COMMUNICATIONS & FINES ARTS

Course Descriptions

711 SPEECH (0.5 credit)
The ability to communicate effectively in today's society is a very important skill. This course is designed to enhance the students' ability to communicate a wide variety of topics to his peers through the medium of public address. Clarity of voice, poise, effectiveness of word choice, and appearance are stressed as means of development. This course is required of all freshmen.

712 FRESHMAN MUSIC LAB (0.5 credit)

713 SPEECH DRAMATIC (0.5 credit)
This course offers an option other than the typical speech class. Students work on presentation in front of a group and clarity of communication, as they would in any speech class. The focus, however, is to look at these skills as the tools used by stage performers. The class involves a basic study of acting. The study starts with improvisation and other techniques to make the performer aware of the tools he has at his disposal - body, motion, voice, and space. The study continues with script analysis. The class works on monologues to hone individual skills. Later we work on scenes to continue performance work. The scene work is crucial to adding an element far to often missed in the classroom environment - collaboration. While the individual student continues to hone his performance skills, the scene work allows an opportunity to work with another performer and encounter another's perceptions, technique, understanding, and approach to performance.

714 SPEECH FORENSIC (0.5 credit)

731 INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC (0.5 credit)
This course exposes the students to the music of the Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Classic, Romantic and Modern Periods. The students also learn the life and lifestyle of each major composer of each time period and the context of the societies in which they lived and worked. The course offers basic training in the technical aspects of music as well as performance opportunities. Students are expected to make comparisons of music of the past to present musical styles and to intelligently critique any style of music. This course is required of all sophomores.

734 DRAMATIC PERFORMANCE (0.5 credit)
This course will train students in several areas of acting, directing and writing for theater. It will help students understand and appreciate different performance and acting techniques as well as master all basic dramatic performance skills. It will also introduce students to the
drama production process and to the techniques needed for theater writing. The class will require numerous activities involving public performances and participation at evening and weekend theatrical events. All major grades are project oriented and may include several
acting performances, development of competition level interpretation pieces, participation in weekend dramatic competitions, a researched essay, composition of a short scene, and a public performance in the theater. An understanding of the historical place of theater in social structures will be emphasized. Open to Saint Agnes students.

735 TECHNICAL THEATER (0.5 credit)
This class is designed for students who want to work with stage lighting and sound. Theater safety, set construction, use of lights in theater, proper setting of lights, development of sound cues, proper use of sound equipment and theater maintenance is covered in the course. The course requires participation in at least one production during the semester. Open to Saint Agnes students.

736 ACTING 1 (0.5 credit) (St. A)
This course introduces students to the wonderful world of theater. Identification of the actor's personal resources for creating characters works hand in hand with on stage exercises and performance; practice of stage movement, pantomime, vocal technique, and improvisation prepares students to bring scripts and characters to life. Students learn the history of the drama, attend and evaluate performances in Houston-area theaters, and participate in the production of a play to round out their introduction to the world of the stage. Open to Strake Jesuit students.

737 ACTING 2 (0.5 credit) (St. A)
This course will build on the introductory material explored in Acting 1; its primary focus will be creating a believable character. Script analysis will be coupled with the exercises in technique to provide foundation for multiple performances. Student will attend and critique
plays at local theaters and will participate in school productions. Prerequisites: Acting 1or Ms. Miller approval. Open to Strake Jesuit students.

738 ADVANCED DRAMATIC PERFORMANCE (0.5 credit)
This course is a continuation of Dramatic Performance, though it may be taken without having completed Dramatic Performance. It takes in a in-depth examination of the role of the actor in determining the message of a character and the effective means of conveying that message to the audience and to other characters. The class continues work on vocal technique, voice and diction, and oral interpretation . Focus is placed on the effective tools of communication at the disposal of the performer. Elements of improvisation and acting techniques with emphasis on character, motivation, and sub-text will be reviewed. Class will be offered in the Spring Semester. Mr. Sullivan's approval is required. Open to Saint Agnes students.

739 THEATER PRODUCTION (0.5 credit)
This is a one semester class that can be taken both semesters. This is a performance based course. The members of Theater Production are chosen by an application, audition, and interview process. The class is responsible for a majority of the production work done by the Southwell Players and Thespians. It explores audition, rehearsal, and production schedules. It provides students with opportunities to learn techniques in acting, directing, stage-management, costuming, designing and other theater production areas. Students are expected to actively contribute to current and upcoming productions as well as maintain academic eligibility to do so. This class does not meet during one of the 7 regular periods. Mr. Sullivan’s approval is required. Open to Strake Jesuit and St. Agnes students.

