Communication Arts

OVERVIEW
  
PATHWAYS
  
COURSES
  
FACULTY
  
  • All communication arts courses count towards the Fine Arts/Practical Arts graduation requirement.

    Students are encouraged to take two introductory courses before joining a year-long class/co-curricular program.

    Courses

  • COMPETITIVE DEBATE

    Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
    Year: 1.0 credit
    Fee: $150/year (materials and competitions)
    Prerequisites:
    • Beginning Debate
    This course focuses on research-intensive, formalized debate. This course is co-curricular, and students are required to participate in speech and debate competitions which are held on selected weekdays and Saturdays. This course may be repeated for additional credit.
  • COMPETITIVE SPEECH

    Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
    Year: 1.0 credit
    Fee: $150/year (materials and competitions)
    Prerequisites:
    • Beginning Debate
    Speech/Debate is competitive speaking, acting, and debate. This course focuses on the first two of those three categories of competitive events. The course is co-curricular, and students are required to participate in speech and debate competitions on selected weekdays and Saturdays. This course may be repeated for additional credit.
  • DIGITAL MEDIA

    Grades: 10, 11, 12
    Year: 1.0 credit
    Fee: $30/year (access to Adobe CC)
    Prerequisites:
    • Video Production 1 or
    • Intro to Journalism
    As they plan and produce the school news media (CT-TV and CTHSToday.org), students will study journalistic style storytelling and the basic requirements of investigative reporting. In addition, students will examine the production of all digital media platforms, the history of journalism, and journalistic ethics. Students should plan to work periodically after school, evenings, and/or weekends. This course may be repeated for additonal credit.
  • DIGITAL PAINTING I (INTRO)

    Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
    Semester: 0.5 credit
    Fee: $15/year
    Prerequisites:
    • None
    Video Production is a course that explores the fascinating world of digital video and television production. Students work in collaborative teams to produce video projects using small cameras while learning the basics of studio and field production, lighting, and sound.
  • GRAHIC DESIGN 1 (INTRO)

    Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
    Semester: 0.5 credit
    Fee: $15/year
    Prerequisites:
    • None
    Graphic Design I explores the design that surrounds us everyday. We'll work on a wide range of design projects, from poster to package design. We'll explore hierarchy, color, fonts, print, web, and more, with an introduction to Adobe Illustrator.
  • JOURNALISM (INTRO)

    Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
    Semester: 0.5 credit
    Fee: $15/year
    Prerequisites:
    • None
    This course will introduce students to the process and structure of publication production. Students will learn digital photography, digital page layout using Adobe InDesign, and interviewing, copywriting, and copyediting skills.
  • PHOTOGRAPHY I (INTRO)

    Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
    Semester: 0.5 credit
    Fee: $15/year
    Prerequisites:
    • None
    Video Production is a course that explores the fascinating world of digital video and television production. Students work in collaborative teams to produce video projects using small cameras while learning the basics of studio and field production, lighting, and sound.
  • PUBLIC SPEAKING (INTRO)

    Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
    Semester: 0.5 credit
    Fee: $15/year
    Prerequisites:
    • None
    Public Speaking is highly recommended for all students. The aim of the course is to develop students' poise, self-confidence, and speaking habits. Students learn the characteristics and elements of great speeches, how to craft and write them, practice and deliver them. Rhetorical strategies and appeals are emphasized. Exercises in breathing and movement as well as improvisation are used to strengthen delivery. Throughout the course, students prepare and present both formal and informal speeches on a variety of topics.
  • YEARBOOK

    Grades: 10, 11, 12
    Year: 1.0 credit
    Fee: $30/year (access to Adobe CC)
    Prerequisites:
    • Intro to Journalism or
    • Video Production I
    Students will plan and produce the CTHS yearbook, The Legend. Students will be responsible for every aspect of yearbook production. This course may be repeated for additional credit.
  • VIDEO PRODUCTION 1 (INTRO)

    Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
    Semester: 0.5 credit
    Fee: $15/year
    Prerequisites:
    • None
    Video Production is a course that explores the fascinating world of digital video and television production. Students work in collaborative teams to produce video projects using small cameras while learning the basics of studio and field production, lighting, and sound. Special emphasis is placed on creativity and the writing process. Part of the semester- long course will include an in-depth study of scholastic press law and analysis of the professional media’s coverage of current events. As part of this course, students may contribute to one of CT Journalism’s student publications: CT-TV, cthstoday.org, and/or The Legend in a limited capacity.