Malcolm Shabazz Alternative H.S., Madison, WI, Art Course Descriptions

	Art Courses
Course Name	Description

Beginning & Intermediate Photography	If you want to learn basic 35mm black and white photography and its history, this class is for you. Beginning students learn how to bulk load film, develop negatives and print photographs. In addition you will learn how to use basic darkroom equipment, and several printing techniques. Students need access to a 35mm camera or a basic point and shoot camera. Beginners must pay a $15.00 fee; that covers the cost of chemicals for developing film, four rolls of film and photo paper. Intermediate and Advanced students pay $7.00 and they must provide their own paper.
Clayworks	Beginning students will learn basic handbuilding and glazing techniques and how to throw on the wheel. Intermediate students will be required to maintain a sketchbook of ideas and produce quality work for firing. All students will participate in group critiques and class discussions. Each student is required to clean up.
Drawing I	This class is the foundation for ‘seeing’ the world of images. The class has several goals; to work on improving your drawing techniques, developing and exercising your ability to concentrate and focus, to problem solve, and to become visually literate by learning about composition, perspective and elements of design. Finally, you will learn to talk about your work and to respectfully critique the work of your peers and famous artists.
Illustrating Stories for Children Service Learning	In this Service Learning class we will read and look at how children’s stories are illustrated. In cooperation with the “Writing Stories for Children” class we will illustrate a story for individual children from a neighboring elementary school. Students interested in learning about book making techniques, illustration, and who are willing to cooperate with writers will excel in this class.
Printmaking	Printmaking has an interesting history and an exciting future. In this class we will explore linocut, cast plater block, screen printing and computer transfers. Come and learn how to make your own T-shirt designs.
Play with your Food: The Art of Cooking Service Learning	Students who enjoy food and would like to learn more about food and its role in nutrition and health, our community and art will enjoy this class. Students will learn the importance of good nutrition to our health, how food is grown and distributed in our community, and the importance of how it is selected, prepared and presented. Students will have the opportunity to prepare food at a local restaurant for a school fundraiser and they will be responsible for preparing the meals for the trip class in April. We will learn to see food as and edible form of art. Come, enjoy, Bon appetite! Interested students must sign-up for classes with Tina and Martha to be enrolled in the 4th quarter Trip Class.
Intermediate Advanced Photography	This class will be offered second quarter to students who have completed two quarters of photography either at Shabazz or elsewhere. The class will be rigorous. Students will be expected to shoot a minimum of five rolls of film. There will be an assignment due weekly and a peer critique held weekly. Students will learn how to push process, use various papers, developers and toners. Using fiber-based paper, selenium toner and computer enhanced imagery are some of the few processes that will be performed. There will be a $10 fee for this class.
Painting	In this course, you will complete three paintings and study influential artists from around the world. We will focus on Chicana muralists, paintings made by descendants of freed slaves, and paintings and painted objects by Russian and Jewish immigrants. This class is a great place to try out art influenced by graffiti and the mixing of fabric and other materials into your paintings.
Art: His, Her, Our Story Service Learning	Learn to look, write and talk about art. Find out what the experts say about art and see if you agree with them. Learn to give a tour at the Madison Art Gallery to children and your peers. If you like art, this class is for you. This is a service learning class.
Sculpture	Using modeling clay, wood, plaster and other found objects discover the world of sculpture. Enjoy the geometry of space and learn to appreciate public monumental art. We will also study a few sculptors. You will be required to write a research paper on one of the artists and their style.
Mural Art Service Learning	Discover the history of mural art and learn about some of the best know mural artists. You will also have the opportunity to practice this art form by planning and painting the Betty and Malcolm Shabazz mural on the wall adjacent to the LMC. No previous art experience necessary, only a cooperative spirit.
The Art of Music	This class will survey the development of classical music from the Rennaissance to the 20th century. We will learn the basics of classical music theory to prepare our minds to listen to the music. Using famous composers as benchmarks on an historical timeline, we will look at their lives and times, but mostly we will listen to their music. Each student will keep a journal and/or sketchbook to record their reaction to the music. In addition, each student will be requried to attend two free live performances.
Commercial Art	If you are interested in what makes us purchase the products we use, this class is for you. Using the texts, Typography, Adobe Photoshop Layout and Design, students learn the elements and principals of layout and design. They apply these principles to several projects. Students learn to work in teams simulating an advertising company. Each team chooses their leader. They get individual and team instructions via e-mail. Students develop a product, company logo and a package for their product. They learn to scan images and manipulate them using Adobe Photoshop. Each project is presented and evaluated in class critique sessions. Students learn to appreciate and talk about their many abilities and creativity.
The Art of Violence	The purpose of this class is to take a critical view violence designed and promoted by commercial, graphic and video artists. Does putting art that portrays violence in museums make the violence art? How is violence designed, why is violence promoted, and what role do commercial, graphic, video and street artists have in crating an aesthetic of violence? This course requires readings, viewings, research and art journaling and art making.
Carving the Walking Stick	In this class, students learn the fundamentals of woodcarving and apply that knowledge to carving a walking staff. The first half of the quarter will be spendtpracticing various techniques of carving, making different designs and patterns. The second half of the class will be spendtcreating a carved, final project. Limit: 15 students.
Fabulous Fabric Art	If you like to sew and are interested in fabric design you will like this class. Come and enjoy the varied textures, colors, line and form of fabric. Learn how to needlepoint, quilt, sculpt with fabric and weave. Beginners and intermediate sewers are encouraged to sign-up.
