Art, Design and Technology

The primary objective of the 7^th Grade Art course is to provide a rudimentary understanding of the various elements of art and to encourage students to harness a series of skills that will help them approach the subject from a more curious, open and critical perspective. Several core questions are introduced for deeper and long-term examination, such as the definition of art, where art is found, and the best approaches for analyzing and interpreting works of art. To ensure that these topics are tackled in manner suitable for the age group and the varying degrees of experience and exposure to art within a classroom, the subjects are tackled through collaborative discussions and draw inspiration from subject matter relevant to the students themselves, including film, music, games, pop culture, and others. Following the theoretical discussions, practical instruction takes the bulk of the remaining time so that students continue to develop their skills and craftsmanship, with constructive feedback provided throughout the process.

Course length: Yearlong half credit course

The 8^th Grade Art course builds on the foundations established in 7^th grade. The course begins with a refresher on the elements of art for students old and new, allowing them to reconnect with the basic concepts that facilitate the learning process moving forward. From there, the course launches into a higher range of skillsets. The first is a comprehensive introduction to 3D form, which is approached through observational drawings. This allows students to experiment with more advanced skills, while further developing their conceptual understanding of objects and how to translate them onto a 2D space. The course then moves into advanced drawing through watercolors, which not only familiarizes students with a versatile and challenging coloring medium but also help them build deconstruction skills by exploring the layers of their work after completion. Once this skillset is mastered, the students become ready to explore more conceptual territories through more dynamic and individualized projects, usually conforming to a given theme. This helps students become more independent and premeditative thinkers, planning their work ahead of time, understanding the meaning of metaphorical vs. literary work, and learning how to create art pieces that speak to an audience. 

Course length: Yearlong half credit course

In the first half of the course, students learn drawing techniques and explore a variety of drawing media (ink, pastel, mixed media, etc.). Drawing focuses on black and white or monochromatic rendering from life, pictures, masterworks and imagination. Painting includes wet media with processes such as transparent and opaque painting and focuses on the operations of color, with an introduction of basic watercolor and acrylic principles and techniques. Students are required to paint eight to 10 paintings covering a wide range of themes and styles. The second part of the course allows students to expand on the painting techniques and principles that were introduced in the first semester. Students are required to have some painting experience and to have a basic understanding of paint handling and color theory. Exercises are designed to challenge students to increase their technical and conceptual repertoire.

The course introduces students to the building blocks of visual language: the principles of composition and the elements of art and design. Students will be introduced to Digital Programs such as Illustrator and Photoshop. Emphasis is placed on improving technical skill, craftsmanship, creative problem-solving and critical thinking. Students explore a variety of media, both traditional and digital.

This course is designed for students taking ceramics for the first time and is a comprehensive introduction to the craft of clay working. The primary emphasis is on studio work leading to a portfolio of finished pieces by the end of the year. In addition to demonstrations of technique and technical assignments, students should research ceramic artists and create a PowerPoint presentation. This will enable them to view and learn about historic and contemporary examples of fine ceramic art. Periodically throughout the year, students watch slides or films to help illustrate what they are learning.

The course aims to enable students to make and appreciate expressive, visually pleasing three-dimensional clay forms. Students develop an understanding of other cultures and periods of human expression in clay and eventually become proficient at forming clay objects themselves.

This course provides students with the skills, knowledge and experience required to produce, mix and master their original music. It covers the basics of composing music using creative software digital audio workstations, recording with a microphone, and mixing techniques. Students can specialize in the production of contemporary or electronic music by utilizing creative techniques in sound design and audio engineering. Higher learning opportunities involve analog studio engineering with the science of acoustics, advanced composition, and working with design/visuals to enhance their portfolios. Students learn how to record themselves and others to produce a portfolio of professional tracks using Logic music software that can be used as soundtracks for film, TV and games. While prior musical knowledge and skills are beneficial, this course is inclusive and accessible for all students.

