Scranton Prep is committed to the development of the whole person. An appreciation of the arts is an essential part of the education of the student at Scranton Prep. Through the Fine Arts Department, students grow in an awareness of culture and in an ability to express themselves creatively in different domains and through different media.
Introduction to Theatre
This senior elective course will introduce students to various aspects of theatre. This course is heavily project based, immersing students in the very complex components of professional theatre, namely, playwriting, directing, stage management, lighting design, scenic design, costume design, sound design, directing and performing. In addition to the hands-on/ project learning, students will digest and discuss theatre as an art from exploring various theatrical texts, works from both classic and contemporary playwrights. We will study theatrical terminology, explore theatrical genres, and critique both local and professional theatre. Students will also learn about theatrical history – how it has evolved from its conception to modern day Broadway.
Art/Music/Speech
This is a required course for all juniors. This course examines three major facets in a fine arts curriculum – art, music, and speech / public speaking. In this yearlong course, students will have 1 full quarter of art, 1 full quarter of music, and 1 full quarter of speech / public speaking. In their art quarter, students will develop their ability to think creatively and manipulate various 2D and 3D mediums. Students will begin to examine what inspires them and create various art pieces in accordance with their interests and aspirations. In their music quarter, students will be provided with knowledge necessary to develop a lasting appreciation of music. The course offers insight and an introduction to various musical forms, styles, genres, and periods, as well as the lives and individual styles of various composers. In their speech / public speaking quarter, students will develop and hone their ability to speak in front of a group. Students will focus on each facet of effective communication, namely, tone, volume, tempo, articulation, conciseness, body language, and eye contact. Students will execute these communication skills with various practical assignments and projects, specifically speech giving, interviewing, and debates. The fourth and final quarter will result in a culminating project that synthesizes student learning and invites them to apply their knowledge of each of the three content areas.
Senior Art Elective
The senior art elective is a continuation and advancement of the junior art course with greater sophistication and depth. This course is designed to provide a stimulating atmosphere for those students who are gifted in art or would like to try their hand at creating art. The course offers a number of mediums with which to work. Students do architecture, design, drawing, printmaking, metalsmithing, painting, sculpture, and modeling with clay. The senior art elective helps the student build a portfolio for advancement in art or partake in the pure enjoyment and appreciation of art.
A.P. Art History
A.P. Art History is a senior elective that provides an introductory college-level course in art history. This course follows the College Board A.P. syllabus. Throughout the course students acquire an understanding and knowledge of architecture, sculpture, painting, and other art forms within diverse historical and cultural contexts. Students examine and critically analyze major forms of artistic expression from the past and the present from a variety of cultures. While visual analysis is the fundamental tool for this course, art history also emphasizes understanding works in context, considering such issues as patronage, gender, and the functions and effects of works of art. All students sit for the A.P. exam in May.
The World Through Music
This course is an elective course for seniors. Students will learn basic musical theory, musical writing, musical terms, and style periods. They will also study the individual styles of various composers. Students will get a chance to perform together, and as a soloist, individual pieces of music written by each class member.
