Art in the CIty (The Academy Exclusive)
This is like no art history course you’ve ever experienced, leading you to explore the city around you and
uncover the past and the present through the creative work that decorates our neighborhoods. Students
will study official public art pieces such as memorials and murals alongside unsanctioned street art and
ephemeral site specific installations. Assignments will lead you on adventures through your city to bring
back insights and thoughts that will drive class discussions.
Ceramics I: Methods and Materials
In Ceramics I, students learn a concrete way to develop their creativity as they choose functional vessels,
decorative pieces, and sculptural work. Course work includes an online portfolio, project ideation (drawing
and planning), project assembly, glazing, vocabulary quizzes, self-evaluations, and group critiques. This
class may be taken multiple times with instructor approval.
Ceramics II: Handbuilding and Wheel
In Ceramics II, students will continue higher levels of handbuilding techniques or try different technique
paths. The student will continue to develop their creative process and find more complete and
sophisticated ways to approach their work. Course work includes adding to their online portfolio, project
ideation (drawing and planning), project assembly, glazing, vocabulary quizzes, self-evaluations, and group
critiques. This class may be taken multiple times with instructor approval.
Drawing and Painting I: Methods and Materials
This course focuses on the elements and principles of design through drawing and painting. Its purpose
is to help students develop the technical and perceptual skills they need in order to explore individual
ideas and meaningful personal expression, as well as prepare them for advanced classes in drawing and
painting. Drawing assignments are fundamental and are aimed at teaching students to process visual
information as an artist does, through exercises in sighting, perspective, and modeling form. Creative
problem solving is at the heart of all studio work. This class may be taken multiple times with instructor
approval.
Drawing and Painting II: Visual Concepts
In this course, students are presented more advanced problems in drawing with emphasis placed on drawing from life and composition. Students use gesture and contour lines in quick and sustained studies and work with a variety of media. Building upon the foundation of design principles introduced in Drawing and Painting I, they continue to explore visual concepts and solve design problems. In-process critiques, art history and art appreciation help students learn to evaluate their own work and that of others. This class may be taken multiple times with instructor approval.
Filmmaking I: Foundations of Film
Filmmaking I explores the history of filmmaking from its origins to today’s modern special effect films. Students will learn about making motion pictures from the ground up and will have hands-on opportunities to create shots and special effects.
Filmmaking II: Script to Screen
In this course students will create a short film of their own. They will study screenwriting and storyboarding and develop a script which they will then film and edit for presentation at venues such as the ISAS Fine Arts Festival and the Dallas Film Festival. This class may be taken multiple times with instructor approval.
Filmmaking III: Advanced Production
In this course, students will refine their creative voice and learn who they are as filmmakers. They will create several short films for review and evaluation focusing on different aspects of filmmaking. They will choose one or more of these films to submit to festivals, including presentation at the ISAS Arts showcase, and submission to the Dallas International Film Festival, South by Southwest, and other festivals where available. This course may be taken multiple times with instructor approval. This course is offered in alternating years.
Design I: Visual Design Basics
Design I, formerly known as Graphic Design, introduces core visual design principles through digital tools and techniques. Students learn industry-standard software while mastering fundamentals of layout, color theory, and composition while integrating important topics such as ethics, social impact, and sustainability. The course also introduces students to the concept of design as a tool for social change, encouraging them to think critically about how design choices can influence culture, communities, and the environment. By the end of the course, students will create independent projects and compile a basic portfolio of process and product documentation.
Design II: Visual Design and AI
Design II builds on the foundational principles learned in Design I, with an emphasis on independent work, advanced design techniques, digital techniques and continued attention to ethics, social impact, and sustainability. In this course, students will engage in more complex design challenges. Students will also explore more sophisticated digital tools, mixed media, and interdisciplinary approaches to design in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional projects. With more autonomy over their creative process, students will complete individual design projects that demonstrate their ability to approach design with intention and visual awareness. This course encourages students to critically examine how their design work can serve both artistic and social purposes, preparing them for future endeavors in visual arts, design, or other fields.
Photography I: Technique and Composition
Photography I is an introductory course where students develop a basic knowledge of photographic design, composition, critique and display. Students use digital cameras and edit photographs in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. Students will learn functions of the camera and generate strong black and white images that portray growth through technical skill and student voice and choice. This class may be taken multiple times with instructor approval.
Photography II: Editing and Exploration
A sequence course to Photography I, students continue to develop their knowledge of photographic design, composition, critique and display in Photography II. Students work within Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop to edit and generate digital images. Students will expand their camera and technical understanding. Students will also participate in reflective personal and peer critiques, and develop an ongoing online portfolio. This class may be taken multiple times with instructor approval.
