ARTS Major Pathways

Dance 1

Full Year Course
The course is designed to introduce the dance student to the fundamentals of ballet and other dance style techniques. Understanding of proper movement skills and building core strength through floor and barre techniques. The Dance I course is designed with specific exercises to enhance proper body placement, strength, flexibility, balance, musicality and movement coordination. Students will gain an understanding and an appreciation for dance as an expressive art form through a focus on the Elements of Dance. While the foundation of dance is in ballet, lyrical, jazz and modern dance are also explored.  1 Credit

Dance II 

Full Year Course
This course is designed for the intermediate dancer and focuses on executing dance with more proficiency, strength and graceful qualities. Increased technique, personal growth in musicality and coordination. A focus on dance history and vocabulary are goals for this course. Exposure to additional dance styles and increased improvisation will be added to performance opportunities. Dancers will also have opportunities for master classes and dance workshops. Curriculum will cover all aspects of dance history, progression and artist interpretation of many genres. 1 Credit

Dance III

Full Year Course
Dance III is designed to build artistry in the intermediate/ advanced student. Once an established knowledge of history and technique is presented, students will begin to focus on self- exploration as a performing artist, while continuing to build a dance vocabulary. Stylings of noted choreographers and ballet variations will be a core focus in class. Students will begin to develop dance portfolios and resumes including auditions for college application. 1 Credit

Dance IV

Full Year Course
The curriculum is focused on building a performance opportunity from classroom study and exercises continued into a student run showcase. Portfolios will continue to be refined. 1 Credit

Dance V

Full Year Course
Prerequisite: Dance IV, department recommendation. Dance 5 is an dance course for dancers  with advanced technical skills. In this course we will continue to hone skills in ballet technique, as well as in  contemporary, jazz, and modern. Dancers will create choreography to be performed during art expos. Dancers who take this course are required to compete dance 4  and require instructor go sign off. 1 Credit

Dance Elective

Full Year Course
Prerequisite: It is recommended that students have at least one year of dance technique in classic styling before selecting this course. Dance Elective is designed with a focus on tap, turns, tricks and leaps for the advanced dancer. Students in this class will focus on musicality, developing rhythmic patterns and Broadway style tapping. Proper technique  application will allow for more complex turning combinations including fouèttes and a la secondè turns. Jumps and leaps will be executed at high proficiency. It is recommended that students have at least one year of dance technique in classic styling before selecting this course.  1 Credit

Digital Media Design I

Full Year Course
Digital Media Design I introduces the student to the elements of design in a digital media realm as well as the creation and manipulation of electronic imagery. Students learn to import digital images; scan film, prints, and artwork; create and manipulate images; prepare images for use in web documents; and make archival inkjet prints with Adobe Photoshop.  Visual thinking and communication are emphasized. Students learn to make composite artwork by working with masks and layers and to create a Web photo gallery and animated GIF’s in Photoshop. Adobe InDesign is introduced along with basic graphic design concepts. Students complete weekly lab assignments and produce a final portfolio of electronic and printed images. 1 Credit

Digital Media Design II

Full Year Course
Digital Media Design II advances the student’s digital design capabilities by using Adobe Illustrator and Adobe InDesign, two professional graphic design programs.  Digital Media Design II advances student understanding and skill levels to include more in-depth use of design elements and increased technical and aesthetic skills. As students become increasingly skilled at media design, their eye for detail and the use of applications such as Adobe Illustrator, Dreamweaver and InDesign allows them to publish works which are growing to meet industry standard. Students combine words and images on the printed page in order to provide real-world skills essential for graphic design and media manipulation careers. Students will create and manipulate images, combine graphics and text, build page layouts and working website designs. 1 Credit

Digital Media Design III

Full Year Course
Digital Media Design III focuses on the application of attained digital media design skills as well as the use of Flash and Edge Animate as students create, present and display their capstone portfolio project highlighting their cumulative body of digital arts work. Used for entry level job applications, college applications and required portfolios, final student work will be evaluated by a panel of career experts, teachers and peers. 1 Credit