The course outlines the central theories and ongoing debates in the philosophy of global art. Students examine the roles of artists and art-making in contemporary culture, critically analyze art-historical practice and assumptions, discover the various institutions and communicative media through which art is presented, study the functions of art and visual culture, and explore the social context for innovation and creativity. The course covers themes such as identity, the body, time, memory, place, language, science and spirituality within mid-century and contemporary art contexts. Students also build on the studio skills they have learned in either Drawing and Painting and/or Digital Art and have it spearheaded by a solid concept and capstone project by the end of the course.

In this course, students study the fundamental elements that make up a space, developing a deeper understanding of local Jordanian spaces, materials and regulations through site visits and projects. They also develop the technical skills to make models and sketch their own designs, and to elevate their designs into three dimensions using 3D visualization programs. In-class challenges help students find solutions for spatial organization.

Course length: Yearlong half credit course
 

This course is a continuation of the Introduction to Music Production course and provides students with further skills, knowledge and experience required to produce, mix and master music. Students specialize in the production of contemporary or electronic music by utilizing creative techniques in sound design and audio engineering. Learning opportunities involve analog studio engineering based on the science of acoustics, advanced composition, and working with visual designs to enhance their portfolios. Students develop their portfolio of tracks using Logic music software and create soundtracks for film, TV and games.   

Pre-requisites: ADT 305: Digital Music Production I or a satisfactory portfolio of produced tracks approved by the ADT department.

In this course, students continue building on their study in the Architectural Design Studio 1. Students master their skills and understanding of local Jordanian spaces, materials and regulations through designing a themed project with an existing site in Jordan. They also develop their technical and presentation skills needed to complete models and architectural plans of their own designs, and to elevate their designs into three dimensions using 3D visualization programs. Finally, they participate in a jury exhibition where they will exhibit their final product.

Course length: Yearlong half credit course
Prerequisites: Completion of ADT 504: Architectural Design Studio 1

Advanced Studio Art: Drawing is a rigorous but rewarding process, in which students work towards submitting a 24-piece portfolio in the drawing discipline for AP recognition. This course is designed for students who have advanced talent and interest in visual art and who are particularly interested in traditional media such as drawing and painting. The course is intended to encourage students to address a broad interpretation of drawing issues such as line quality, light and shade, rendering of form, composition, surface manipulation, the illusion of depth and mark making. Students are expected to exhibit their work in the annual art showcase.

Prerequisites: ADT 301: Drawing and Painting or ADT 302: Digital Art, and ADT 401: Conceptual Art

Page to Stage invites critical readers, thoughtful writers and experienced actors to hone their capacity for literary analysis, boost their acting skills and develop a director’s vision. In the first semester, students read great plays from world theater reflecting essential questions that arise across the curriculum. Students alternate script analysis through discussion with weekly actors’ workshop. Having established a common language to coach the most honest acting out of one another, actors evaluate themselves and each other in the bi-monthly mini-performances called “critiques.” In January, during the Shakespeare intensive, actors rehearse a monologue which they will perform in competition. To explore the concrete world of each play they read, students choose research topics for short, multi-media presentations. Throughout the year, students undertake several integrated writing projects combining acting techniques and script analysis. In early March, students pick one of the works previously read for performance in mid- April; they drive all components of this spring production, allowing them to develop basic skills in at least one aspect of technical theater, and to demonstrate their accumulated learning. Following the spring performance, having debriefed the production process, actors read one more play, and prepare a contemporary audition monologue for life after King’s.

Prerequisites: Introduction to Theater and Scene Study OR at least one year of Introduction to Theater in combination with a major theatrical production OR permission of the instructor

This course places its primary emphasis on creativity. It introduces students to basic concepts of contemporary dance, while also encouraging each student to develop a unique, individualized movement vocabulary. Contemporary dance is a broad dance form that references many movement styles from around the world including ballet and martial arts. Students also acquire basic technique in Arabic Folkloric Dabkeh, which they may incorporate into their movement vocabulary. Through the study of technique and improvisation, students expand their physical range and expressive capabilities and heighten their spatial awareness. They investigate concepts such as momentum, spiraling, breathing, alignment, musicality and timing. Students ultimately learn to apply the various aspects of dance to compose original, cohesive and exciting public presentations.

