Course Title: ART WORKSHOP
Grade Open to: 9-10-11-12 Semester 1 & 2
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite Course/Grade Recommendation: None
Fees: $40.00
Full year course, but may be split. With a wide variety of artistic
talent in this class, our goal is to make the student aware of a variety
of media. The student will work with linoleum printing, wood block
printing, 3D realistic sculpture, plaster sculpture, glass etching, mask
making, copper tooling, and drawing in pencil, pastels, colored pencils,
watercolors, oil pastels, conte, pen and ink and a final project using
a choice of the above. Students will be required to purchase additional
supplies. Refer to the supply list for this class.
Course Title: ART FOUNDATIONS (first year of the art program;
a required class in order to enroll in the four year program)
Grade Open to: 9-10-11-12 Semester 1 & 2 Credit:
1.0
Prerequisite Course/Grade Recommendation: None
Fees: $40.00
An introduction and the foundation to upper level art classes:
Art Foundations exposes the student to a variety of media covering the
elements of art with a focus on black and white media first semester and
color units during the second semester. Students will be required
to purchase additional supplies. Refer to the supply list for this
class.
Course Title: BEGINNING CERAMICS
Grade Open to: 9-10-11-12 Semester: 1 Credit:
0.5
Prerequisite Course/Grade Recommendation: None
Fees: $20.00
An introduction to the medium of clay is the goal of this class.
The student begins with elementary techniques by creating a pinch pot,
coil pot, and a slab built structure. The student will use these
hand building techniques to create other projects throughout the semester.
Each project takes approximately three weeks from design to glazing.
Students will be required to purchase minimal additional supplies.
Refer to the supply list for this class.
Course Title: ADVANCED CERAMICS
Grade Open to: 9-10-11-12 Semester: 2 Credit:
0.5
Prerequisite Course/Grade Recommendation: "B" or better in Beginning
Ceramics
Fees: $20.00
Hand building is continued throughout the semester with more individual
choices on projects for each student. Wheel throwing work is introduced
with two wheels available, thus allowing only two or three weeks of work
on the wheel. Students will be required to purchase additional supplies.
Refer to the supply list for this class.
Course Title: CREATIVE DRAWING (second year of program)
Grade Open to: 10-11-12 Semester: 1 & 2 Credit:
1.0
Prerequisite Course/Grade Recommendation: "C" or better in Art
Foundations
Fees: $40.00
Second class in a four year sequence: The student, with the acquired
skill and knowledge from Art Foundations, will now explore a more in-depth
view of media with an emphasis on originality and a creative approach to
projects. A portfolio review is recommended for transfer students.
Students will be required to purchase additional supplies. Refer
to supply list for this class.
Course Title: GRAPHIC DESIGN (third year of program)
Grade Open to: 11-12 Semester: 1 & 2 Credit:
1.0
Prerequisite Course/Grade Recommendation: "C" or better in Creative
Drawing
Fees: $40.00
Third class in a four year sequence: This class focuses on the
commercial aspect of art. First semester concentrates on two dimensial
work which will include logo development and graphic imaging from typography
to the figure. Second semester will concentrate on the transformation
of two dimensional work into three dimensional pieces. Second semester
will also expose the student to computer art design. A portfolio
review is recommended for transfer students. Students will be required
to purchase additional supplies. Refer to supply list for this class.
Course Title: PAINTING (fourth year of program)
Grade Open to: 12 Semester: 1 & 2 Credit:
1.0
Prerequisite Course/Grade Recommendation: "C" or better in Creative
Drawing and Graphic Design
Fees: $40.00
Painting is a full year course. The class focus is on the fine
art of painting, with projects designed to encourage creativity within
these media. Beginning with watercolor, next acrylic and finally
oil color techniques will be emphasized. Students will be required
to purchase watercolors (if not previously), acrylics, oil paints in tubes
and canvas stretchers. Refer to the supply list for this class.
A portfolio review is expected for transfer students.