The Art of Graffiti	In this class we will educate ourselves on the extensive meaning behind graffiti. We will look at society’s view on this artistic genre and look at the history behind how it got started. We will look at the different styles and techniques that various artists use in creating graf art. We will move to the computer lab and use the art applications available to create our own tags and stylized alphabets. Madison does not have an official, legal place where artists can express themselves through graffiti art. As a portion of this class, we will write letters to our local and statewide officials asking for their support in obtaining a legal yard. We will contact area businesses to try to find legal places for this class expression. Eventually, we will graf the wall which is just outside the art room. This will be a class where we can all learn from each other. Anybody who knows anything about the art of writing is encouraged to sign up for this class and share your input. This should be an interesting class for all levels.
Environmental Art Service Learning	All living beings need good health, a place to live, clean air, water, and adequate food. The purpose of this course is to understand our relationship to the environment and the environment’s impact on our health. To gain this understanding we will study air, and respiratory health. We will use art as a vehicle to reflect and interpret our learning experiences. Students will be asked to create art activities to teach about air quality and respiratory health to preschool children and at the end of the quarter students will share their activity at a neighborhood preschool. This is an excellent chance for you to learn about this important issue through the novel approach of art.
Spoon/Bowl Carving	In this class we will learn techniques for carving fully functional wooden spoons. Using a “crooked knife”, students will be expected to complete a set of eight spoons. Using the same technology, students will also carve wooden bowls.
2-Dimensional Art	This class offers studio instruction in 2-D art making. Using various artistic approaches, the student will learn techniques to develop increased artistic perceptions. Approaches will include composition and design, use of perspective, line, light and dark, color, development of space, and expressive qualities in drawing and painting.
Introduction to Whittling & Chip Carving	121-282 Students in this class will learn the basic of safety and wood carving by working on walking sticks and other small carvings.
Art Portfolio	This class has a Service Learning component. Portfolio Preparation is open to students who intend on going to Art or Music School. We will work on compiling and documenting the required work for college. Each art student will complete a minimum of six works. They will then learn to take slides of their work for submission to art schools. In addition to their portfolio preparation, students will be required to take part in a study group. The group will study the feasibility of bringing music classes to Shabazz. We will conduct a survey to find out what music classes and what type of music classes the students would like to see at our school. We will aslo meet with the Fine Arts Director for the MMSD to explore instructor allocation, space needs, and instrument acquisition. Music students who have artwork completed that meet the portfolio requirements can bring them to photography and add to their portfolio.
African Drumming	121-289 In this class, students will be introduced to African drumming. Over the course of the quarter, students will learn various songs and rhythms from West Africa. Students who have made drums in earlier drummaking classes are encouraged to take this next step and learn to play beyond mere improvisation. We will have periodic visits and instruction by Djam and Abu to learn some dances that go with the rhythms we learn.
Observational Drawing	“Improve Your Drawing Skills!” For people with and level of drawing experience, this class will feature structured drawing exercises to help the artists understand basic design elements and techniques. We will explore drawing with pencils, ink, conte crayons, charcoal, and do a variety of structured projects. Homework will be assigned! Do not take this class for an easy credit -- we will make you work for it!!! Basic observational drawing is the foundation for all other visual arts. If you are at all serious about your artistic education, this class is for you.
Making Tongue Drums	In this new class, students will learn some fine woodworking skills while constructing a wooden, tongue drum. The course will include:- 2 trips to BVC Hardwoods on Ct. “M” to select your lumber (lunder costs will range from $30-$100, depending on your choice of wood.- Learning “dovetail jointing”, squaring and cutting of lumber, sanding, finishing, and jig sawing. - The rest of the course will be spent learning how to play your drum.
The Art of Shelter	This class is a continuation of the 4th hour trip class. Students will learn about building various shelters that will be used on our trip to the Grand Tetons in September. They will learn how toconstruct a nomadic Mongolian dwelling called a “Ger” and a two Native American Dwellings called Teepees and wigwams. The class will go on four field trips for harvesting materials for these dwellings.
Drawing II	Prerequisite: Drawing I. This class is the foundation for ‘seeing’ the world of images. The class has several goals; to work on improving your drawing techniques, developing and exercising your ability to concentrate and focus, to problem solve, and to become visually literate by learning about composition, perspective and elements of design. Finally, you will learn to talk about your work and to respectfully critique the work of your peers and famous artists.
Basic Furniture Design	In this class, students will design and build new tables for Gene’s room. Over the course of the quarter, students will learn safety procedures for using power tools such as a jointer, circular saw and power drills. Students will work in teams to design a unique table and will then work together to build their design.
Willow Basketry	In this class students will learn the techniques used to construct a functional basket out of ditch willow, a weed found in low lying areas. Part of the class will focus on the harvesting of the materials needed. Each student will be required to go on one harvest, probably after school. With mastery, students will be encouraged to vary their designs and create different styles of baskets. Two completed baskets will be required to receive credit.
Advanced Photography/Commercial Art	This course combines photography and commercial art. Students will need to have taken at least one quarter of Photography in order to enroll in this class. Using the texts, Typography, Adobe Photoshop Layout and Design, students will learn to work in teams simulating an advertising company. They will develop a product and an advertising campaign for their product. Students will use various types of photographic papers and computer enhanced imagery. Their projects will be presented and evaluated in class critique sessions.