This course is an introductory dance course that has a strong emphasis on Dabkeh, a form of Arabic folkloric dance. Students meet one evening a week with members of the Al Quds Group for focused Dabkeh instruction. In addition, students meet for one or two daytime sessions during the academic week to refine their Dabkeh skills, and to also expand their physical range and expressive capabilities through the study of contemporary dance techniques. Students also develop their composition skills through improvisation and choreography.

In this course, experienced dance students further their studies in concepts of contemporary dance, while continuing to develop a unique, individualized movement vocabulary. Working in a group context, students learn how to rehearse and perform as a larger ensemble. In the past, students from this class have performed under the direction of guest artists such as Yoshiko Chuma, Dai Jian, Elizabeth Johnson, and Natalie Salsa. Heavily emphasizing creativity through composition projects, students also explore solos and duos, incorporating various mediums from other art forms such as set design, costumes, music and literary texts.

This course continues to build on Introduction to Dabkeh, developing intelligent, informed and versatile movers with a strong base of Dabkeh. Students meet one evening a week with members of the Al Quds Group for Dabkeh instruction. In addition, students meet for one or two daytime sessions during the academic week to refine their Dabkeh skills, and to expand their physical range and expressive capabilities through the study of contemporary dance techniques. Students study the social, political, and historical context of Dabkeh and reflect on how they as individuals and artists position themselves.

This course is an advanced level course for students who have completed Intermediate Dance. Meeting in conjunction with Intermediate Dance, students are expected to take additional leadership roles in the ensemble by leading rehearsals, mentoring others in refining their movement, and choreographing small group works. Students may repeat this course each year.

This course is an advanced level course for students who have completed Intermediate Dabkeh. Meeting in conjunction with Intermediate Dabkeh, students are expected to take additional leadership roles in the ensemble by leading rehearsals, mentoring others in refining their movement, and choreographing small group works. Students may repeat this course each year.

Students explore the fundamentals of music through acts of creating, performing and responding. They build skills for reading music notation, performing on basic percussive music instruments and incorporating some basic elements of the string family. Students explore digital musicianship and learn to appreciate music by developing a deeper understanding of its elements.  

Course length: Yearlong half credit course

Students explore the fundamentals of digital music-making through the acts of creating, performing, and responding. They learn about the present-day music industry and collaborate in class to create their own music and promote it to their peers and community. Students acquire the knowledge to discuss music and respond to it in a meaningful way, and they grow in their appreciation of its influence as an art form and an expressive outlet. Students also have the option of choosing to specialize in an instrument (violin, viola, cello or a wind instrument)

Course length: Yearlong half credit course

This course provides the tools a student needs to gain basic proficiency in playing a stringed instrument, reading musical notation, and interacting musically in an ensemble. As a result of this course, students develop the ability to play a stringed instrument with good posture and tone quality, play a varied repertoire in the keys of D, G, C, and A majors (and their relative minors), read notated music, develop effective practice habits, and build a sense of musicianship. This is a performance-based course, and students perform in two ensemble concerts, one in the fall semester and one in the spring semester. Instruments offered are violin, viola and cello.

This course introduces basic guitar playing to beginners. Emphasis is placed on learning guitar skills using finger style 6 string classical guitar. Essential guitar skills and basic note-reading are taught in a group setting that allows students to learn from each other. Some of the skills covered are rest and free stroke, plucking different notes together, playing and moving from different positions on the fingerboard, and upward and downward slurs.

Students in this course for beginners learn to develop their instrumental music skills and to prepare for performance opportunities. Students learn how to assemble the instrument, produce a sound, memorize fingering and eventually play simple melodies. The course focuses on the following content areas: tone quality, correct posture, balance, blend, intonation, attacks, releases, phrasing, rhythm, cooperation, respect and self-discipline. Furthermore, a variety of music representative of various styles, composers, and historical periods is used for the purpose of teaching and reinforcing musical concepts and instrumental techniques needed to achieve proficiency on an instrument. Instruments that offered are trumpet, French horn, trombone, flute, clarinet and alto saxophone.