Course Title: COMPUTER GRAPHICS
Grade Open to: 11-12
Prerequisite Course/Grade Recommendation: "C" or better in Art
Foundations and Creative Drawing
Fees: $40.00
Computer Graphics is consistent with the changing role of the artist
and technology. While not part of the four-year art program, the
computer graphics course is an additional elective for the advanced art
students. Prerequisites of Art Foundations and Creative Drawing are
necessary. The course will incorporate Adobe 5.5, with projects designed
to encourage developing eye/hand and motor skills with the computer mouse
while creating computer graphic drawings. Minimal supplies will be
required. A portfolio review is recommended for transfer students.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT
FRENCH
Post-High School Benefits - Students who take French will find that
their knowledge of the language will aid them in foreign travel, fields
of literature, science, art, and music, diplomatic work, air travel careers,
and industrial executive positions abroad.
Course Title: FRENCH I
Grade Open to: 9-10-11-12
Semester: 1 & 2 Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite Course/Grade Recommendation: None
Fees: None
Simple everyday French expressions are memorized. The expressions
and combination of expression parts are used by students to form new sentences,
to read French conversations, and to answer French questions about the
conversations. Gradual introduction of new vocabulary and verb conjugations
help the students to enlarge their speaking ability and understanding.
Course Title: FRENCH II
Grade Open to: 10-11-12 Semester:
1 & 2 Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite Course/Grade Recommendation: "C" or better in French
I
Fees: None
Vocabulary and grammar of French I are reviewed. More complicated
vocabulary, verb tenses, and conversation are introduced. More emphasis
is placed on reading with French culture becoming an integral part of the
readings.
GERMAN
German is recommended for students planning careers in medicine, science,
history, literature, art, music, foreign travel, air travel careers, diplomatic
work, and international business.
Course Title: GERMAN I
Grade Open to: 9-10-11-12
Semester: 1 & 2 Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite Course/Grade Recommendation: None
Fees: None
Vocabulary and everyday German expressions are memorized. Extensive
work is done in German grammar. Conversational expression is emphasized.
The culture of the German speaking people is studied in conjunction with
the history and geography.
Course Title: GERMAN II
Grade Open to: 10-11-12 Semester:
1 & 2 Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite Course/Grade Recommendation: "C" or better in German
I
Fees: None
The course consists of the completion of basic grammatical structure
and application of both spoken and written German. More complicated
vocabulary and verb tenses are introduced. It is an extension of
the geography, history and culture begun in German I.
SPANISH
Knowledge of the Spanish language and culture is very beneficial.
Spanish is the second most spoken language in the United States today,
and is extremely useful in medically related fields, social work, law enforcement,
clerical/secretarial, business, and education. Job candidates in
any of the above areas improve their employment status by having completed
a program of study that includes Spanish.
Course Title: SPANISH I
Grade Open to: 9-10-11-12
Semester: 1 & 2 Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite Course/Grade Recommendation: None
Fees: None
Emphasis is placed on the development of a working vocabulary in order
to understand and to use conversational Spanish. Spanish I is a study
of basic Spanish grammar, and it develops the student's ability to read
the Spanish language. The culture and customs of the Spanish-speaking
people are also emphasized.
Course Title: SPANISH II
Grade Open to: 10-11-12 Semester
1 & 2 Credit 1.0
Prerequisite Course/Grade Recommendation: "C" or better in Spanish
I
Fees: None
After a brief review of Spanish I, Spanish II provides a continued
stress on the ability to understand and to use the Spanish language.
The study of Spanish grammar and vocabulary is continued enabling the student
to read more rapidly and to understand more difficult Spanish selections.
The study of Spanish customs and culture is also central in this second-level
program.
Course Title: FRENCH III
Grade Open to: 11-12 Semester:
1 & 2 Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite Course/Grade Recommendation: "C" or better in French
II, "B" recommended
Fees: None
Commonly used verbs and expressions from French II are reviewed.
More complicated expressions, vocabulary and conversations are introduced.
Communicative competence is fostered at this level in oral and listening
activities. There is also a possibility of a field trip.
Course Title: FRENCH IV
Grade Open to: 11-12 Semester:
1 & 2 Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: "C" or better in French III, "B" recommended
Fees: None
Students are introduced to French history and the works of famous French
writers. Students will speak, read and write French.
