ART 1 #11114 .5 Credit
Art 1 is an introductory course in observation and study of three-dimensional forms as found in Still Life. Students develop the skill required to record these studies realistically through line and value study in drawing and painting. A strong emphasis is placed on the elements and principles of design while working in a variety of media.

ART 2 #11214 1 Credit
Art 2 is an elective course designed for students to develop creative approaches to drawing, painting, sculpture, and design. Emphasis is placed on composition and the use of positive and negative space in 2 D and 3 D design projects. Independent thought and creativity is introduced in projects. Art history is studied beginning with the Renaissance up to the period of Impressionism. Prerequisite: Art 1 and approval of instructor.

ART 3 #11314 1 Credit
Art 3 is an intermediate course where students follow a traditional and contemporary approach to art. Students are encouraged to search for personal expression and experimentation in different styles, techniques and mediums. Art history is studied beginning with the Impressionistic 1800's period up to the Surrealistic style, along with an in depth study of specific artists and their styles. Prerequisite: Art 2 and approval of instructor.

ART 4 #11414 1 Credit
Art 4 is an advanced class, where drawing, painting, graphics, and sculpture in both traditional and contemporary styles as it relates to the commercial field is emphasized. This course includes independent research of artists, exploring new techniques, and an entire quarter is given to Independent Study. Prerequisite: Art 3 and approval of instructor.

ART 5 #11914 1 Credit
Art 5 is an advanced independent studio course that is designed for the student who has completed Art 4 by their junior year, or for the student who demonstrates outstanding level of artistic knowledge and talent in Art 3. Students will work independently in search for personal expression through subject, medium and techniques to further develop their personal style. This course will allow the serious student to create pieces of artwork for portfolio preparation for college submission. Students will sign a contract that has established outlines for work ethics and course requirements, this contract will be renewed on a quarterly basis. The course is a semester course that can be taken for a full year. Prerequisite: Art 3 and/or Art 4 with approval of instructor.

BEGINNING LEVEL DRAFTING #11924 .5 Credit
Students utilize the mechanical design lab at Prairie State College to achieve the beginning skills necessary in Conventional or Free Board Drafting as well as attaining competence in CAD (Computer Assisted Design) taught by a specialized instructor. Two college credits are extended at no charge to students who maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher in this class. Class meets Mon. and Wed. from 3 p.m. 5 p.m. This course is included in the student's cumulative GPA and credits but is not included in a student’s six required semester courses.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS (SPEECH) #12114 .5 Credit
This course introduces the student to preparing and delivering informative, demonstrative, persuasive, and other types of speeches, as well as making the student critically aware of public speaking today.

MASS MEDIA #12124 .5 Credit
Mass Media examines how we understand, evaluate and consume today’s mass media. The particular media that is investigated includes radio, popular music, television, film, and the Internet.

INTRODUCTION TO THEATRE #12214 .5 Credit
This course may be used as an elective for sophomores, juniors and seniors who have no previous acting experience. This course introduces the student to acting, directing and technical aspects of theatre.

FILM STUDY #12314 .5 Credit
Film Study focuses on film as art. The student will learn to appreciate and understand movies from the past, as well as current films. Film study will cover the components of films, such as cinematography and editing, explore movies through a historical lens, and cover a wide variety of genres, such as film noir, the romance, the Western, science-fiction, comedy, drama, foreign film, big-budget blockbusters and small independent movies.

PERFORMING ARTS #12224 .5 Credit
This course, an elective option restricted to sophomores, juniors and seniors is a survey of the performing arts with an emphasis on improvisational and scripted acting. Prerequisite: Introduction to Theatre or course instructor’s approval.

ORAL INTERPRETATION - HONORS #12315 .5 Credit
Students explore literary works (religious and secular) in performance settings. Expressive techniques are emphasized which encourage the student to analyze, co-create, and celebrate messages from spiritual writers and contemporary authors. Students will present literature with solo and group techniques that emphasize oral expressiveness and craft readings into program arrangements. They will model their projects at community engagements, retreats, interscholastic opportunities, and ministry/liturgical programs. Open to sophomores, juniors and seniors. Consent of instructor is required.

