank Lloyd Wright home and studio and the IIT campus.
     
    Architecture I US7521 may be elected more than once as Architecture II US7531. Advanced assignments vary depending on experience. PREREQUISITE: Architecture II cannot be taken without completing Architecture I, but it may be taken in a succeeding year.
  • Architecture II

    ARCHITECTURE II US7533
    (Offered both semesters) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 9-12


    This class introduces skills, techniques and concepts that create a robust foundation for the understanding of architectural principles. Students will create 3D models of existing buildings, generate 3D models based on basic floor plans, and design their own unique structures digitally. Concepts in design, critique and critical thinking will be explored.

  • Art Studio I

    ART STUDIO I US7380
    (Offered both semesters) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 9-12


    Find your creative muse! This self-directed course introduces a variety of 2D and 3D techniques, materials, and conceptual approaches to making art. Students will practice how artists use the design thinking process to independently generate their own ideas and create art using personally meaningful themes. Students develop their artistic voice through making choices about subject matter, working methods and media. Exposure to a diverse selection of artists will inspire creative practice. Flex period attendance may be required on a case-by-case basis.

  • Art Studio II

    ART STUDIO II US7395
    (Offered both semesters) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 9-12


    Find your creative muse! This self-directed course introduces a variety of 2D and 3D techniques, materials, and conceptual approaches to making art. Students will practice how artists use the design thinking process to independently generate their own ideas and create art using personally meaningful themes. Students develop their artistic voice through making choices about subject matter, working methods and media. Exposure to a diverse selection of artists will inspire creative practice. Flex period attendancse may be required on a case-by-case basis.

  • Ceramics & Sculpture I

    CERAMICS & SCULPTURE I US7761
    (Offered both semesters) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 9-12


    Imagine, design, build! In this course students will learn to artistically manipulate 3D materials to create sculptural and functional forms. Available materials include clay, plaster, wire, cement, cardboard, paper, fabric and more. A variety of construction skills can be explored including modeling, carving, sewing and assemblage as well as ceramic clay handbuilding methods and throwing on the pottery wheel. Global sculptors and potters will serve to inspire students’ design and production choices. Flex period attendance may be required on a case-by-case basis.

  • Ceramics & Sculpture II

    CERAMICS & SCULPTURE II US7766
    (Offered both semesters) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 9-12


    Imagine, design, build! In this course students will learn to artistically manipulate 3D materials to create sculptural and functional forms. Available materials include clay, plaster, wire, cement, cardboard, paper, fabric and more. A variety of construction skills can be explored including modeling, carving, sewing and assemblage as well as ceramic clay handbuilding methods and throwing on the pottery wheel. Global sculptors and potters will serve to inspire students’ design and production choices. Flex period attendance may be required on a case-by-case basis.

  • Creating Historical Documentaries

    CREATING HISTORICAL DOCUMENTARIES US7010
    (Offered first semester) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 10-12
    COREQUISITE: Concurrent enrollment during the same period in Creating Historical Documentaries

    Students will research, write, film, edit and produce a medium-length documentary about an important historical event, moment, crisis, or social justice cause. This interdisciplinary course will provide students opportunities to learn and sharpen key historical skills, including writing, research and storytelling techniques. Students will also gain experience with pre-production, shooting, lighting, interview techniques, editing, graphics and audio. This class uses state-of-the-art 4K cameras and Adobe Premiere Pro to create professional quality videos. Note: This class is primarily a studio class, which means that while homework is rare, students are going to need to work during Flex periods in order to finish their projects.

  • Creating Short Films I

    CREATING SHORT FILMS I US7970
    (Offered first semester) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 9-12


    Create short films! Students will learn various styles and techniques of video production through the creation of a series of short films and documentaries. Pre-production will involve planning and preparation. Field production gives students experience with shooting, lighting and interview techniques. Post-production involves editing, graphics and audio. This class uses state-of-the-art equipment and software to create professional quality short films.

  • Creating Short Films II

    CREATING SHORT FILMS II US7990
    (Offered first semester) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 9-12


    Create short films! Students will learn various styles and techniques of video production through the creation of a series of short films and documentaries. Pre-production will involve planning and preparation. Field production gives students experience with shooting, lighting and interview techniques. Post-production involves editing, graphics and audio. This class uses state-of-the-art equipment and software to create professional quality short films.

  • Digital Art Studio

    DIGITAL ART STUDIO US7329
    (Offered second semester) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit)

    Prerequisite: any of the following: Animation, Architecture, Creating Short Films, Graphic Design with Photoshop, or Creating Historical Documentaries

    This self-directed digital art workshop gives students the time, space, and tools to explore their creative voices through original digital projects. Students can design and produce a wide variety of work such as short films, animations, vlogs, podcasts, digital music, websites, posters, 3D printed objects and any other media they can imagine using the video lab’s professional software and equipment. Through a structured creative process, students move from idea development and planning in pre-production, to hands-on creation during production cycles, and finally refining and publishing shareable work in post-production.