740 THEATRICAL DESIGN (0.5 credit) (St. A)
This class teaches the student about the creating and designing process that goes on behind-the-scenes and makes the “Magic of theater possible. Each student will learn about the design and creation processes of stage make-up, masks, and costumes. Students will be assigned a play to design, and then make their own creations individually and in groups. This class also helps with preparing for mainstage productions throughout the performance schedule. Prerequisite: Acting I or II or approval from Ms. Miller or Mr. Sullivan. Open to Strake Jesuit and St. Agnes students.

742 STAGE PRODUCTION (0.5 credit) (St. A)
This class will meet everyday after school from 3:15 pm until 4:00 on. The class concentrates on on-stage and back-stage safety: building; designing, and producing set pieces, backgrounds, flats; adjusting and directing stage lighting; and producing the necessary set pieces for the SAA main stage Fall and Spring plays, Spring Musical, Greek Theater, and One Act-Student-Directed plays throughout the year. Students from both SJ and SAA are encourage to participate in this class. Pre-requisite: Acting 1 or Acting 2, or approval from Ms. Miller or Mr. Sullivan. Offered all year. Each semester is 0.5 credit.

750 DIGITAL AUDIO PRODUCTION (0.5 credit)
This course is an introduction to the aesthetic and technical aspects of digital audio recording, non-linear editing, special effect generation, and production of audio using the personal computer equipped with specialized software such as Finale, Pro Tools, , iMovie, and GarageBand. The class also considered preparation of digital video for use in interactive media such as CD, DVD, and the World Wide Web. Students will produce a final digital audio and video project on digital media (CD & DVD). Mr. Hernandez-Ching’s approval is required.

751 MUSIC THEORY I (0.5 credit)
This course is designed to give the student a background in the fundamentals of the language of music. It focuses on the mechanics of music as well as basics of music analysis. Students should have some prior experience with music. Mr. Hernandez-Ching’s approval is required. Open to Saint Agnes students.

752 MUSIC THEORY II (0.5 credit)
This course continues the music theory background offered in the first semester course. It also has added emphasis on the analyzation of music as well as the fundamentals of music arranging and composing. Prerequisite: Music Theory I. Mr. Hernandez-Ching’s approval is required. Open to Saint Agnes students.

753 TWENTIETH CENTURY MUSIC (0.5 credit)
This is a semester course, which meets 5 out of 6 periods. The course will follow the development of music throughout the 1850s to the present. Students will review numerous styles such as the Music of Late Romantic, Nationalism, Impressionism, Expressionism, early 1920's trends, the origins of Jazz and the Blues, (1930-40's), the Big Band Era, (1950's), the Beginnings of Rock and Roll, (1960's), and current trends on electronic music up to the year 2000.

754 SYMPHONIC BAND (1 credit)
The Strake Jesuit Symphonic Band performs at all football games as well as Christmas and Spring concerts. The group affords instrumentalists the opportunity for both solo and ensemble performance. The band is open to Jesuit and Saint Agnes students by audition
and can accommodate players from moderate to advance experience levels. Within the Symphonic Band is the Strake Jesuit Jazz Ensemble which offers a more intense and individualistic approach to jazz. The ensemble performs at Open House, Christmas, and Spring concerts and is open to all band members by audition. This class meets before school from 7:00 - 7:45. Mr. Hernandez-Ching’s approval is required. Open to Saint Agnes students.

756 CHAMBER ORCHESTRA (1 credit)
The Strake Jesuit Chamber Orchestra offers string players a chance to develop their talents by performing music from the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods. Concerts are given in the fall and spring and smaller ensembles afford individuals more intricate and advanced music. Players of all levels of experience are welcome. Meets after school from 3:15-4:00. Mr. Hernandez-Ching’s approval is required. Open to Saint Agnes students.

757 ORCHESTRAL WINDS (0.5 credit)
This class is designed to give the top wind players in the symphonic band credit for playing with the string orchestra. Full symphony orchestra literature is covered and rigid performance standards are expected. It meets each Monday and Thursday afternoon from 3:15 to 4:00 in both the fall and spring semesters and is open to Symphonic Band members by audition only. Hernandez-Ching’s approval required. Open to Saint Agnes students.

761 TELEVISION BROADCASTING (0.5 credit)
This is a course designed exclusively for the announcers on the Strake Jesuit Morning program. One-half credit is given for this two-semester course. All interested students must see Mr. Gilbert and have videotaped screen tests prior to signing up for the course. The
course is limited to 10 people and is open to students who are currently freshmen, sophomores and juniors. Course requirements:
a) The student must be present and prepared to do the announcements at the scheduled time. A grade will be given for each session -- once every 5 school days.
b) The student must complete at least two stories per semester on school related activities for the morning news program. All scripting and pre-planning for the stories are the announcer's responsibility. A grade will be given for each story. This class does not meet during one of the 7 regular periods. Please Note: Students cannot take this course simultaneously with Music Courses at St. Agnes because of schedule conflicts. Mr. Gilbert’s approval is required.