BOYS’ CHORUS #13214 1 Credit
Boys Chorus is an introductory level male choir. All freshmen boys, as well as sophomore and junior boys entering their first year of choir at Marian, may enroll in Boys Chorus. Emphasis is placed on the basics of good vocal production, music theory, and musicianship. A wide variety of music from all styles, periods, and languages is presented. Students also have the option to enroll in private voice lessons and participate in Solo and Ensemble Contest. Four major performances per year are a course requirement and attendance is expected.

CONCERT CHOIR #13113 1 Credit
Concert Choir is an introductory level treble choir. All freshmen girls as well as sophomore and junior girls entering their first year of choir at Marian should enroll in Concert Choir. Emphasis is placed on the basics of good vocal production, music theory and self-direction. A wide variety of music of all styles, periods and languages is presented. Students also have the option to enroll in private voice lessons and participate in Solo & Ensemble Contest. Four major performances per year are a course requirement and attendance is expected.

SPARTAN CHOIR #13314 1 Credit
Spartan Choir is a mixed choir performance course. Freshmen boys who are new to the choral program should register for Spartan Choir. A wide variety of music of all styles, periods and languages is presented. Emphasis is placed on sight reading skills, foreign language diction and large scale repertoire. Students are encouraged to enroll in private voice lessons and participate in Solo & Ensemble Contest. Four major performances per year are a course requirement and attendance is expected. Spartan Choir is open to sophomore, junior and senior girls and boys of all levels.

GIRLS GLEE CHOIR #13324 1 Credit
Girls Glee continues the objectives of Concert Choir in a more advanced setting. Emphasis is placed on training singers to meet advanced standards of excellence in singing more difficult literature. A wide variety of music of all styles, periods and languages is presented. Students are encouraged to enroll in private voice lessons and participate in Solo & Ensemble Contest. Four major performances per year are a course requirement and attendance is expected. Girls Glee is open to sophomore, junior and senior girls who have already had one year of Concert Choir. Senior girls who are new to the choral program must be able to match pitch to enroll in Girls Glee. Audition and consent of director required.

HONORS MUSIC THEORY/HISTORY #13415 1 Credit
This course is for choir students in their junior or senior year. Students are eligible to enroll in an independent computer/library study course. This class will provide the students with the basics for college music theory and history.

Members of Concert Choir, Girls Glee, and Spartan Choir have the opportunity to participate in State Solo and Ensemble Contest, Organizational Contest, District Festivals and Collegiate Festivals.

CADET BAND* #14113 1 Credit
This course is for all freshmen entering the Marian Band program. The Cadet Band members perform at three home concerts and one off campus contest. Emphasis is placed on the basics of musicianship and performance. From August November, members perform with the marching band, and for the remainder of the year may perform in the upper level concert groups, basketball jazz ensembles and solo contest. NOTE: Students with no previous experience are also allowed to sign up for Cadet Band and will be taught as beginners.

CONCERT BAND* #14214 1 Credit
This is Marian's intermediate performance level band open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Students already experienced on band instruments are trained to a higher level of proficiency than the Cadet Band. The Concert Band performs in three major concerts per year, one concert contest, and members are also part of the Marching, Pep, and Jazz Bands.

SYMPHONIC BAND* #14414 1 Credit
This band is for the most experienced players at Marian. The members of the Symphonic Band also participate in the Marching, Pep, and Jazz Bands. Numerous performances are conducted by these groups including home concerts, marching, concert, and jazz competitions and local noncompetitive performances. Membership is limited by audition and instrumentation demands.

*A number of school-owned instruments are available for rental for a nominal fee. The rental fee is used for maintenance of the school owned instruments. Members of all bands have the opportunity to participate in All District and All State Bands, State Solo Contest, and Collegiate Band Festivals as well as Marching, Concert and Jazz Bands.

HONORS MUSIC PRINCIPLES OF PERFORMANCE & STRUCTURE #14915 1 Credit
(Honors level Band) Open to junior and senior band students by permission of band director. This course is designed to extend the band experience into the areas of music history and theory. While performing in either the Symphonic or the Concert Bands, students extend their own performance skills through lessons, and ensemble performance, and through teaching younger students. Also, students participate in an independent computer/library based study of music history and theory.

COLOR GUARD/FLAG #14924 .5 Credit
Accompanies the Marching Band with precision routines and dance. Extended summer and after school practice required. Audition required for placement.

From 2007-08 Curriculum Guide