The CCCHS Fine Arts department offers many choices to students, both on the large scale (which electives to take to fulfill the Fine Arts credit) and withing the classes (materials and subject matter).

With this freedom, students are able to discover and develop individual talents for creative expression. The hands-on activities channel student energy and creativity.

Fine Arts students also participate in many competitions and exhibits outside of the school.

Classes Offered

Drawing 1
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 - Elective

Drawing 1 is a fundamental course in the study of art based on drawing. Topics include: the elements and principles of design; the use of various art media for personal expression; and student sketchbooks of notes and ideas as a creative response to the natural and man-made forms found in everyday life. Sketching, study of color, poster and letter design, printmaking, figure, pattern, and still life are linked to discussion of masterpieces and social aspects of art.

Introductory Drawing
Grade Level: 9

This course in art fundamentals and basic drawing skills gives the ninth-grade student an opportunity to discover and develop his or her talent early in high school. It is available to students whose course load allows one semester for an art elective. Upon satisfactory completion the student may receive permission to go on to Drawing 2 or Introduction to Graphic Design.

Drawing 2
Grade Level: 10,11,12, - Elective

Drawing 2 provides the opportunity to apply art fundamentals to larger and more highly developed work. Color, figure drawing, lettering, painting, and graphic design are included along with drawing and design in various media. This course gives the interested student a chance to round out his/her background in art while developing personal talent and skill. Reference to styles and periods of art and works of the masters enriches the student's background.

Drawing 3
Grade Level: 11-12 - Elective

Drawing 3 and 4 emphasize individual needs and interests, using drawing as a basis for work in painting, graphic design and printmaking. Drawing and design problems, studied within the context of art history and aesthetics, allow exploration of a personal style in varied media. Students learn the principles of art criticism and apply these to their work. Circumstances permitting, the program may include three dimensional design, sculpture, enameling, textiles, or computer graphics. Seniors interested in further art education may assemble portfolios of finished work.

Drawing 4
Grade Level: 12 - Elective

Drawing 3 and 4 emphasize individual needs and interests, using drawing as a basis for work in painting, graphic design and printmaking. Drawing and design problems, studied within the context of art history and aesthetics, allow exploration of a personal style in varied media. Students learn the principles of art criticism and apply these to their work. Circumstances permitting, the program may include three dimensional design, sculpture, enameling, textiles, or computer graphics. Seniors interested in further art education may assemble portfolios of finished work.

Ceramics
Grade Level: 10,11,12 - Elective

Ceramics is the study of clay and its use in making pottery and sculpture. Methods of hand building (pinch, coil, slab and modeling) are studied along with the basics of throwing on the potter's wheel. Glazing and other methods of surface decoration are used to enhance both useful and decorative forms. Styles of sculpture and functions of pottery are also examined.

Ceramics 2
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12

This course will offer additional experiences in the art of ceramics. Students will receive continued instruction in the areas of throwing and sculpting as well as other hand building techniques. Emphasis will be on students developing individual responses to visual problems and developing an artistic style.

Related Arts
Grade Level: 10,11,12 - Elective

This course will explore music, theater, dance, film, and the visual arts as an integral part of learning and of life. Students will study form and structure of the arts and trace their general development and relationship to each other as well as to a common human experience. This study will enrich students as consumers of the arts.

Photography
Grade Level: 11,12 - Elective

Photography is the study of the camera, film and photographic paper as vehicles for creative expression. Value and composition are applied to light sensitive materials. Technical aspects of handling simple, adjustable and automatic cameras, exposing and processing film, and printing black-and-white photographs are covered, along with historical and social aspects. Owning or having access to a 35mm adjustable camera is helpful. Digital imaging is introduced. Evaluation is based on studio work along with written work and tests.

Introduction to Graphic Design
Grade Level: 11, 12 - Elective

This course will provide students with experiences to help them gain an understanding of the professional world of graphic design, as well as prepare them with the tools necessary to pursue an advanced course of study in graphic arts. Emphasis is on original work combined with computer knowledge and skills to create interesting designs with typography.

Applied Graphic Design
Grade Level: 11, 12

Applied Graphic Design is an opportunity for students to apply their understanding of design principles in various formats. Original artwork in conjunction with computer applications and alterations will be used to create original designs for various products such as stamps, magazines, CD covers and promotional products.

Drama I
Grade Levels: 9, 10, 11, 12 - Elective

This course is designed for students to participate in a number of dramatic experiences---skits, one-act plays, monologues, and improvisations.---giving students a general survey approach for the application of acting skills. (Will count towards Fine Arts requirement)

Drama II
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 - Elective with permission of Department Chair or Drama Teacher

An in-depth study of the art of acting with application of acting skills. Other aspects of theater such as costume design, make-up and stage sets will be taught. The course will be a laboratory of creative expression and productions for the enjoyment of the school and the community. (Will count towards Fine Arts requirement).

Chorus
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12

Students will learn the basics of reading music and music theory. Students will be introduced to a diverse repertoire of music including contemporary, religious, classical and ethnic pieces. Students will improve their singing voices and learn to breathe with their diaphragm for better sound production.

Cleveland Central Catholic High School provides a comprehensive curricular program, offering a variety of course sequences which exceed state requirements. These offerings proved intellectual and cultural experiences for the college-bound and the career-oriented.

A program of studies is a sequence of classes that a student will usually take while at Cleveland Central Catholic High School. These programs consist of many required classes with some elective options. Programs or studies are designed to assist students in meeting their potential and in receiving more direction to course selection.