Electives
DRAWING I, II, AND III
Credit 1
This course enables students to develop basic perceptual, observational, and compositional skills necessary to communicate a range of subject matter, symbols, ideas, and concepts using knowledge of drawing media, processes, and techniques.
PREREQUISITE: Drawing I – None; Drawing II – Drawing I; Drawing III – Drawing I and II
PAINTING I, II, AND III
Credit 1
Students experiment with the media and techniques used to create a variety of two-dimensional (2-D) artworks through the development of skills in painting. Students practice and manipulate the structural elements of art to improve mark making and/or the organizational principles of design in a composition from observation, research, and/or imagination. Through the critique process, students evaluate and respond to their own work and that of their peers. This course incorporates hands-on activities and consumption of art materials.
PREREQUISITE: Painting I – None; Painting II –Painting I; Painting III –Painting I and II
PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT: DRAWING-HONORS
Credit 1
Students work in a self-directed environment to develop a portfolio showing a body of their own work that visually explores a particular artistic concern, articulated and supported by a written artist's statement. Artists may work in, but are not limited to, content in drawing, painting, printmaking, and/or mixed media that emphasizes line quality, rendering of form, composition, surface manipulation, and/or illusion of depth. Students regularly reflect on aesthetics and art issues individually and as a group, and focus on expressive content that is progressively more innovative and representative of the student's artistic and cognitive growth. In keeping with the rigor expected in an accelerated setting, students’ portfolios show personal vision and artistic growth over time, mastery of visual art skills and techniques, and evidence of sophisticated analytical and problem-solving skills based on their structural, historical, and cultural knowledge. Students are self-directed and display readiness for high levels of critical thinking, research, conceptual thinking, and creative risk-taking. This course incorporates hands-on activities and consumption of art materials.
PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT: TWO DIMENSIONAL DESIGN-HONORS
Credit 1
Students work in a self-directed environment to develop a portfolio showing a body of their own work that visually explores a particular artistic concern, articulated and supported by a written artist's statement. Artists may work in, but are not limited to, content in drawing, painting, printmaking, mixed media, traditional photography, digital photography, and/or new media and emerging technologies that demonstrate understanding of design principles as applied to a 2-dimensional surface.
AP STUDO ART
Credit 1
The AP Studio Art course is for students interested in a rigorous and focused study in art. Students will develop a quality portfolio that demonstrates a mastery of concept, composition and execution in 2D design. This course is based on a student creating a body of work that demonstrates quality, concentration and breadth. This portfolio will be submitted to the College Board for college credit.
TWO DIMENSIONAL ART I/II/III Honors
Credit 1
Students experiment with the media and techniques used to create a variety of two-dimensional (2-D) artworks through the development of skills in drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, and/or design. Students practice, sketch, and manipulate the structural elements of art to improve mark making and/or the organizational principles of design in a composition from observation, research, and/or imagination. Through the critique process, students evaluate and respond to their own work and that of their peers. This course incorporates hands-on activities and consumption of art materials.
3-D STUDIO ART I (offered at select schools)
Credit 1
Students explore how space, mass, balance, and form combine to create aesthetic forms or utilitarian products and structures. Instruction may include, but is not limited to, content in green or industrial design, sculpture, ceramics, or building arts. Media may include, but are not limited to, clay, wood, plaster, and paper maché with consideration of the workability, durability, cost, and toxicity of the media used. Student artists consider the relationship of scale (i.e., hand-held, human, monumental) through the use of positive and negative space or voids, volume, visual weight, and gravity to create low/high relief or freestanding structures for personal intentions or public places. They explore sharp and diminishing detail, size, position, overlapping, visual pattern, texture, implied line, space, and plasticity, reflecting craftsmanship and quality in the surface and structural qualities of the completed art forms. Students in the 3-D art studio focus on use of safety procedures for process, media, and techniques. Student artists use an art criticism process to evaluate, explain, and measure artistic growth in personal or group works. This course incorporates hands-on activities and consumption of art materials.
