This semester course is a continuation of Advanced Digital Arts 1. It is intended to be a more independent, project-based class and the purpose is for each student to apply the technical skills learned in their lower-level digital classes. Each student should be prepared to provide and accomplish specific goals for the semester. Exhibition of the work created is required. Individual and group critiques are part of classroom evaluation and visits to galleries and museums are part of the course activity.

Prerequisites: Advanced Digital Arts I

This one-semester course explores the many career options in broadcast journalism. Students will interact with traditional broadcasting specialties while learning to adapt storytelling and information delivery methods to audiences. The class will experience and learn from current professionals in the field.  Guests will join us live in class and via zoom. Expect the unexpected. 

This introductory course explores the fundamentals of photography, graphic design, and video production. Students will gain a foundational understanding of each discipline, preparing them for more advanced coursework in these areas. The course covers industry-standard software, including Photoshop, Lightroom, Premiere Pro, and InDesign, and incorporates hands-on learning experiences through field trips. By the end of the course, students will have a basic understanding of art and design principles, digital art software, and digital art equipment.

This course is designed to introduce students to the compositional and design elements in photography, focusing on the workings of the 35 mm digital SLR camera.  Students learn about aperture, shutter, white balance, resolution, mega pixels, and how to consistently get a good quality photograph as well as how to operate their digital cameras more effectively through manual image capture.  Additionally, class participants receive a brief introduction to digital darkroom techniques (Adobe Photoshop).  Daily assignments and image sharing during class help students troubleshoot while developing a creative eye. Students are expected to provide a digital SLR camera with full manual adjustments, their camera manual, a laptop with Adobe Creative CS4 Suite, and a thumb drive.

Prerequisite: Advanced Art I

This class is an honors class; students enrolled in this class must complete the bulk of the projects independently with close guidance from the art teacher. The student is also responsible for the following work: 

• Art historical research project and presentation to one of the art classes.
• Scholastic portfolio submitted to the Scholastic competition. This is a very competitive endeavor, which requires the student to enter ten to twelve pieces.  The work has to be photographically documented and submitted along with a school transcript and a letter of recommendation.
• Individual “solo” exhibition during the second semester. This exhibition will give the student the opportunity to prepare and display the work in a professional manner.

This class provides a comprehensive introduction to Adobe Photoshop.  Students learn the basics of image enhancement and how to manipulate photographs using both digital capture and scanned sources. Basic program operation and management are emphasized.  Cropping, making selections, retouching and color balance correction, use of Photoshop layers, layer masks, and sharpening are all examples of topics that are covered.  Students also create new works of art using paint tools and collage.

Journalism II provides structured school time for student members of the newspaper and yearbook staff. A workshop approach contributes to a relaxed, supportive atmosphere where students collaborate to meet deadlines. This course encourages curiosity and problem solving as boys brainstorm ideas before drafting, revising, and editing projects.  A required class for all senior editors of The Pine Needle and Raps & Taps, Journalism II is also taken by underclassmen who aspire to a senior editor position.

This course, open to St. Christopher's students in grades 10-12, will provide students with a safe environment to learn and implement the techniques required for effective public speaking— a vital and necessary skill required in most aspects of adult life, but which is often the cause of enormous anxiety and fear. Through an investigation of speaking techniques and regular practical implementation students will learn the tips, tools, and practices they need to dispel their anxieties and become more expressive, convincing and effective public speakers. Modes of assessment will include regular in class presentations, speech writing assignments, readings as assigned, and the delivery of a final prepared speech.

Woodworking is a branch of the Fine Arts Program. Classes are one semester in length in the Upper School. The course material progresses from one level to the next with each designed to broaden the base of knowledge and skills, thereby equipping each student to explore woodworking in an increasingly independent and creative way.  At each level, there are four areas of study. These include: wood as a material - its makeup, working characteristics, and limitations; design, drawing, and planning skills; methods of hand tool and machine use; surface preparation and finishing.

In this course, open to St. Christopher's 9th and 10th graders only, students will learn to read as writers and build a portfolio of creative writing. While students will be exposed to selections of prose (short fiction and personal essay), poetry, and scenes from screenplays to explore various forms of storytelling, this class will be driven by student interest. Are you into Sci-Fi? Great. Do you want to write speculative fiction or short screenplay? Wonderful. Students will be given agency to explore their own passions as long as it takes the shape of artful writing. We will work to build a generous culture of peer feedback, and students should expect to share their work regularly throughout the semester and help their peers achieve their artistic potential. Offered if numbers permit.