Digital Media Design IV

Full Year Course
This course will be the culmination of the foundations developed in the visual communication and storytelling skills needed for a career in the growing fields of photography, photo editing and retouching, and graphic, web, video, and motion design. Students will focus their last year on two specific projects within the art of Digital Media Design for collegiate and professional showcasing. Along with the projects, students will focus on four major research projects which directly relate to the two major projects. These research papers will help students prepare for collegiate level classes, as well as help build upon complex reading and writing skills. This course culminates by having a finished version of their web portfolio, which includes the projects created this year and exploring the visual design career options that interest them. 1 Credit

Digital Business I

(Wilmington University – CTA206, 3 Credits)

Full Year Course
Whether a student’s interest lies in owning his/her own business, running a business, or participating in administration, this course provides students with a broad introduction to business that will include elements of business administration, entrepreneurship, financial analysis, and marketing. Topics include business law, basic economic principles, ethics, entrepreneurship, financial analysis, marketing operations, and strategic management plans. Computer technology helps fine tune technical reading skills in the first part of the year by learning and applying Microsoft Applications. Second semester includes basic html programming for web design application.  Students explore career planning, and professional development and practice communication skills, customer relations, leadership, and teamwork. Students will be able to determine the business pathway that best fits their interests and can choose to participate in Business Professionals of America. 1 Credit

Digital Business II/Marketing I

(Wilmington University – BMK305, 3 Credits)

Full Year Course
Marketing Communications continues to prepare students for successful post-secondary education and/or career opportunities that facilitate business operations through a basic understanding of the role of marketing in our free enterprise economy. Students will also focus on such areas as Sports Marketing, Fashion Marketing, and Global Marketing. Emphasis is placed on the nine marketing functions; selling, distribution, financing, marketing/information management, pricing, product/service planning, promotion, purchasing and risk management. In this course students will also develop a comprehensive marketing plan. This course will utilize computer technology to research, store, analyze and present information. Students will have the opportunity to participate in BPA. 1 Credit

Digital Business III

Full Year Course
Students will focus on completing their Capstone project in their major or area of interest for college, as well as the college audition/portfolio process. Students will have the opportunity to complete units on entrepreneurship.  1 Credit
Design cover, end sheets and title page reflecting theme 
Create section master designs, type specs & graphic elements
Create a workable ladder 
Set up story and photo assignments: “shoot to the shot” 
Sell advertising and organize book sales and distribution
Edit content and finalize completed computer pages 
Establish and meet publication deadlines 
Course includes instruction on using digital camera equipment as well as photography basics. 1 Credit

Marketing II

Full Year Course
Prerequisite: Marketing I, grade B or better. In this course, you will receive hands-on advanced training in marketing education. Students in this course will continue their learning progress by focusing on sales, advertising, and promotion of existing and new programs. All these experiences involve hands-on opportunities within the school by promoting internal school programs and functions.  Additional opportunities will exist for external marketing of the school and its promotion of internal and external events. For example, processes such as identification of marketing opportunities, development of advertising campaigns, evaluating internal and external company needs, and understanding and application of sales techniques are prevalent through this course. Within this course, students will gain appreciation of how a marketing department works and how sales, advertising, and promotion function hand in hand with knowledge of the four Ps, distribution, and existing program evaluations. Additionally, students will gain an appreciation of how marketing is important to specific consumers, how it affects the promotion of a product or entity, and perhaps most importantly, why it is important to their possible careers. 1 Credit

Marketing III

Full Year Course
Prerequisite: Marketing II, grade B or better. In this course, you will receive hands-on advanced training in leading and planning marketing functions for a non-profit organization. Students in this course will continue their learning progress by focusing on project planning, management of sales, advertising, and promotion. Establishing pricing policies and promotional budgeting along with customer and client interactions is also part of this class. All these understandings will be gained by hands-on experience within the school by promoting internal school programs and functions.  Additional opportunities will exist for external marketing of the school and its promotion of internal and external events. For example, processes such as taking the lead in identification of marketing opportunities, creation, and management in developing advertising campaigns, evaluating internal and external company needs, and understanding and application of budgeting techniques are prevalent through this course. Within this course, students will gain a hands-on appreciation of how a marketing department works and how management, project planning, and budgeting functions operate hand in hand with knowledge of the four Ps, marketing strategies, and existing program evaluations. 1 Credit