FILM I (offered at select schools)
Credit 1
Students explore the fundamental concepts, terminology, techniques, and applications of digital imaging to create original work. The instructional focus will be on film. Students produce digital animated images through the single or combined use of computers, digital cameras, digital video cameras, scanners, photo editing software, drawing and painting software, graphic tablets, printers, new media, and emerging technologies. Through the critique process, students evaluate and respond to their own work and to the work of their peers to measure artistic growth. This course incorporates hands-on activities, the use of technology, and consumption of art materials.
FILM II (offered at select schools)
Credit 1
Students explore and develop concepts, terminology, techniques, and applications to design, create, print, and display original two-dimensional animations. The instructional focus will be on film. As they become more adept at using the tools and techniques available to them, students design digital animated images through the single or combined use of computers, digital cameras, digital video cameras, scanners, photo editing software, drawing and painting software, graphic tablets, printers, new media, and emerging technologies. Through the critique process, students evaluate and respond to their own designs and images and those of their peers to measure artistic growth with increasing sophistication. This course incorporates hands-on activities, the use of technology, and consumption of art materials.
FILM III HONORS (offered at select schools)
Credit 1
Students explore advanced topics through project-based work, becoming more self-directed in their acquisition and use of concepts, terminology, techniques, and applications to design, create, print, and display original two-dimensional animations in video formats. As students become more adept at using tools and techniques available to them, students design and produce digital animated images through the single or combined use of computers, digital cameras, digital video cameras, scanners, photo editing software, drawing and painting software, graphic tablets, printers, new media, and emerging technologies. Through the critique process, students evaluate and respond to their own designs and images and those of their peers to measure artistic growth with increasing sophistication and independence to promote risk-taking in the completion of concept-based, self-directed work. This course incorporates hands-on activities, the use of technology, and consumption of art materials.
THEATRE I/II AND III HONORS (offered at select schools)
Credit 1
This course promotes enjoyment and appreciation for all aspects of theatre. Classwork focuses on the exploration of theatrical literature, performance, historical and cultural connections, and technical requirements. Improvisation, creative dramatics, and beginning scene work are used to introduce students to acting and character development. Incorporation of other art forms in theatre also helps students gain appreciation for other art forms, such as music, dance, and visual art.
BAND I, II, III, IV and Advanced Band III, IV
Credit 1
Band provides students with instruction in the development of technical skills on wind and percussion instruments. Emphasis will be placed on the development of skills in interpretation of notation and expressive performance markings, individual and ensemble performance techniques, critical listening skills and aesthetic values. The content should include, but not be limited to, the following: production of characteristic tone on wind and percussion instruments; ensemble performance techniques, including phrasing, articulation, blend, balance, and intonation, response to conducting; performance of band literature from varied historical periods and cultures; composition, arrangement, and improvisation technique; evaluation and application of knowledge of musical form and history; analysis and evaluation as a performer and listener; responsible participation in music activities; importance of music in everyday life.
Special Note: The course requirements contained in this course description are designed for a one credit course. This course may be repeated by a student for multiple credits if, on subsequent offerings, the required level of student proficiency increases. This course may require extra rehearsals and performances beyond the school day.
REGULAR PREREQUISITE: Instructor’s approval.
ADVANCED PREREQUISITE: Instructor’s approval and evidence of advanced musical competence
CHORUS I, II, III, IV AND V
Credit 1
Meets graduation requirements for Performing Fine Arts
Chorus provides students with instruction in the development of technical skills in the choral setting. Emphasis will be placed on the development of skills in reading music notation; music theory and composition; individual and ensemble performance techniques; analysis of form, style, and history included in the performance preparation of varied choral literature; and critical listening skills and aesthetic values. The content should include, but not be limited to, the following: healthful and musically appropriate vocal tone production technique; independent interpretation of varied choral literature; application of rhythmic and melodic notation and expressive marking in performance, composing, and improvising; analysis of musical form, varied style periods, and aesthetic perceptions; evaluation of musical performance as a performer and a listener, application of appropriate choral performance technique; responsible participation in music activities; roles and influence of choral music and musicians in culture, society, and everyday life.
