Arts

Drama I: Scene Study
Grades 9–12
.5 credit

Open to all Upper School students, this foundations-level semester-long course investigates basic elements of theatre, including character, plot, improvisation, design, movement/blocking, and stage geography. Students explore naturalistic acting techniques, including emotional and sense memory, and practice incorporating script analysis into scene work and monologues. Improvisation is stressed as students move toward analyzing scripts and mounting scenes. Students work alone, in pairs, and in small groups, and their studies include a performance project based on a decade of theatre history and notable works by American playwrights.  The class functions as an ensemble, with each student essential to the success of the whole class. Upon completion of this course, students may continue their studies in Drama II. 

Offered fall and spring semesters

Drama I: Shakespeare
Grades 9-12
.5 credit

Open to all Upper School students, Drama I: Shakespeare is a foundations-level course that examines the basic elements of theatre: character, plot, improvisation, design, movement/blocking, and stage geography through the lens of Shakespeare’s texts.  Students explore comedies, tragedies, histories, and sonnets to develop naturalistic acting techniques. Through group and solo activities, students work to bring Shakespeare’s words to life through choral speeches, monologues, and scenes. By the end of the course, students have a deeper and more complete understanding of what it takes to perform Shakespeare’s work as a solo performer and as part of an ensemble.  The class functions as an ensemble, with each student essential to the success of the whole class. Upon completion of this course, students may continue their studies in Drama II.

Offered spring semester

Drama II: Acting*
Grades 10–12
.5 credit
Drama II: Acting is a semester-long course that focuses on advanced acting techniques and habits of mind. By becoming familiar with improvisation through specific character exploration, students are prepared to enter scene work with an open-minded approach to their character development. Improvisation and advanced performance techniques are applied to monologue work and scene work. Verbatim theatre and devising performance techniques are also explored. Students give an oral presentation on a particular actor and their craft. The class functions as an ensemble, with each student essential to the success of the whole class. Drama II is for students who wish to pursue theatre at Pennington and beyond.
*Prerequisite: Drama I or permission of the department for students in grades 10–12
*Successful completion of this course also satisfies the required .25 Public Speaking credit.
Offered fall semester

Drama III: Directing*
Grades 10–12
.5 credit
Drama III: Directing is a semester-long advanced course centered on the directing process for the first-time director. The course focuses on crafting a director’s vision, mastering The Viewpoints (a language of movement and timing for directors and actors to use in rehearsal), and designing a production. Each student directs a final scene. The class functions as an ensemble, with each student essential to the success of the whole class as both actors and directors. Drama III: Directing is for students who wish to pursue Pennington theatre projects such as directing the Spring Play, or continued study beyond their high school years. 
*Prerequisite: Drama I and Drama II: Acting or permission of the department for students in grades 10–12
Offered spring semester

Senior Seminar in Theatre–Honors*
Grade 12
1 credit
This honors course is the capstone experience for theatre students at Pennington, intentionally designed for a high level of challenge, intellectual demand, and active engagement. Through readings, projects, and discussion, this full-year course prepares the graduating senior for study and work in the world of theatre, and also provides relevant and purposeful work that can be applied to any field of study or career path after Pennington. The course focuses on refining a director’s vision, reviewing The Viewpoints, and designing a production. Part of the curriculum is devoted to playwriting: techniques, formatting, and the incorporation of theatre history elements into original student work. Technical theatre students work on building and preparing a portfolio for college submission and review. All students complete a portfolio of their written and directing work. The creation of the Spring Play is the focal project in the course as students will take charge of the writing, directing, marketing, and producing a show. Throughout the year students participate and balance individual and collaborative projects simultaneously. In addition, students also reflect on and refine their own process as theatre artists. The class functions as an ensemble, with each student essential to the success of the whole class.
*Prerequisites: Final minimum grades of B+ in Drama I and Drama II: Directing, participation in at least three Upper School productions, and permission of the department. Enrollment is limited.