762 TELEVISION PRODUCTION 1 (0.5 credit)
The purpose of this course is to provide the proficient SJET member an opportunity to synthesize the various aspects of television production and formally present this mastery of the medium for academic credit. One-half credit is given for this two-semester course. The
course is open to sophomores, juniors and seniors in SJET who fulfill the following requirements:
1) PRIOR SJET MEMBERSHIP for one academic year.
2) Attainment of SJET level 6 or higher.
3) Recognized leadership and contribution to SJET.
4) Involvement in the production of feature stories and news stories for SJET. This class does not meet during one of the 7 regular periods.
Please Note: Students cannot take this course simultaneously with Music Courses at St. Agnes because of schedule conflicts. Mr. Gilbert’s approval is required.

763 TELEVISION PRODUCTION 2 (0.5 credit)
The purpose of this course is to provide the proficient SJET member an opportunity to synthesize the various aspects of television production and formally present this mastery of the medium for academic credit. One-half credit is given for this two-semester course. The course is open to juniors and seniors in SJET who fulfill the following requirements:
1) Prerequisite -- Television Production 1
2) Attainment of at least level 8 (Audio).
3) Recognized leadership and contribution to SJET. 4) Involvement in the production of feature stories and news stories for SJET. This class does not meet during one of the 7 regular periods.
Please Note: Students cannot take this course simultaneously with Music Courses at St. Agnes because of schedule conflicts. Mr. Gilbert’s approval is required.

764 TELEVISION PRODUCTION 3 (0.5 credit)
The purpose of this course is to provide the proficient SJET member an opportunity to synthesize the various aspects of television production and formally present this mastery of the medium for academic credit. One-half credit is given for this two-semester course. The course is open to seniors in SJET who fulfill the following requirements:
1) Prerequisite - Television Production 2
2) Must have a thorough technical knowledge of all SJET audio and video equipment.
3) Recognized leadership and contribution to SJET.
4) Involvement in the production of feature stories and news stories for SJET.
5) Must take an active leadership role in training members and helping them with their projects.
This class does not meet during one of the 7 regular periods. Please Note: Students cannot take this course simultaneously with Music Courses at St. Agnes because of schedule conflicts. Mr. Gilbert’s approval is required.

771 FORENSICS (1 credit)
This course is open to those students who have been members of the Debate Team for at least one year. This class will involve training in intermediate and advanced debate theory and research. Course requirements will include completing research assignments on current topics, briefing arguments, practice debates, and tournament competition. This course will also provide an opportunity for students interested in speech events--e.g., oratory, extemp–to develop skills necessary to attend and compete in tournaments. Requirements for these students will include writing speeches, developing files, perfecting style and delivery and competing in tournaments. This class does not meet during one of the 7 regular periods. Mr. Crist's approval is required. Open to Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors.

772 ADVANCED FORENSICS (0.5 credit)
This course involves advanced work in the theory and practice of competitive debate. Course requirements would include advanced work in writing and presenting both value (LD) debate cases and policy (CX) cases. Students will research on current topic, write briefs of
arguments, practice debates, tournament competition, reading and reporting on advanced theories of argumentation and case structure. Mr. Auzenne's approval is required. Open to Juniors and Seniors.

781 YEARBOOK (0.5 credit)
An upperclassmen elective, this course concentrates on the production of the Crusader, the school yearbook. Students will identify, master, and practice skills necessary to conceptualize a theme for the yearbook, to articulate a complete and balanced yearbook coverage, to design the yearbook, to contribute to the publication’s financial success. This course meets during one of the 7 regular scheduled periods. Mr. Romano's approval required.

782 JOURNALISM (0.5 credit)
This course teaches the basics of journalistic practice and ethics and produces the school paper, Magis. Students join to be writers, photographers, copy editors, or layout designers. All work is done outside of the school day and subject to exact deadline. This class does
not meet during one of the 7 regular periods. The course is open to any Jesuit student with Mr. Volding's approval.

789 PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP (St. A) (1 credit)
Performance Workshop is the premiere show choir offered by the St. Agnes Academy Department of Music. This ensemble is open to students in grades 10-12 by audition. A group of approximately 12-16 students will be selected by an audition in vocal skills and will be required to enroll in the course. Performance Workshop will present a broad spectrum of musical styles including popular, jazz, rhythm and blues, rock, country, Broadway and contemporary music. This show choir is a vocal ensemble that will facilitate continued development of vocal skills to enhance student’s musical growth. Out-of-school rehearsals and performances are a part of the instructional program and are required. Entry fees, travel and apparel expenses are borne by the student. Audition required. Concurrent enrollment in Mixed Chorus required.

