Computer Science

Curriculum

The Computer Department offers courses in the Arts as well as coding. More advanced work includes self-paced programming and web design.

 

FULL-YEAR COURSE

Digital Filmmaking, Script to Screen: In this yearlong course, students will write, produce, and edit short films. This course will provide hands-on experience in production planning, writing, and acting for the camera, as well as lighting, digital cinematography, audio recording, and non-linear editing. The class will meet twice a week during an Arts block; however due to the nature of the assignments some time outside of regular class will be necessary. This course will emphasize the development of skills to use creative thinking for problem solving. A willingness to work as part of a team is a prerequisite, as all projects will be accomplished in groups. 3 credits

AP Computer Science Principles: This is a year-long elective course which will cover programming fundamentals and computational thinking practices along with topics including Algorithms, Abstraction, the Internet, Big Data and the Global Impact of Computer Science. No prior programming experience is required. The class will use Javascript to introduce programming fundamentals but the final projects submitted for AP Digital Portfolio evaluation allow for independent project opportunities using other programming languages. The course culminates with mandatory participation in the Spring 2021 AP Computer Science Principles exam which consists of a multiple choice section on the scheduled exam date and two individual projects submitted for evaluation during the school year. No Prerequisites. 6 credits

 

FALL TRIMESTER

Digital Design, Text, Print, & Web: This class will explore a range of layout and design styles throughout history, and show the differences and similarities between print and web publications. Some amount of time will be devoted to typography and a “best of” from Johannes Gutenberg to the present, showing changes in public preference in the look of type in print and advertising. The students will design and build an “advertising campaign” for the Solebury art department, both in print and on the web, using student and faculty art as content. ADOBE INDESIGN, PHOTOSHOP, ILLUSTRATOR 1 credit.

Computer Programming: This course provides a basic introduction to computer programming with a current programming language. Student may choose a language with teacher approval. No prior knowledge of programming required. Students will cover how to program input, output, and decisions, and learn to use current computer programming tools and methodologies. Additionally we will discuss current topics and trends in computing. There is no requirement for purchasing an additional computer as the work can be done online using applications such as the Jupyter notebook. Students who are able progress at a faster rate will have the option to do advanced work at their own pace with teacher approval. 1 credit

Video Editing: This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of nonlinear video editing. The student will gain an understanding of video formats and concepts of video and audio compression used in recording, editing, and for final display. Cutting techniques will be explored including concepts of continuity, frame matching, using varying angles effectively, editing multi camera footage, techniques to avoid jump cuts and the use of parallel action. An introduction to sound editing will include fundamentals of mixing for film, Foley effects and processing audio to enhance the audience experience. Students will use the following software in this course: Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe Aftereffects, Adobe Audition, Adobe Photo Shop and Adobe Media Encoder. 1 credit.

 

WINTER TRIMESTER

Computer Aided Drawing (AutoCAD): CAD drafting is the language that architects, planners, and other designers use to communicate with one another on collaborative projects and with builders or fabrication shops. The process allows the viewing of the idea you've had in a scaled relationship, to check that the rooms, moving parts, etc. will fit together and function properly. The drafting process aids in graphic thinking and suggests new avenues of design exploration. No Prerequisite, 1 credit.

Computer Programming: This course provides a basic introduction to computer programming with a current programming language. Student may choose a language with teacher approval. No prior knowledge of programming required. Students will cover how to program input, output, and decisions, and learn to use current computer programming tools and methodologies. Additionally we will discuss current topics and trends in computing. There is no requirement for purchasing an additional computer as the work can be done online using applications such as the Jupyter notebook. (http://jupyter.org) Students who are able progress at a faster rate will have the option to do advanced work at their own pace with teacher approval. 1 credit.

Digital Design: Illustration, Manipulation & Animation: This class will develop students’ digital art skill-set by viewing the computer as a tool for augmenting handmade (pen & and ink / pencil drawing, charcoal, watercolor, photography, videography) artwork. Digital manipulation of student and faculty artwork will be the vehicle for teaching the various specialized functions and specific uses of each software package. Some time will be spent stressing how the human element and inconsistent lines / brush strokes, small mistakes, and imperfections in medium can subconsciously differentiate our perception of digital art from “warm and real” to “cold and sterile.” The students will each conceptualize and complete a 30-second animation about art and technology for display on our website and blog. ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR, PHOTOSHOP, AFTER EFFECTS. 1 credit.

 

SPRING TRIMESTER

Computer Programming: This course provides a basic introduction to computer programming with a current programming language. Student may choose a language with teacher approval. No prior knowledge of programming required. Students will cover how to program input, output, and decisions, and learn to use current computer programming tools and methodologies. Additionally we will discuss current topics and trends in computing. There is no requirement for purchasing an additional computer as the work can be done online using applications such as the Jupyter notebook. Students who are able progress at a faster rate will have the option to do advanced work at their own pace with teacher approval. 1 credit.

Video Editing: This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of nonlinear video editing. The student will gain an understanding of video formats and concepts of video and audio compression used in recording, editing, and for final display. Cutting techniques will be explored including concepts of continuity, frame matching, using varying angles effectively, editing multi camera footage, techniques to avoid jump cuts and the use of parallel action. An introduction to sound editing will include fundamentals of mixing for film, Foley effects and processing audio to enhance the audience experience. Students will use the following software in this course: Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe Aftereffects, Adobe Audition, Adobe Photo Shop and Adobe Media Encoder. 1 credit.