Course Title: FRENCH IV - ADVANCED PLACEMENT
Grade Open to: 11-12 Semester: 1 & 2
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite Course/Grade Recommendation: Recommendation of teacher
required
Fees: Possible field trip
Students will be engaged in a rigorous and fast paced study of French.
This course is offered to those students who wish to excel in their ability
to comprehend, speak and write French. Although grammar and vocabulary
units are included in the course, the major emphasis is perfecting listening,
speaking, reading and writing skills. Students are introduced to
French history and literature, studying the correlation of the literature
to the social and economic conditions of France. Students will also
study current magazine and newspaper articles, review grammar and composition,
and communicate entirely in French. Course curriculum is designed
to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Exam, which they may choose
to take at the end of the year.
Course Title: GERMAN III
Grade Open to: 11-12 Semester:
1 & 2 Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite Course/Grade Recommendation: "C" or better in German
II, "B" recommended
Fees: None
This is a study of the more complex grammar and selected readings from
German literature. Cultural and historical aspects continue to be
stressed.
Course Title: GERMAN IV
Grade Open to: 11-12 Semester:
1 & 2 Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite Course/Grade Recommendation: "C" or better in German
III, "B" recommended
Fees: None
Modern German literature is read and grammar is refined. Literature
includes short stories, poetry, and a play. The survey of German
history and culture will be completed. Written compositions and oral
conversations are emphasized.
Course Title: GERMAN IV - ADVANCED PLACEMENT
Grade Open to: 11-12 Semester: 1 & 2
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite Course/Grade Recommendation: Recommendation of teacher
required
Fees: Possible field trip
Students will be engaged in a rigorous and fast paced study of German.
This course is offered to those students who wish to excel in their ability
to comprehend, speak, and write German. Although grammar and vocabulary
units are included in the course, the major emphasis is perfecting listening,
speaking, reading and writing skills. Literature includes short stories,
poetry, and a play. Newspapers, magazines, and videos in German will
be used. Grammar is thoroughly reviewed in preparation for the AP
exam. Written compositions and oral conversations are emphasized.
Course curriculum is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement
Exam, which they may choose to take at the end of the year.
Course Title: SPANISH III
Grade Open to: 11-12 Semester:
1 & 2 Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite Course/Grade Recommendation: "C" or better in Spanish
II, "B" recommended
Fees: None
After a brief review of Spanish II, there is more stress on oral communication
and a further study of more complex Spanish grammar, composition and cultural
aspects. Selected readings become more challenging. Supplementary
mini-units are included to reinforce new vocabulary, grammar and culture.
Course Title: SPANISH IV
Grade Open to: 11-12 Semester:
1 & 2 Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite Course/Grade Recommendation: "C" or better in Spanish
III, "B" recommended
Fees: None
The student will read short stories. Spanish IV includes review
of essential and more troublesome grammatical points, use of Spanish in
class, vocabulary building, continued study of the culture and writing.
This level is the culmination of the Spanish sequence for those not wishing
to pursue the Advanced Placement course. Both courses are intended
to prepare students for post high school study.
Course Title: SPANISH IV - ADVANCED PLACEMENT
Grade Open to: 11-12 Semester: 1 & 2
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite Course/Grade Recommendation: Recommendation of teacher
required
Fees: Possible field trip
Students will be engaged in a rigorous and fast paced study of Spanish.
This course is offered to those students who wish to excel in their ability
to comprehend, speak and write Spanish. Although grammar and vocabulary
units are included in the course, the major emphasis is perfecting listening,
speaking, reading and writing skills. Students are introduced to
Hispanic literature and current newspaper and magazine articles.
Students will also review and deepen their knowledge of vocabulary, grammar
and composition. Communication in class will be in Spanish.
Course curriculum is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement
Exam, which they may choose to take at the end of the year.
MUSIC DEPARTMENT
Course Title: CONCERT BAND
Grade Open to: 9-10-11-12
Semester 1 & 2
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite Course/Grade Recommendation: Audition and permission
of instructor
Fees: $40.00
The Plainfield High School Concert Band consists of the same goals
and the same expectations as the Plainfield High School Symphonic Band.