Course length: Yearlong half credit course

This course is designed for students who already have basic skills on a stringed instrument (violin, viola, cello, or bass) including instrument assembly and maintenance, correct playing position and sound tone production. The ability to read basic notated music is a must. Instruction focuses on the refinement of tone quality, technique, aural skills and music literacy. Additionally, students gain experience playing as part of an ensemble. This is a performance-based course, and students perform in two ensemble concerts, one in the fall semester and one in the spring semester.

Prerequisites: Introduction to Strings or audition

This course is designed for students who wish to develop their piano skills. It builds on comprehensive practice strategies as well as dexterity and playing abilities. The course is designed as a one-on-one class and students of all levels are encouraged to enroll.

Students in this course have the foundational skills and abilities to progress and have a better understanding of their instrument. Building on the foundational skills acquired in Introduction to Winds, this course further develop the proficiency and musicality of students on wind and brass instruments. This course continues to provide the skills needed for students to eventually join other ensembles such as orchestra. Through a combination of individual practice, group rehearsals, and performances, students gain a comprehensive understanding of intermediate-level wind and brass playing, preparing them for more advanced musical experiences.

Course length: Yearlong half credit course
Prerequisites: Introduction to Winds and Brass or audition

This course is designed for advanced students who wish to keep practicing and maintain their level by being part of an ensemble. Students have many chances to perform on stage and showcase their work. Students continue working on aspects such as tone quality, technique building, and working together towards building ensemble skills. This is a performance-based course.

Prerequisites: Intermediate Strings or audition

Orchestra is designed for instrumentalists with previous playing experience who aim to play in a larger ensemble. It focuses on developing individual playing skills in a group setting. Students learn the techniques of playing together, while focusing on listening skills and musical awareness.

Note: Acceptance into this class is by audition only.

This course is designed to promote and develop musical performance skills for guitarists. A wide range of music genres from classical to rock is covered.

Prerequisites: Introduction to guitar or audition

In this course, students build a foundation of skills based on the belief at the core of our program that “acting is doing”. Daily warm-ups, games and exercises introduce students to the skills we call the Ten Doings: Observe, Discover the Place, Establish Your Relationship with the Others in the Scene; Decide What You Want; Choose How You Will Get It. Regular rites of passage require students to demonstrate they have internalized each new concept. Students learn to commit fully to what they are doing onstage and in the process lose their self-consciousness and build self-confidence. Through experimentation with body and voice, reflection, composition and performance, students deepen their understanding of how to create and appreciate various forms of performance. Next, actors begin to apply the fundamental skills they have acquired first to a series of neutral scenes, and then to a short comic play. In the spring, students undertake a classic full-length play, from which they perform selected scenes for a small audience. As students grow more experienced, they acquaint themselves with the remaining Doings: Look for the Test of Your Action, Develop Your Character, Create the Moment Before, Know the Words of the Play, Know the World of the Play. Twice, students will research topics of their choosing for short multi-media presentations. Students acquaint themselves with the acting methodologies of renowned theater practitioners, investigate major movements in theater history, and deepen their exploration of human nature. 

Note: This course is a prerequisite to further theater classes at King’s
Course length: Yearlong half credit course

In this course, students continue to develop their acting skills based on the “10 Doings,” the foundation they built in their first year of theater. Actors read, Harkness and workshop at least three plays from drastically different theatrical styles and eras. Scene study off and on stage focuses on how characters achieve power of all kinds through manipulation: how they decide what they want, influence others to get it, and ultimately achieve or cede power to one another. Students undergo regular actors’ studio-type critique from the others in the ensemble. The emphasis is on developing honest, truthful acting. In January, during the Shakespeare intensive, all actors rehearse a monologue that they perform in competition. To explore the concrete world of each play they read, students choose research topics for short, multi-media presentations. As the culminating event of the class, actors perform an evening of selected scenes from three different works in the diverse dramatic styles of their choosing.

Prerequisites: Introduction to Theater or, at the instructor’s discretion, the equivalent