Special Note: The course requirements contained in this course description are designed for a one credit course. This course may be repeated by a student for multiple credits if on subsequent offerings, the required level of student proficiency increases. This course may require extra rehearsals and performances beyond the school day.
PREREQUISITE: Instructor’s approval
DANCE TECHNIQUES I/II/III HONORS (offered at select schools)
Credit 1
Students in this year-long, entry-level course, designed for those having no prior dance instruction, learn foundational skills in two or more dance styles. Their development of fundamental dance technique is enriched and enlivened through study of works by a variety of diverse artists, developing genre-specific movement vocabulary and dance terminology, and building knowledge and skills related to somatic practices, dance composition, analysis of effort and outcomes, dance history and culture, collaborative work, and rehearsal and performance protocols.
DANCE CHOREOGRAPHY AND PERFORMACE (offered at select schools)
Credit 1
Students explore key concepts of dance making with a focus on improvisation, composition, and choreographic processes and principles. Students study the works and creative techniques of highly technical and cultural forces that influenced significant or exemplary works, and students consider the innovations that came out of them. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom. This course will culminate in a Senior recital.
JOURNALISM I
Credit 1
Meets graduation requirements for Practical Arts
This course provides instruction in basic aspects of journalism and workshop experiences in journalistic production. The content includes, but is not limited to, instruction in recognizing and writing news for journalistic media and in developing editorials, sports articles, and feature stories. In addition to written work, students receive instruction in the history and traditions of journalism as well as workshop experiences in photography, layouts, advertising, printing, and other practical aspects of journalistic enterprise. In connection with workshop experiences, one or more student journalistic productions may be included.
JOURNALISM II
Credit 1
The purpose of this course is to enable students to extend fundamental skills in the production of journalism across print, multimedia, web, and broadcast/radio platforms and to develop further knowledge of journalism history, ethics use, and management techniques related to the production of journalistic media.
DEBATE I
Credit 1
This course provides instruction in the fundamentals of argumentation and problem solving. The content includes, but is not limited to, instruction in logical thinking, organization of facts, and speaking skills. Students practice research skills related to debate topics and also participate in frequent debate situations. Students will demonstrate knowledge of debate procedures and presentations through participation in local debate tournaments. Students will also have the opportunity to compete at national tournaments.
DEBATE II
Credit 1
The purpose of this course is to continue to develop students' awareness, understanding, and application of language arts as it applies to oral communication concepts and strategies for public debate in a variety of given settings. Some work outside of the regular school day may be required.
DEBATE III HONORS
Credit 1
The purpose of this course is to develop students' enhanced awareness, understanding, and application of language arts as it applies to advanced oral communication concepts and strategies for public debate in a variety of given settings. Some work outside of the regular school day may be required.
PSYCHOLOGY I
Credit 1
Through the study of psychology, students acquire an understanding of and an appreciation for human behavior, behavior interaction, and the progressive development of individuals. The content examined in this first introductory course includes major theories and orientations of psychology, psychological methodology, memory and cognition, human growth and development, personality, abnormal behavior, psychological therapies, stress/coping strategies, and mental health.
PSYCHOLOGY II
Credit 1
The content examined in this second introductory course includes statistical research, psychobiology, motivation and emotion, sensation and perception, states of consciousness, psychological testing, and social psychology.
AP PSYCHOLOGY
Credit 1
This course introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. While considering the psychologists and studies that have shaped the field, students explore and apply psychological theories, key concepts, and phenomena associated with such topics as the biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, learning and cognition, motivation, developmental psychology, testing and individual differences, treatment of abnormal behavior, and social psychology. Throughout the course, students employ psychological research methods, including ethical considerations, as they use the scientific method, analyze bias, evaluate claims and evidence, and effectively communicate ideas.
SOCIOLOGY (offered at select schools)
Credits .5
Through the study of sociology, students acquire an understanding of group interaction and its impact on individuals in order that they may have a greater awareness of the beliefs, values and behavior patterns of others. In an increasingly interdependent world, students need to recognize how group behavior affects both the individual and society.
