The Advanced Placement (AP) 3-D Art and Design course is a rigorous academic program that aims to equip students with the foundational skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the field of three-dimensional art and design. Reflecting the depth and breadth of an introductory college-level course, this AP curriculum is meticulously designed to foster creativity, critical thinking, and technical proficiency in students. Here's an enriched overview, incorporating additional insights from the AP exam curriculum and broader educational contexts:

Course Overview and Objectives

• AI Tools Policy: Adhering to the AP's strict guidelines, students are not permitted to use artificial intelligence tools during any phase of the creative process. This policy underscores the course's commitment to originality, personal expression, and the ethical dimensions of art creation.

• Skill Development: Through hands-on practice with diverse materials and methodologies—including but not limited to sculpture, ceramics, metalwork, and architectural models—students are encouraged to explore and refine their artistic vision. The curriculum is designed to push the boundaries of traditional and contemporary 3-D art, encouraging innovation and exploration.

Core Skills and Competencies

1. Material and Process Investigation: Delve into the vast array of materials and techniques available to artists and designers, understanding their properties, applications, and historical contexts.

2. Creative Practice and Experimentation: Emphasize the importance of a rigorous creative process, including drafting, modeling, and revising artworks, to develop a sophisticated artistic practice.

3. Artistic Communication: Cultivate the ability to critically analyze and articulate the conceptual underpinnings and technical aspects of art and design, both verbally and in writing.

Course Structure and Prerequisites

• College Course Equivalency: This AP course parallels an introductory college-level curriculum in 3-D art and design, preparing students for further education and professional pursuits in the field.

• Prerequisites: While there are no formal prerequisites, exposure to three-dimensional art and design through previous coursework or personal exploration will be advantageous.

Portfolio Submission

• Submission Deadline: The portfolio submission deadline is a critical component of the course, with all digital portfolios due by May 10, 2024, at 8 PM ET. This portfolio is a culminating project that demonstrates the student's growth, creativity, and mastery of 3-D art and design principles.

Detailed Course Content

The curriculum is organized around three foundational "Big Ideas":

1. Investigate Materials, Processes, and Ideas: This principle encourages students to conduct an in-depth exploration of the conceptual, technical, and historical aspects of 3-D art. Key activities include researching various artistic traditions, experimenting with different materials, and reflecting on personal and cultural experiences to inform creative work.

2. Make Art and Design: Focused on the practical aspects of art creation, this section emphasizes the iterative process of making, from conceptualization to realization. Students learn to pose critical questions, engage in sustained experimentation, and integrate elements and principles of design to create coherent and impactful works.

3. Present Art and Design: This final area explores the nuances of presenting and critiquing 3-D art and design. Students practice articulating the rationale behind their creative choices, discussing their technical and conceptual development, and evaluating the effectiveness of their work in conveying intended ideas or emotions.

Conclusion

The AP 3-D Art and Design course offers a comprehensive and challenging curriculum designed to foster the next generation of artists and designers. By balancing theoretical knowledge with practical application, the course prepares students not only for the AP exam but also for a future in the broader field of art and design. Through this program, students gain not just technical skills and creative fluency, but also a deeper appreciation for the power of three-dimensional art to express complex ideas and evoke emotional responses.