The Concert Band also performs in the marching, classical, pep and jazz
styles and students are required to attend out-of-school functions similar
to those of the Symphonic Band.
The Concert Band is considered an entry level training band with the
intention that they will eventually advance to the Symphonic Band.
Students enter the Concert Band by audition. Freshman are automatically
placed in this ensemble and must audition to enter Symphonic Band.
Course Title: SYMPHONIC BAND
Grade Open to: 9-10-11-12
Semester 1 & 2
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite Course/Grade Recommendation: Audition and permission
of instructor
Fees: $40.00
The Plainfield High School Symphonic Band performs a variety of music
through the various groups including marching, classical, pep and jazz
styles. The "Comprehensive Musicianship" approach is used to acquaint
the student with numerous aspects of music, including historical periods,
harmonic and melodic characteristics. The Symphonic Band's performance
is the focal point of the class; students will be evaluated by their in-class
and extra-class preparation.
During September and October, the class content will emphasize marching,
both parade and field. After marching season, students will concentrate
on concert preparation. Students enrolled are required to attend
out-of-school functions, such as concerts, parades, field trips and extra
rehearsals/sectionals.
The Symphonic Band is the top performing group of the Plainfield Bands;
the student enters the group through audition in early November.
Students are expected to enter the Symphonic Band by their Junior or Senior
year.
Course Title: CONCERT CHOIR
Grade Open to: 10-11-12
Semester: 1 & 2
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite Course/Grade Recommendation: Audition and permission
of the Choral Director
Fees: $25.00
Concert Choir is open, by audition, to students with a proficiency
in vocal and sight reading skills. The choir performs traditional
choral literature of various genres in four concerts and selected festivals.
Students will explore music theory concepts relating to tonality, key signatures
and sight reading. Students are highly encouraged to participate
in extra curricular activities, such as, IMEA, Solo and Ensemble, and Spring
Musical. Madrigals and Jazz Choir members will be selected
from this choir.
Course Title: MIXED CHOIR
Grade Open to: 9-10-11-12
Semester: 1 & 2
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite Course/Grade Recommendation: None
Fees: $25.00
Mixed Choir open to all students. No previous choral experience
is necessary. The ensemble performs various choral literature in
four concerts a year. The course content includes learning vocal
production skills and basic music theory concepts. Students will
learn solfege, notational skills, and the basics of sight reading.
Course Title: MUSIC SURVEY (formerly Music Appreciation)
Grade Open to: 10-11-12
Semester: 1 or 2
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisite Course/Grade Recommendation: None
Fees: Must pay for admission to required concerts, programs,
etc.
This course is a study of musical style from the Renaissance period
to music of today. Special emphasis is given to major forms and composers
as well as the instruments and characteristics of the stylistic periods
of music history. The course will also include considerable listening
to musical performances as well as field trips to live contemporary performances.
Course Title: MUSIC THEORY I
Grade Open to: 10-11-12
Semester: 1
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisite Course/Grade Recommendation: The ability to read
music
Fees: None
Music theory includes consideration of the major and minor scales,
key signature, triads, and the other elements of music. Upon successful
completion of the first phase, emphasis is placed on the study of harmony
up to the dominant seventh chords.
Course Title: MUSIC THEORY II
Grade Open to: 10-11-12
Semester: 2
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisite Course/Grade Recommendation: Completion of
Music Theory 1
Fees: None
This course is a continuation of Theory I and is designed to provide
more detailed music theory for students interested in further study in
this area. The course will provide a basis for composition, analysis,
improvisation, and arranging.
Course Title: TREBLE CHOIR
Grade Open to: 10-11-12
Semester: 1 & 2
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite Course/Grade Recommendation: Audition and permission
of the Choral Director
Fees: $25.00
Treble Choir is open by audition to sophomore, junior, and senior women
with choral experience and consent of the instructor. The curriculum
is based on building vocal fundamentals and exploring music theory concepts.
Emphasis will be placed on intervals, scales, and sight reading.
Students will perform traditional choral literature in four concerts throughout
the year and in selected festivals.