Wind Ensemble (Band)*

Full Year Course
Wind Ensemble is MOT’s concert band, which includes students who play woodwind, brass, and concert percussion instruments.  This performance-based course develops advanced skills in instrumental technique, music literacy & theory, sight reading, and musicality through small group & large ensemble performances of music from diverse genres and cultures.  Course explores composing & arranging, transposition, improvisation, and conducting.  Students are required to perform in all MOT concerts, and may have opportunities for additional public performances.  1 credit each year

String Orchestra*

Full Year Course
String Orchestra includes students who play violin, viola, cello, or double bass. In this performance-based course, students develop advanced skills in instrumental technique, music literacy & theory, sight reading, and musicality through small group & large ensemble performances of music from diverse genres & cultures.  Course explores composing & arranging, transposition, improvisation, and conducting. Students are required to perform in all MOT concerts, and may have opportunities for additional public performances.  1 credit each year

Choir*

Full Year Course
Choir is MOT’s vocal ensemble, in which singers perform in a traditional SATB arrangement.  In this performance-based course, students develop advanced skills in vocal technique, music literacy & theory, sight singing, and musicality through small group & large ensemble performances of music from diverse genres & cultures.  Course explores composing & arranging, conducting, and vocal anatomy.  Students are required to perform in all MOT concerts, and may have opportunities for additional public performances.  1 credit each year

Music Theory/Piano 1 

Full Year Course
Music Theory/Piano 1 and 2 are also open to non-piano majors as elective courses. Introductory course suited to students with little to no prior experience studying music theory or piano.  Students learn the fundamentals of music reading & writing, and use these skills to create & analyze original musical compositions.  Piano is instructed at a beginner level, with accelerated options available for students who have prior piano experience.  1 credit

Music Theory/Piano 2

Full Year Course
Prerequisite: Music Theory/Piano 1, department recommendation. Level 2 is a dual enrollment collegiate music theory course.  Building on skills, students use advanced music theory concepts including harmonic progression, form, texture, and melodic devices to compose original works.  Piano studies are largely self-paced and involve periodic in-class recital performances.  By the end of this course, students are prepared for college music theory entrance exams and piano auditions. 1 credit

Music Theory/Piano 3*

Full Year Course
Independent Study; Prerequisite: Music Theory/Piano 2; open to piano majors ONLY. Advanced level independent study course where students collaborate with instructor to design a self-guided study track for the year, which includes long-term composition and performance goals.  Building on skills, students perform more complex repertoire and compose advanced original works.  Level 3 piano students are required to perform in all MOT concerts, and may have opportunities for additional public performances.  1 credit

Drumline*

Full Year Course
Designed as a performance based course, students learn marching snare drum technique, bass drum, multi-tenor drum, music reading, music writing, ear training, movement, and overall musicianship & performance.  1 credit

* Due to the nature of ensemble performance groups, these courses are different each year and therefore can be taken multiple times for unique credit.  Majors must take 3 credits within their performance group to fulfill their pathway graduation requirement.

theatre 1

Full Year Course
Focuses on the foundations of theatre, acting and ensemble building. Units include Playwriting (in conjunction with the Delaware Theatre Company’s (DTC) Young Playwrights Festival), introduction to theatre games and improvisation, stage movement, pantomime, script analysis, theatre history, an introduction to technical theatre and a major unit on Shakespeare, focusing on “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. All students must learn to be critical viewers of theatre, both in live and film forms, and will complete reviews each marking period, critiquing the effectiveness of all the elements of theatre as well as how the performance impacted the audience’s “willing suspension of disbelief.” A final One Act Play performance showcases what students learned through the year. 1 Credit