790 VOCAL PERFORMANCE (St. A) (0.5 credit)
Do you enjoy singing with the radio, in the shower or in the church congregation? Have you ever wanted to have a place and people to sing with just for fun while at the same time improving your vocal skills? This course is geared towards the student who desires to gain an appreciation for music by singing within a group setting. It incorporates the teaching of music fundamentals and their application to all kinds of music. A wide range of vocal styles including musical theater, popular, jazz and classical will be explored. This class can only be taken once. Open to Strake Jesuit students.

791 MIXED CHORUS (St. A) (1 credit)
Mixed Chorus is composed of both St. Agnes and Strake Jesuit students from grades 9–12. Selected by audition in April of the previous year, chorus members meet daily, Monday through Friday from 7:10 am to 7:50 am (which may prevent you from being in SJET). Chorus members learn basic breathing and vocal focus and basic music theory. All members learn to sight read and are exposed to a variety of vocal styles, from Renaissance to Broadway. Every student is evaluated at least once a year by an individual jury, during which they perform chorus music in front of the music faculty. All students have the opportunity to perform at least three times a year, to audition for All State
chorus, and to participate in the annual Chorus Tour. The week before the Fall and Spring performances, rehearsals will also take place from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m (which may cause conflicts with athletic practices and games on those two weeks.) Fee and uniforms are required. Audition required. Individual jury required at least once a year.

792 TRIPLE TRIO (St. A) (1 credit)
This small chorus is composed of students from Saint Agnes and Strake Jesuit who have been in Chorale or Mixed Chorus the previous year. The group meets daily during a class period. Throughout the year, the chorus performs various functions both in and out of the city. Students are selected by audition. A fee and uniform are required. Prerequisite: Mixed Chorus.

793 DRAWING 1 (St. A) (0.5 credit)
This course is ideal for timid beginners and experienced artists. Drawing I students explore their own potential in experimenting with pencil, charcoal, conte, ink and a variety of application methods through a series of technical and creative assignments. The Drawing I student gradually develops the ability to render real and imagined imagery through the mastery of sensitive observation, sketching skills, value and texture reproduction, perspective application, and design principles. Open to Strake Jesuit and St. Agnes juniors and seniors.

794 DRAWING 2 (St. A) (0.5 credit)
This course will lead the art student into a wide exploration of drawing materials and techniques including wet and dry color, ink, charcoal, and mixed media. Creative problem solving is key in each new assignment. Drawing II encourages serious students to develop personal expression and ideas in drawing, individual style and professionalism in one's work. Prerequisite: Drawing 1 or teacher approval. Open to Strake Jesuit and St. Agnes juniors and seniors.

796 BEGINNING PAINTING (St. A) (0.5 credit)
Students will employ their Drawing I skills in combination with color theory instruction to create original paintings. Students will be exposed to a wide variety of media: Prisma pencil, watercolor, acrylic and oil paint. This is an excellent course for ambitious students who wish to compete and build portfolios. Prerequisite: Drawing 1. Open to Strake Jesuit and St. Agnes juniors and seniors.

797 ADVANCED PAINTING (St. A) (0.5 credit)
This is a rigorous one-semester course for experienced art students who have taken introductory painting classes. This class affords students an opportunity to delve deeper into various painting techniques and to expand their knowledge base of painting media and the surfaces on which artists paint. Assignments investigate established techniques of oil paint, watercolor and acrylic paint as well as more experimental and contemporary media including assemblage, collage, photomontage, and installations. Students examine the relationships between art and society, mass media, realism, surrealism, abstraction and design by exploring art history, visits to museums, galleries, artists' studios and
visiting artists. On the average, assignments are completed every two weeks followed by critique. Prerequisite: Beginning Painting or Advanced Studio Art. Offered in the spring. Open to Strake Jesuit and St. Agnes juniors and seniors.

798 ADVANCED STUDIO ART (St. A) (0.5 credit)
This one semester course provides students with the opportunity to concentrate on portfolio building and competition. Students employ a variety of drawing, painting, and mixed media to create professional quality work. The course is designed to challenge the art student
creatively and technically and to encourage independent problem-solving. Research and outside preparations are an integral part of the course work. Advanced Studio students enjoy a full day field trip to museums, galleries and visits from guest artists. Prerequisite: Drawing 1 and Beginning Painting or Drawing 2. Open to Strake Jesuit and St. Agnes juniors and seniors.

799 ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO (St. A) (0.5 credit)
In this course, students employ digital photography and video media to create professional quality work. The course is designed to challenge the art student creatively, intellectually, and technically and to encourage independent problem-solving. Research and outside preparations are an integral part of the course work. Advanced Studio students enjoy a full day field trip to museums, galleries and visits from guest artists. Course ends in a group showing of work created by the students. Mr. Suprean’s or Mrs. Costa’s permission required. Taught in the spring semester. Open to Strake Jesuit and St. Agnes juniors and seniors.