This introductory course explores the ability of 2D animation software to create the illusion of motion from a series of still images. Based on the core concepts of visual storytelling, students investigate the transition from static to dynamic in the context of narrative structure. Walk cycles, lip sync and stop-motion principles are explored. Software used includes After Effects, Adobe Animate, and Adobe Character Animator.
ADVANCED ARCHITECTUREUS7532 (Offered both semesters) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 9-12
This class introduces skills, techniques and concepts that create a robust foundation for the understanding of architectural principles. Students will create 3D models of existing buildings, generate 3D models based on basic floor plans, and design their own unique structures digitally. Concepts in design, critique and critical thinking will be explored.
ADVANCED ART STUDIOUS7390 (Offered both semesters) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 9-12
Find your creative muse! This self-directed course introduces a variety of 2D and 3D techniques, materials, and conceptual approaches to making art. Students will practice how artists use the design thinking process to independently generate their own ideas and create art using personally meaningful themes. Students develop their artistic voice through making choices about subject matter, working methods and media. Exposure to a diverse selection of artists will inspire creative practice. Flex period attendance may be required on a case-by-case basis.
Imagine, design, build! In this course students will learn to artistically manipulate 3D materials to create sculptural and functional forms. A variety of media will be explored including clay, plaster, wire, cement, cardboard, paper, fabric and more. Construction skills taught include modeling, carving, assemblage as well as ceramic clay handbuilding methods and throwing on the pottery wheel. Global sculptors and potters will serve to inspire students’ design and production choices. Flex period attendance may be required on a case-by-case basis.
ADVANCED CREATING SHORT FILMSUS7980 (Offered first semester) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 9-12
Create short films! Students will learn various styles and techniques of video production through the creation of a series of short films and documentaries. Pre-production will involve planning and preparation. Field production gives students experience with shooting, lighting and interview techniques. Post-production involves editing, graphics and audio. This class uses state of the art equipment and software to create professional quality short films.
Students will learn the basics of drawing to gain accuracy and stronger visual perception. This class is for anyone at any level who wants to feel more confident in their drawing ability. Students will also learn how to turn drawings into prints using traditional printmaking techniques including relief printing, block printing, etching, and silkscreen.
In this course, students will choose their own designs for and construct wearable garments. Fundamental fashion and costume design skills will be taught including figure drawing, clothing design, machine and hand sewing, garment construction and alteration. Students will draw inspiration from a wide variety of fashion and costume from contemporary, historical and multicultural contexts. Individually chosen projects may range from the more traditional to the experimental and sculptural. Flex period attendance may be required on a case by case basis.
ADVANCED GRAPHIC DESIGN WITH PHOTOSHOPUS7357 (Offered both semesters) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 9-12
In this course students use Adobe Photoshop to stretch the limits of what is possible with digital image generation and modification. From examining typography through the lens of designing their own concert posters to colorizing old black and white photos to generating impossible images with text prompts, students will learn to use the most powerful graphic design tool available.
ADVANCED PAINTINGUS7121 (Offered both semesters) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 9–12
Students will learn how to paint by starting with the basics of color theory, color mixing, blending and brushwork. Students will work on both abstract and realistic representation in this course. Students will practice still-life painting, self-portraits, historical painting styles and more. Students will gain confidence in understanding composition to create balance in their work. Critiques will be an important part of the class as students learn to discuss artwork and learn from others.
ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHYUS7223 (Offered both semesters) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 9-12
Students will be engaged with the practice of photography as an art form. Students will practice digital photography using DSLR cameras. They will develop visual literacy in discussing and making compelling photos. Most coursework will be performed on a DSLR camera, and students will learn to use a camera to control image outcomes manually. Students will practice image editing tools such as Adobe Lightroom Classic and develop an awareness of printing on medium and large-format inkjet Epson printers. They will define their voice by practicing image construction, selection, and manipulation to make pictures that communicate visual ideas.
ADVANCED WOODWORKINGUS7421 (Offered both semesters) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 9-12
This is a hands-on course that teaches the fundamentals of woodworking. The lessons learned in a woodshop transcend just learning about how to make projects out of wood, but rather teach students how to visualize/organize ideas and then create them in an artistic way. This class is appropriate for all skill levels with assignments based on the comfort and interest of the individual. Students are encouraged to explore the shop’s full resources towards the production of wood crafted projects. Note: This class is primarily a studio class, which means that while homework is rare, students may need to work during Flex periods in order to stay on schedule with projects.
ANIMATIONUS7362 (Offered second semester) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 9-12
This introductory course explores the ability of 2D animation software to create the illusion of motion from a series of still images. Based on the core concepts of visual storytelling, students investigate the transition from static to dynamic in the context of narrative structure. Walk cycles, lip sync and stop-motion principles are explored. Software used includes After Effects, Adobe Animate, and Adobe Character Animator.
ARCHITECTUREUS7511 (Offered both semesters) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 9-12
This class introduces skills, techniques and concepts that create a robust foundation for the understanding of architectural principles. Students will create 3D models of existing buildings, generate 3D models based on basic floor plans, and design their own unique structures digitally. Concepts in design, critique and critical thinking will be explored.
