Mailing Address:

Dhahran High School

P. O. Box 31677, Al-Khobar

31952 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

 

Phone:

+966.3.330.0555 ext. 2403

Fax:

+966.3.330.0555 ext. 2417

Email:

dhs@isgdh.org

 

Fine Arts

 

Arts and Crafts

 

This course is designed to introduce students to various forms of arts and crafts done both in modern era and ancient times.  Students will learn and practice techniques using a number of different textiles and media.  Participants will produce works of art displaying their skill and creativity.  Examples of projects include mosaics, wood burning, stained glass, mirror etching, scratch art, collage, printmaking, ceramics, and pottery.

 

Credits: .5
Grade: 9 - 12
Prerequisite: None

 

 

Beginning Drawing and Painting

 

Realistic drawing will be the foundation of this section.  Students will explore the use of different media.  Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain will be the text.  Painting will constitute secondary explorations. 

 

Credits: .5
Grade: 9 - 12
Prerequisite: None

 

 

Advanced Drawing and Painting

 

This course will present further projects to help challenge the creative artist. Personal style and preferences in media will be allowed in this advanced drawing and painting class.  Each artist will be responsible for his or her own compositions.

 

Credits: .5
Grade: 10 - 12
Pre-requisite: 1 credit in art, or permission of instructor

 

 

Studio Art (I, II, III or IV)

 

This semester-long course is designed for students who want to take up any field of art as a career.  The students are given the freedom to explore their artistic potential, produce their own compositions, learn different techniques, and develop their own portfolio.  The teacher will expect students to prepare proposals, to process and present their artwork, and to participate in an end-of-year art exhibition at which an outside professional will critique and evaluate their presentations.

 

Credits: .5 (Course may be repeated for credit)

Grade: 11 - 12
Prerequisite: Advanced Drawing, Art Foundations II, or permission of instructor

 

 

Honors Art

 

This course is an intensive confrontation of the creative process.  Students will produce a portfolio of work that may be used for college applications, competitions, scholarship applications, and exhibitions.  Honors Art program participants receive an authentic experience of studying visual art at the college level, as well as an opportunity to build their skills and portfolio, and to receive guidance in planning an education in art.  Honors Art fosters an independent-artistic environment where student artists have the opportunity to work with the medium(s) and topic of their choice.  Students in Honors Art develop a strong, thematic body of work over the course of one semester.  Honors Art is an honors visual art course open to juniors and seniors who have met specific criteria necessary for acceptance into the class.

 

Credits: 1
Grade: 11 – 12
Prerequisite: See AP/Honors Addendum

 

 

Introduction to Theatre

 

This is a one-semester introductory drama course aimed at students with little or no drama background. The curriculum includes: pantomime, improvisation, characterization, stage movement, effective use of voice, creation of subtext, set design, and storytelling.  Students will rehearse and produce one-act plays.

 

Credits: .5
Grade: 9 - 12
Prerequisite: None

 

 

Theatre II

 

Theatre  II is far more in depth and has students rehearse and perform competition monologues and scenes.  We dive into the psychology of acting, look at acting or different aspects of theater as a career choice, and do units on directing and producing live theater.  We will also work at filming a drama for the first time.

 

Credits: .5
Grade: 10 – 12
Prerequisite: Introduction to Theater

 

Theatre Production

 

In Theatre Production students become certified in different areas such as stage make-up, costuming, lighting and sound design, backstage manager training, and props.  With hands-on play preparations and behind-the-scenes training students will discover new artistic and script analyzing talents and skills.

 

Credits: .5
Grade: 10 – 12
Prerequisite: Introduction to Theatre

 

                         

Digital Photography I

 

This semester course is designed to introduce the student into the basics of operating a digital camera, from different functions to modes, the student will become more acquainted with his camera.  After the modes, the student learns the creativity of taking pictures by implementing the rules of composition.

Adobe Photoshop is the editing software used for this course.  Students will learn basic editing techniques to improve their pictures.  This course can be followed by Digital Photography II or a more advanced course.

 

Credits: .5
Grade: 9 - 12
Prerequisite: None
Special Requirement: Students are required to supply their own 33mm digital camera that must have fully manual capabilities.

 

 

Digital Photography II

 

This semester course expands upon what students learned in Digital Photography I.  The course begins with an exploration of what makes great photographs.  Each student will select a style and two photographers to study throughout the semester.  The rules of composition should be understood before the student begins this course.  Projects will be theme-based, such as photo essay, simplicity and beauty,  and humanity. The course ends with a demanding independent study project.  Throughout the course, students are expected to maintain a sketchbook where they will portray their ideas before beginning each project.  This sketchbook will involve drawing, painting, charcoal, pastels, and images from magazines.  Each student should have access to a quality digital camera and the desire to further their photography skills at a high level.  Adobe Printshop and Photoshop Elements will be used extensively.

 

Credits: .5
Grade: 10 - 12
Prerequisite: Digital Photo I
Special Requirement: Students are required to supply their own 33mm digital camera that must have fully manual capabilities.

 

 

Band

 

This is an advanced year-long PERFORMANCE ENSEMBLE class for instrumental musicians in grades 9-12 with three or more years of band experience (or equivalent instrumental performance skills on a band instrument).  High School Band will focus on preparation and performance of contemporary and traditional mature concert band literature.   Included in the curriculum are individual and ensemble performance techniques, sight-reading, music vocabulary, and fundamental aspects of music theory and history.  Emphasis is on immediate practical application of skills.  This group will perform publicly for three major concerts as well as other events throughout the school year.

 

Credits: 1 (Course may be repeated for elective credit.)
Grade: 9 - 12
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

 

 

Choir

 

Choir is a PERFORMANCE ENSEMBLE class for students in grades 9 – 12.  Chorus members will work on individual practice and performance techniques:  proper singing posture, breath control, pitch accuracy, vowel production, diction, and voice care.  Within participatory lessons/rehearsals members will work on the above skills in an ensemble setting, working towards the musicality of the group.  The choir will rehearse a variety of music in different styles and different languages with an emphasis on the practical application of newly acquired/developed skills.  Choir members will culminate their learning in a concert each semester and other performances throughout the school year.

It is recommended to take CHOIR as a year-long course.  Exceptions require director approval.

 

Credits: .5 or 1 (Course may be repeated for elective credit.)
Grade: 9 - 12
Prerequisite: Prior musical training is recommended along with a strong desire to learn to sing.

 

 

Beginning Guitar

 

Playing the guitar is a lifelong music skill which many students find very rewarding.  This class assumes that the student is a complete beginner on guitar, with no previous music instruction.  The ability to read music or play another instrument will be an asset--but is not necessary for success in the course.  The focus of the class will be on learning chords and strumming patterns, and playing popular songs.  Some music theory will also be covered.  Upon completing the course, students will be well positioned to continue self-directed study in his or her area of interest.

Credits: .5
Grades: 9 – 12
Prerequisite: None
Special requirement: Student must supply his/her own acoustic guitar.

 

 

Intermediate Guitar

 

This course aims to develop students playing ability and appreciation of the guitar.  The class will build on the skills and knowledge developed in Beginners Guitar. It will be a performance oriented and practice based class. Topics covered include guitar maintenance and care, rhythm patterns, chord construction, scales and soloing, picking technique, aspects of performance, and different musical styles.

 

Credits: .5
Grades: 10 - 12

Prerequisite: Completion of Beginning Guitar, or demonstrated ability (assessed by the instructor)

Special requirement: Student must supply his/her own acoustic guitar.