Instrumental Lab
Grades 9–12
.5 credit
Instrumental Lab is a semester course in which students have the opportunity to play their instrument during the school day with like-minded individuals. They develop musicianship as they learn new pieces for their unique group as well as work on excerpts of music from orchestra and/or jazz band. Students practice, rehearse, and perform at various recitals and concerts. Basic proficiency at reading music and playing an instrument is a prerequisite.
Offered fall and spring semesters

Vocal Ensemble
Grades 9-12
.5 credit
This is a semester course in which students can focus daily on the mechanics of singing and improve personal technique in the areas of breathing, posture, articulation, and phrasing while increasing knowledge of score reading, sight singing, dynamics, harmonization, and blending. They apply these skills practically by rehearsing and contributing creative ideas to arrangements fashioned specifically for their unique combination of voices. The repertoire is varied in style and mode, both accompanied and a cappella, from madrigals to Pentatonix. Students practice, rehearse, and perform at various recitals and concerts.
Offered fall and spring semesters

AP Music Theory*
Grades 10–12
1 credit
This year-long, college-level course focuses on comprehensive musicianship, integrating melody, harmony, rhythm, form, analysis, and composition in tonal harmony, history, and style. Students are introduced to tonal harmony, realizing figured bass in four parts, harmonizing soprano melodies, harmonic dictation, analysis, and sight-singing.
*Prerequisite: Music I: Music Theory, or Music I: Songwriting and Music Theory Skills, and/or permission of the department

Rhythm of the Sacred*
Grades 11‒12
.5 credit
This semester course explores how music is a powerful and essential part of religious experience. World religions such as Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and Sikhism are examined in conversation with composers and congregants. Students learn basic elements of music to then analyze the ways in which sacred music is an integral part of both individual spirituality and congregational worship. Understanding of musical style is enhanced and synthesized by listening to audio recordings, video performances, live music presentations, and student “hands-on” playing of rhythm instruments and piano keyboards.
*Prerequisite: Religion and Ethics
*Successful completion of this course also garners Religion credit.
Offered fall semester

Music I: Music Technology
Grades 9–12
.5 credit
Music Technology is a semester course in which students develop technological literacy of both electronic and acoustic music using our state of the art performance and recording studio. This course introduces the students to historical and recent trends in electronic music and recording technology, focusing on a hands-on approach using the computer for music production.
Offered fall and spring semesters

Music I: Songwriting and Music Theory Skills
Grades 9–12
.5 credit
In this semester course, students combine their passion for songwriting with a fuller understanding of music theory and the varied tools necessary to compose. Students will develop musicianship while embarking on the creative process of composing original melodies and lyrics. This course serves as a prerequisite for Music Composition and Advanced Placement Music Theory.
Offered fall semester

Music I: Music Theory
Grades 9–12
.5 credit
In this semester course, students learn terminology and structures needed for analyzing and performing music. Through the keyboard, listening, and sight-singing, students learn notation, scales, intervals, chords, modes, progressions, and forms of all styles of music. This course serves as a prerequisite for Advanced Placement Music Theory.
Offered fall or spring semester

Music II: Composition*
Grades 9–12
.5 credit
This semester course serves as a continuation of the concepts developed in both Music I courses (Theory and Songwriting). Students develop advanced skills in vocal and instrumental composition. Through further work in compositional styles and techniques, they gain deeper insight into creating longer forms with an increased number of parts. 
*Prerequisite: Music I, AP Music Theory, or permission of the instructor
Offered spring semester

Art I: Drawing Foundations
Grades 9–12
.5 credit
This course is a semester-long study of the techniques and intellectual understanding of creating strong compositions and the sensation of depth on a two-dimensional surface. It is a time for students to use their hands and eyes to sincerely observe the world around them in order to create images that are grounded and realistic. Students learn the principles and elements of art through creating compositions with a variety of mediums. Students learn a range of drawing approaches including, but not limited to, gesture drawing, blind contour studies, visual measuring, negative space observation, blocking-in, and chiaroscuro. This foundation-level course provides ample opportunity for students to develop the following habits of mind: perseverance, confidence in expression, quality craftsmanship, and critical thinking. Students who wish to pursue AP Studio Art: Drawing are required to take Art I: Drawing Foundations.
Offered fall semester

Art II: Color and Design*
Grades 9–12
.5 credit
This is a semester-long course designed for the student who has an interest in two-dimensional design and problem-solving. The focus is on the use of art as a visual language through deliberate manipulation of design concepts: color, composition, line, shape, balance, contrast, and pattern. Students learn more advanced rendering techniques in first dry and then wet media, with the goal of understanding the illusion of space. This intermediate-level course provides ample opportunity for students to expand on their already developed habits of perseverance, confidence in expression, quality craftsmanship, and critical thinking in art. Students who wish to pursue AP Studio Art: 2D Design are required to take Art II: Color and Design.
*Prerequisite: Art I: Drawing Foundations or permission of the department
Offered fall or spring semester