  • Fashion Lab I

    FASHION LAB I US7733
    (Offered both semesters) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 10-12


    In this course students will learn how to create wearable garments. Students will be exposed to and practice fundamental skills including machine and hand sewing, garment construction and alteration, fashion/costume design and figure drawing. Students will draw inspiration from contemporary, historical and multicultural fashion/costume resources. Individually chosen projects may range from the traditional to the experimental. Flex period attendance may be required on a case-by-case basis.

  • Fashion Lab II

    FASHION LAB II US7751
    (Offered both semesters) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 10-12


    In this course students will learn how to create wearable garments. Students will be exposed to and practice fundamental skills including machine and hand sewing, garment construction and alteration, fashion/costume design and figure drawing. Students will draw inspiration from contemporary, historical and multicultural fashion/costume resources. Individually chosen projects may range from the traditional to the experimental. Flex period attendance may be required on a case-by-case basis.

  • Graphic Design with Photoshop I

    GRAPHIC DESIGN WITH PHOTOSHOP I US7352
    (Offered both semesters) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 9-12


    In this course students use Adobe Photoshop to stretch the limits of what is possible with digital image generation and modification. From examining typography through the lens of designing their own concert posters to colorizing old black and white photos to generating impossible images with text prompts, students will learn to use the most powerful graphic design tool available.

  • Graphic Design with Photoshop II

    GRAPHIC DESIGN WITH PHOTOSHOP II US7354
    (Offered both semesters) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 9-12


    In this course students use Adobe Photoshop to stretch the limits of what is possible with digital image generation and modification. From examining typography through the lens of designing their own concert posters to colorizing old black and white photos to generating impossible images with text prompts, students will learn to use the most powerful graphic design tool available.

  • Painting I

    PAINTING I US7111
    (Offered both semesters) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 9–12


    Students will learn how to paint by starting with the basics of color theory, color mixing, blending and brushwork. Students will work on both abstract and realistic representation in this course. Students will practice still-life painting, self-portraits, historical painting styles and more. Students will gain confidence in understanding composition to create balance in their work. Critiques will be an important part of the class as students learn to discuss artwork and learn from others.

     

  • Painting II

    PAINTING II US7122
    (Offered both semesters) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 9–12


    Students will learn how to paint by starting with the basics of color theory, color mixing, blending and brushwork. Students will work on both abstract and realistic representation in this course. Students will practice still-life painting, self-portraits, historical painting styles and more. Students will gain confidence in understanding composition to create balance in their work. Critiques will be an important part of the class as students learn to discuss artwork and learn from others.

     

  • Photography I

    PHOTOGRAPHY I US7211
    (Offered both semesters) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 9-12


    Students will be engaged with the practice of photography as an art form. Students will practice digital photography using DSLR cameras. They will develop visual literacy in discussing and making compelling photos. Most coursework will be performed on a DSLR camera, and students will learn to use a camera to control image outcomes manually.  Students will practice image editing tools such as Adobe Lightroom Classic and develop an awareness of printing on medium and large-format inkjet Epson printers. They will define their voice by practicing image construction, selection, and manipulation to make pictures that communicate visual ideas.

  • Photography II

    PHOTOGRAPHY II US7222
    (Offered both semesters) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 9-12


    Students will be engaged with the practice of photography as an art form. Students will practice digital photography using DSLR cameras. They will develop visual literacy in discussing and making compelling photos. Most coursework will be performed on a DSLR camera, and students will learn to use a camera to control image outcomes manually.  Students will practice image editing tools such as Adobe Lightroom Classic and develop an awareness of printing on medium and large-format inkjet Epson printers. They will define their voice by practicing image construction, selection, and manipulation to make pictures that communicate visual ideas.

  • Woodworking I

    WOODWORKING I US7411
    (Offered both semesters) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 9-12


    This is a hands-on course that teaches the fundamentals of woodworking. The lessons learned in a woodshop transcend just learning about how to make projects out of wood, but rather teach students how to visualize/organize ideas and then create them in an artistic way. This class is appropriate for all skill levels with assignments based on the comfort and interest of the individual. Students are encouraged to explore the shop’s full resources towards the production of wood crafted projects. Note: This class is primarily a studio class, which means that while homework is rare, students may need to work during Flex periods in order to stay on schedule with projects.

  • Woodworking II

    WOODWORKING II US7431
    (Offered both semesters) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 9-12


    This is a hands-on course that teaches the fundamentals of woodworking. The lessons learned in a woodshop transcend just learning about how to make projects out of wood, but rather teach students how to visualize/organize ideas and then create them in an artistic way. This class is appropriate for all skill levels with assignments based on the comfort and interest of the individual. Students are encouraged to explore the shop’s full resources towards the production of wood crafted projects. Note: This class is primarily a studio class, which means that while homework is rare, students may need to work during Flex periods in order to stay on schedule with projects.

Francis W. Parker School educates students to think and act with empathy, courage and clarity as responsible citizens and leaders in a diverse democratic society and global community.