theatre II 

Full Year Course
Topics include character analysis, monologues, performing Shakespeare (with a focus on “Twelfth Night”), design (costume, set, etc), playwriting (in conjunction with the DTC’s Young Playwrights Festival), and continues study of theatre games and improvisation. Students complete reviews each marking period, critiquing the effectiveness of all elements of theatre and performance impact. Various acting techniques (Stanislavski, Meisner, Hagan, Adler, etc.) prepare students for character development studies. The year culminates in a one-act play production, encompassing acting and technical theatre skills. 1 Credit

theatre III

Full Year Course
Focuses on preparation for college auditions. Units include monologue preparation, character analysis, monologue and scene writing, performing Shakespeare, and theatre design. Students are required to read one play each marking period and present it to the class, along with a performance element requirement, with the intent of introducing their classmates to a wide realm of plays, styles, and time periods. A continued study of Theatre History will take place, including focusing on various theatre styles including Realistic Theatre, Theatre of the Absurd, and more.  1 Credit

theatre IV

Full Year Course
Prerequisite: Theatre III, department recommendation. Delve into the world of Musical Theatre! From Gilbert and Sullivan to Vaudeville students will see the change in theatrical styles both pre- and post-“Showboat”, and learn musical theatre history. Singing and dancing, as well as acting and scene study will be based in the musical format. Students will reflect upon the impact of theater through changes in technology, world events, various cultural influences, and societal changes. 1 Credit

technical theatre production

Full Year Course
Course of study includes lighting design, sound, set design, costuming, production budgeting, and more. Students will be required to work on at least one of the 2 mainstage shows in terms of tech or stage crew, and will work on these shows during class time, so a change of clothes may be required. 1 Credit

Visual Arts I

Full Year Course
This course introduces students to the Elements of Art and Principles of Design while developing drawing skills and painting techniques. Studio experiences in the classroom will give students opportunities to experience a variety of media while developing student’s individual style and creative problem solving skills. Students will demonstrate their ability to respond, to analyze and to interpret their own artwork and the work of others through discussions, critiques, and writings. 1 Credit

Visual Arts II

Full Year Course
Students are expected to become independent thinkers and to apply their knowledge of the elements and principles to their work in a variety of media (clay, wire, paper-mâché, found objects…) in order to demonstrate mastery of two and three-dimensional design skills and concepts. Students will demonstrate their ability to respond, to analyze and to interpret their own artwork and the work of others through discussions, critiques, and writings. 1 Credit

Visual Arts III

Full Year Course
Intended for advanced art students who have completed Visual Arts I & II; course will incorporate the skills learned to investigate more thoroughly two-dimensional and three-dimensional projects. Students must show initiative and good work habits in addition to being interested in art. 1 Credit

Visual Arts IV

Full Year Course
Through more individualized instruction, greater independence, and an increased knowledge of media and techniques, students will continue to develop artwork that reflects a personal style and interpretation and build a portfolio. Further study of art criticism and aesthetics will continue in the curriculum. 1 Credit

Drawing & Painting

Full Year Course
Structured for beginner to intermediate artists, class begins with basic drawing exercises along with explaining drawing materials and how to use to maximum benefit. Students draw basic forms from a still life set up using direct lighting to more complex objects in order to help understand value. Instruction includes proper proportions, relationships, eye level and foundation perspective, line and values, direct lighting and cast shadows as well as soft and hard edges. Painting covers color mixing, paint application, selection and use of brushes and other painting tools, as well as painting composition. Students will use a limited color palette in order to learn how to mix a variety of colors. 1 Credit

Yearbook

Full Year Course Students work to produce a quality annual yearbook reflecting the pictorial history of the activities each school year. Using Photoshop, Jostens Avenue and Excel students:

• Develop a theme, determine story and photo ideas
• Design cover, end sheets and title page reflecting theme
• Create section master designs, type specs & graphic elements
• Create a workable ladder
• Set up story and photo assignments: “shoot to the shot”
• Sell advertising and organize book sales and distribution
• Edit content and finalize completed computer pages
• Establish and meet publication deadlines

Course includes instruction on using digital camera equipment as well as photography basics. 1 Credit