Art III: Art Studio*
Grades 10–12
.5 credit
Art III is a semester-long advanced study of drawing, painting, and design. This course is composed of two distinct quarters: one dealing with drawing and painting concepts, the other with 2D and 3D design problems. Art III is a time for students to focus, develop, and refine their perceptual skills and understanding of all aspects of art as an experience. Students develop and expand on their techniques and learn to integrate concept, composition, and more advanced technical skill into their work. Students produce portfolio-ready works of art, for either college applications or pre-AP course work. An experience sketchbook is maintained for daily doodling, research, and reflecting. 
*Prerequisite: Art II: Color and Design
Offered fall or spring semester

Art IV: Pre-AP*
Grades 10–12
.5 credit
Art IV is a semester-long intensive study created for those students moving on to the Advanced Placement Studio Art course. This advanced course covers the concepts connected to drawing, painting, and design. It comprises two distinct quarters. The first quarter is one in which the students start to carve out the direction in which they want to do further study: drawing or design. The second quarter is composed of exploring and producing work for the pre-AP portfolio. Art IV is a time for students to focus, develop, and refine their perceptual skills and understanding of all aspects of art as an experience. Students develop and expand on their techniques and learn to integrate concept, composition, and more advanced technical skill into their work. Students produce portfolio-ready works of art, for either their college applications and/or pre-AP course work. An experience sketchbook is maintained for daily doodling, research, and reflecting. 
*Prerequisite: Art III: Art Studio
Offered fall or spring semester

AP Studio Art*
Grades 11–12
1 credit
AP Studio Art is a yearlong course devoted to the student’s completion of a body of work of personal exploration and growth. Emphasis is upon the refinement of individual expression and the student’s ability to make personal connections to their work through theme-based lessons. Students are asked to create, reflect, and grow from this artistic experience. Students should express interest and desire to independently set goals, solve problems, and evaluate and revise their artwork. An experience sketchbook is required for daily processing of ideas, reflecting on their development of artwork, critique, and artistic research. Students are expected to submit a portfolio for the AP examination, which may include 2D Design, 3D Design, or Drawing portfolios.
*Prerequisite: Art III, Photography III, or Ceramics III and permission of the department

Modern American History and Art: Context and Creation*
Grade 11
.5 credit
Where do artists find inspiration for their work?  How does the work of artists reflect the culture and society in which it was created? This course explores United States history and American experience through the lens of visual art. Students encounter the unique expression of U.S. politics, ideology, and social and technological change conveyed from a variety of notable artists. Visual and interpretive literacy skills are developed as students create their own artwork that reflects the themes and styles of the highlighted artists. Students produce sketchbook discoveries, deliver describe-interpret-evaluate speeches, and write short papers. Close reading of excerpts from various primary and secondary documents is used to provide historical context for each image. A field trip to a local art museum or similar experience is planned.
Offered spring semester
*Prerequisite: Successful completion of any Arts Department course
*Successful completion of this course also garners History elective credit.
 

Ceramics I
Grades 9–12
.5 credit
In Ceramics I students are empowered to design and craft objects from raw malleable clay into finished, functional objects. Employing both their hands and minds, students create objects inspired by personal context and the study of contemporary craftspeople. Each student learns a variety of hand-building techniques as well as how to use the potter’s wheel.
Offered fall and spring semesters

Ceramics II*
Grades 10–12
.5 credit
This semester course is designed for students who have a sincere interest in pursuing clay as a craft and an artistic medium. Students answer both technical and conceptual problems in clay. There is a focus on the potter’s wheel, giving students the opportunity to hone their skills on this tool utilized across the globe. Students learn about surface treatments, including slip trailing, and practice advanced glazing techniques. Students who wish to pursue AP Studio Art: 3D Design are required to take this class.
*Prerequisite: Ceramics I
Offered fall and spring semesters

Ceramics III*
Grades 11–12
.5 credit
In this semester course, through a student-centered approach, students build upon skills and principles taught during Ceramics II, as well as explore symbolism, metaphor, and the technical properties of clay. Moreover, students continue to find connections and create original works of art that speak to each student’s personal narrative. This advanced-level course provides ample opportunity for students to develop a portfolio of work that can be used in the college application process regardless of major. Students who wish to pursue AP Studio Art: 3D Design are required to take this class.
*Prerequisite: Ceramics II
Offered fall and spring semesters

