Academics

#A10A Art 1 
0.5 Credit Level * 

An entry level course that helps students learn basic art skills. Students will be able to create artworks in a variety of media while learning about the Elements of Art and Principles of Design. Projects are based on a semester theme of symbolism in art. 

#A20A Art II 
0.5 Credit Level * 

Students will build on basic art skills learned in Art 1 (drawing, painting and sculpture). The goal is to improve art abilities while creating still life, landscape, portrait, and 3-D works. Content will include familiarization of art styles and periods.

Requirements for placement: completion of Art 1

#A32A Art III 
0.5 Credit Level * 

Students will draw on previous experience while building their repertoire of art skills. Students will be able to build a portfolio to photograph and submit with their college admissions materials. Projects are individualized to meet the needs and interests of the student. Media and techniques can be traditional or digital.

Requirements for placement: completion of Art 2

#A42A Art IV 
0.5 Credit Level * 

Students This advanced course focuses on solving college-level problems in Art. Students will be able to create artworks that are sophisticated and student centered, while working on an elite level. Content can be realistic or abstract. Expression and communication of creative ideas in a variety of media is stressed.

Requirements for placement: completion of Art 3

A50A World Art 
0.5 Credit Level*

This is a hands-on course that explores Art History, world cultures and religions, and their connections to Art. Students will be able to imagine, research, plan, and create artworks from various countries and time periods. Projects can include Asian scroll painting, Aboriginal dot painting, Mexican mask-making and other interesting forms. 

Requirements for placement: Completion of Art I or Junior or Senior Status 

(Performanced-based courses with mandatory concerts serving as assessments)

#C10A/B Concert Chorus 
1 Credit Level*

The primary purposes of this course are the development of student musicianship and vocal technique, as well as the study and performance of a variety of musical styles through the medium of choral ensemble. The chorus will perform at two concerts a year, a Christmas concert and a spring pops concert. In addition, the chorus performs at all school liturgies, as well as additional performance opportunities throughout the year. This is a full year course, but semesters are negotiable pending approval from the music department. 

Requirements for placement: signature of the Music Teacher

#B34A Drumline 
1 Credit Level* 

Percussion students in grades 9-12 will work on drumline cadences, as well as additional percussion instruments. Students will have many performance opportunities throughout the year, including athletic and admissions events. Students will also have the opportunity to perform with the school concert. This is a full year course, but semesters are negotiable pending approval from the music department. 

Requirements for placement: signature of the Music teacher 

#B32B Concert Band 
1 Credit Level *

Students will perform advanced concert band repertoire of the highest quality. The band will perform at two concerts a year, a Christmas concert and a spring pops concert. In addition, the band will provide pep band music at sporting events and pep rallies, as well as additional performance opportunities throughout the year. This is a full year course, but semesters are negotiable pending approval from the music department. 

Requirements for placement: signature of the Music teacher 

(Nonperformance-based courses utilizing in-class projects for assessments) 

#BB2A Creative Music 
0.5 Credit Level* 

This is an exploratory course that encourages students to develop their understanding of music composition and creation through multiple avenues, including learning how to use a DAW, creating music for a film score, basic music fundamentals, and creative decision making. No performing is required. 

Requirements for placement: sophomores, juniors, or seniors

V12B Introduction to Digital Filmmaking
0.5 Credit Level 2

This course will introduce students to the basics of video production, with a strong emphasis on developing critical viewing skills, both technical and conceptual. Students will gain a greater understanding of the overall pre-production, production, and post-production process. The course explores ways for students to work on projects designed to help them develop strong production skills including camera operation, production sound, directing, editing, audio mixing, and graphics. Students will apply these new skills in team exercises, as well as individual projects using professional video equipment.

V23A Intermediate Digital Filmmaking
0.5 Credit Level 2

This intermediate-level course will allow students who have passed Video Production 1 to take their skills to the next level. New production techniques will be introduced, and students will produce, direct, and edit video projects for the school and for their own portfolios. Students will continue to study all aspects of film, television, and video production, with additional emphasis on news, sports, and marketing. Students also have the opportunity to learn broadcasting skills at school sporting events.

Requirements for placement: Completion of Introduction to Digital Filmmaking

V33A Advanced Digital Filmmaking
0.5 Credit Level 2

This advanced level course is available for those students who have passed Video Production 1 & 2. Higher-level video projects will be given to students in this class with more creative responsibilities. Each student will produce video projects throughout the course and is expected to capture school events, news, and sports on/off campus. Students also have the opportunity to learn broadcasting skills at school sporting events.

Requirements for placement: Completion of Introduction to Digital Filmmaking and Intermediate Digital Filmmaking

V43A Capstone Project in Digital Filmmaking
0.5 Credit Level 2

This highly advanced level course is only available to students who have passed Video Production 1, 2 & 3. Students will use all their video production skills to create high-quality projects for the school and themselves. This course will give students who are interested in studying film, television, or any digital media production in college, the opportunity to collaborate, create and explore the powerful medium of video production. Students will compile a digital portfolio of their work throughout their video career at Notre Dame.

Requirements for placement: Completion of Introduction to Digital Filmmaking, Intermediate Digital Filmmaking, and Advanced Digital Filmmaking