ART STUDIOUS7380 (Offered both semesters) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 9-12
Find your creative muse! This self-directed course introduces a variety of 2D and 3D techniques, materials, and conceptual approaches to making art. Students will practice how artists use the design thinking process to independently generate their own ideas and create art using personally meaningful themes. Students develop their artistic voice through making choices about subject matter, working methods and media. Exposure to a diverse selection of artists will inspire creative practice. Flex period attendance may be required on a case-by-case basis.
Imagine, design, build! In this course students will learn to artistically manipulate 3D materials to create sculptural and functional forms. A variety of media will be explored including clay, plaster, wire, cement, cardboard, paper, fabric and more. Construction skills taught include modeling, carving, assemblage as well as ceramic clay handbuilding methods and throwing on the pottery wheel. Global sculptors and potters will serve to inspire students’ design and production choices. Flex period attendance may be required on a case-by-case basis.
CREATING HISTORICAL DOCUMENTARIESUS7010 (Offered first semester) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 10-12 COREQUISITE: Concurrent enrollment during the same period in Creating Historical Documentaries US2010
Students will research, write, film, edit and produce a medium-length documentary about an important historical event, moment, crisis, or social justice cause. This interdisciplinary course will provide students opportunities to learn and sharpen key historical skills, including writing, research and storytelling techniques. Students will also gain experience with pre-production, shooting, lighting, interview techniques, editing, graphics and audio. This class uses state of the art 4K cameras and Adobe Premiere Pro to create professional quality videos. Note: This class is primarily a studio class, which means that while homework is rare, students are going to need to work during Flex periods in order to finish their projects.
CREATING SHORT FILMSUS7960 (Offered first semester) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 9-12
Create short films! Students will learn various styles and techniques of video production through the creation of a series of short films and documentaries. Pre-production will involve planning and preparation. Field production gives students experience with shooting, lighting and interview techniques. Post-production involves editing, graphics and audio. This class uses state of the art equipment and software to create professional quality short films.
DOCUMENTING PARKERUS7500 (Offered second semester) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 10-12 COREQUISITE: Concurrent enrollment during the same period in Documenting Parker US2100
The coming year marks the Francis W. Parker School’s 125th anniversary! And in honor of it, we offer this one-time-only class, called Documenting Parker! Students in this one semester class will research, write, film, edit and produce short documentaries that focus on the first 125 years of life at the Francis W. Parker School. This interdisciplinary course will provide students with the opportunity to learn and sharpen key historical skills, including writing and archival research. Additionally, students will gain experience with pre-production, shooting, lighting, interviewing techniques, editing, graphics and audio. Student films will be featured during the school’s upcoming quasquicentennial (yes, that’s a word--we looked it up!) festivities.
Students will learn the basics of drawing to gain accuracy and stronger visual perception. This class is for anyone at any level who wants to feel more confident in their drawing ability. Students will also learn how to turn drawings into prints using traditional printmaking techniques including relief printing, block printing, etching, and silkscreen.
FASHION LABUS7748 (Offered both semesters) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 9-12
In this course, students will choose their own designs for and construct wearable garments. Fundamental fashion and costume design skills will be taught including figure drawing, clothing design, machine and hand sewing, garment construction and alteration. Students will draw inspiration from a wide variety of fashion and costume from contemporary, historical and multicultural contexts. Individually chosen projects may range from the more traditional to the experimental and sculptural. Flex period attendance may be required on a case by case basis.
GRAPHIC DESIGN WITH PHOTOSHOPUS7353 (Offered both semesters) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 9-12
In this course students use Adobe Photoshop to stretch the limits of what is possible with digital image generation and modification. From examining typography through the lens of designing their own concert posters to colorizing old black and white photos to generating impossible images with text prompts, students will learn to use the most powerful graphic design tool available.
PAINTINGUS7112 (Offered both semesters) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 9–12
Students will learn how to paint by starting with the basics of color theory, color mixing, blending and brushwork. Students will work on both abstract and realistic representation in this course. Students will practice still-life painting, self-portraits, historical painting styles and more. Students will gain confidence in understanding composition to create balance in their work. Critiques will be an important part of the class as students learn to discuss artwork and learn from others.
PHOTOGRAPHYUS7212 (Offered both semesters) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 9-12
Students will be engaged with the practice of photography as an art form. Students will practice digital photography using DSLR cameras. They will develop visual literacy in discussing and making compelling photos. Most coursework will be performed on a DSLR camera, and students will learn to use a camera to control image outcomes manually. Students will practice image editing tools such as Adobe Lightroom Classic and develop an awareness of printing on medium and large-format inkjet Epson printers. They will define their voice by practicing image construction, selection, and manipulation to make pictures that communicate visual ideas.
WOODWORKINGUS7413 (Offered both semesters) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 9-12
This is a hands-on course that teaches the fundamentals of woodworking. The lessons learned in a woodshop transcend just learning about how to make projects out of wood, but rather teach students how to visualize/organize ideas and then create them in an artistic way. This class is appropriate for all skill levels with assignments based on the comfort and interest of the individual. Students are encouraged to explore the shop’s full resources towards the production of wood crafted projects. Note: This class is primarily a studio class, which means that while homework is rare, students may need to work during Flex periods in order to stay on schedule with projects.
Francis W. Parker School educates students to think and act with empathy, courage and clarity as responsible citizens and leaders in a diverse democratic society and global community.