Studio Art: Selected Topics*
Grades 11-12
.5 credit 
Studio Art: Selected Topics affords the highly motivated student the opportunity to create a student-driven body of work with the goal of deep engagement of a topic within a chosen medium: drawing, painting, ceramics, photography, or video. The student plays a major role in the development of the goals and is fully responsible for the follow-through of ideas and completion of the work. Proposals are only considered when a student has exhausted all levels of a visual or lens-based arts discipline other than AP.
*Prerequisite: Permission of the department
Offered fall and spring semesters

Filmmaking I
Grades 9-12
.5 credit
In this foundation class, students learn the basic skills for video production, enabling them to move on to the higher-level production classes. They learn and demonstrate mastery of camera controls and functions by using high-definition digital video cameras. Students learn digital non-linear editing and explore visual communication, including shot composition, visual continuity, master shot sequence, and parallel action/crosscutting. Students will produce short projects that exercise specific production skills. The class learns to critique media content and language required for analysis. A primary goal for this course is to enable the student to produce effective videos for other classes and for self-expression.
Offered fall and spring semesters

Filmmaking II*
Grades 9–12
.5 credit
This intermediate-level course focuses on the concept of film narrative and established conventions of storytelling. Drawing on the history of film, television, and social media, the class will explore the structure of various story types. Students will learn basic lighting techniques including 3-light lighting. The class will also explore the next level of sound recording with different kinds of microphones and double-system recording. With help from collaborating crews, each student will be responsible for adapting a short story for film and directing their own project. Students apply their analytical skills in the analysis of feature film content. 
*Prerequisite: Filmmaking I
Offered fall and spring semesters

Filmmaking III*
Grades 10–12
.5 credit
This course brings together the technical skills of image recording and editing, combining them with visual continuity and applying high production values to a finished product. The class produces in 4K using mirrorless camera technology and explores the challenges and advantages of ultra hi-def production. The production process develops the students’ understanding of visual structure and how to communicate thoughts and emotions. Student productions gain unity and style, while investigating the relationship between the medium and the message. Students will produce finished films as a group and individually. Each student will choose a film to analyze and present to the class.
*Prerequisite: Filmmaking II
Offered fall or spring semester

Photography I
Grades 9–12
.5 credit
In this semester course, basic concepts in handling the 35mm camera, film development, and darkroom techniques are introduced to the student. Students learn the principles and elements of art through assignments for in-house and studio lighting from setup through production, as well as investigations into perspective and space in architectural settings, in and around campus, as well as outside of School. As students learn how to handle the 35mm camera, emphasis will be placed on mastering how to evaluate negatives more critically and to alter exposure and development of film to produce better negatives, all while fine-tuning their printing skills. Along with the 35mm camera, students explore lens-less captured imagery through the use of pinhole cameras and photograms. This class also includes capturing images with digital cameras. An introduction to Photoshop enables students to use various tools and techniques to blend, colorize, clone, and create digitally enhanced images. Along with technical skills, students engage the aesthetics of photography through critiques, presentations, and written assignments. Print finishing and photographic presentation are important aspects of the class, as are craftsmanship, effort, and timeliness.
Offered fall and spring semesters

Photography II*
Grades 9–12
.5 credit
In this semester course, students build upon the creative and critical use of digital photography and digital image-making taught in Photography I. Students create images with digital point-and-shoot cameras, digital SLR cameras, and smartphones. Once images are captured and catalogued, students learn to retouch, color balance, enlarge, and crop their images. In addition, students acquire further knowledge of Photoshop’s full array of selection tools in order to colorize black-and-white images, create photomontages, and better understand layer masking techniques for special effects. Special attention is paid to image resolution, color fidelity, and printing output. Along with building upon the fundamentals of digital imaging, additional emphasis is given to historical context through readings, online research, and class discussions. Assessment of student performance is based on completion of assignments, effort, and timeliness.
*Prerequisite: Photography I
Offered fall and spring semesters

Photography III*
Grades 11-12
.5 credit
In this semester course, students delve further into the history of photography and the meaning of images in cultural context as well as continue to improve technical understanding and craftsmanship. Students may work in traditional, experimental, and conceptual processes depending on their skill level and interest. At this level, students are encouraged to investigate alternative processes, such as infrared film, pinhole cameras, medium and large format cameras, antiquated processes such as Van Dyke Browns and cyanotypes, and advanced aesthetic considerations to viewing images outside the standard picture frame. At this level, it is expected that the student can work independently, setting goals, solving problems, and evaluating and revising their work. Students who wish to pursue AP Studio Art: 2D Design with a focus in Photography are required to take this class.
*Prerequisite: Photography II
Offered fall or spring semester