DIGITAL ART IMAGING I, II (offered at select schools)
Credit 1
Students explore and develop concepts, terminology, techniques, and applications to design, create, print, and display original two-dimensional graphic and fine works of art. As they become more adept at using the tools and techniques available to them, students design digital still images through the single or combined use of computers, digital cameras, scanners, photo editing software, drawing and painting software, graphic tablets, printers, new media, and emerging technologies. Through the critique process, students evaluate and respond to their own designs and images and those of their peers to measure artistic growth with increasing sophistication. This course incorporates hands-on activities, the use of technology, and consumption of art materials.
DIGITAL ART IMAGING III HONORS (offered at select schools)
Credit 1
Students explore advanced topics through project-based work, becoming more self-directed in their acquisition and use of concepts, terminology, techniques, and applications to design, create, print, and display original two-dimensional graphic and fine works of art in print and web formats. As they become more adept at using the tools and techniques available to them, students design and produce digital still images through the single or combined use of computers, digital cameras, scanners, photo editing software, drawing and painting software, graphic tablets, printers, new media, and emerging technologies. Through the critique process, students evaluate and respond to their own designs and images and those of their peers to measure artistic growth with increasing sophistication and independence to promote risk-taking in the completion of conceptually based, self-directed work. This course incorporates hands-on activities, the use of technology, and consumption of art materials.
CREATIVE PHOTOGRAHY (offered at select schools)
Credit 1
Students explore the aesthetic foundations of art making using beginning photography techniques. This course may include, but is not limited to, color and/or black and white photography via digital media and/or traditional photography. Students become familiar with the basic mechanics of a camera, including lens and shutter operation, compositional foundations, printing an image for display, and evaluating a successful print. Student photographers may use a variety of media and materials, such as 35mm black and white film, single lens reflex camera, digital camera, darkroom, computer application, filters, various papers, digital output, photogram, cyanotypes, Sabatier effect, and pinhole photography. Craftsmanship and quality are reflected in the surface of the prints and the care of the materials. Photographers use an art criticism process to evaluate, explain, and measure artistic growth in personal or group works. This course incorporates hands-on activities and consumption of art materials.
VIDEO GAME AND SIMULATIONS FOUNDATIONS (offered at select schools)
Credit 1
This course compares and contrasts games and simulations, key development methodologies and tools, career, and industry-related information. This course also covers strategies, processes, and methods for conceptualizing a game or simulation application; storyboarding techniques; and development tools.
GAME SIMULATION AND ANIMATION (offered at select schools)
Credit 1
This course covers fundamental principles of designing a game or a simulation application, rules and strategies of play, conditional branching, design and development constraints, use of sound and animation, design tools, and implementation issues. The content includes market research, product design documentation, storyboarding, proposal development, and presentation of a project report. Emphasis is placed on the techniques needed to develop well-documented, structured game or simulation programs. Extensive use is made of evaluating and analyzing existing games or simulations.
VISUAL TECHNOLOGY
Credit 1
Students explore the fundamental concepts, terminology, techniques, and applications of digital imaging to create original work. Students produce animated digital images through the single or combined use of computers, digital cameras, digital video cameras, scanners, photo editing software, drawing and painting software, graphic tablets, printers, new media, and emerging technologies. Through the critique process, students evaluate and respond to their own work and that of their peers to measure artistic growth. This course incorporates hands-on activities, the use of technology, and consumption of art materials.
LATIN AMERICAN STUDIES (GLOBAL STUDIES) (offered at select schools)
Credit 1
The primary content emphasis for this course pertains to the study of the chronological development on the development of the Latin American people by examining the history and culture of the region with emphasis on the Caribbean Basin, Central America and South America. Students will be exposed to the historical, geographic, political, economic, and sociological events which influenced the progression of Latin America including, but not limited to, indigenous Native American population prior to the arrival of the Europeans, Spanish heritage, influence and impact of the Catholic Church on Latin American cultures, evolution of political systems and philosophies in Latin American societies, interaction of science and Latin American cultures, Latin American nationalism, origin and course of economic systems and philosophies in Latin American societies, influence of major historical figures and events in Latin American history, and contemporary Latin American affairs.
FLORIDA VIRTUAL SCHOOL – ONE COURSE REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION