What Does AP 20 Mean in Art Terms?
When you encounter "AP 20" in the context of art, it's highly likely that you're looking at a designation related to the Advanced Placement (AP) program offered by the College Board. Specifically, "AP 20" doesn't refer to a specific art movement, technique, or historical period. Instead, it is a shorthand that often appears on transcripts or in discussions about college-level art courses taken during high school.
The AP program is designed to provide high school students with the opportunity to experience college-level coursework and, if they perform well on the AP exams, potentially earn college credit or advanced placement in college courses. In the realm of art, the AP program typically offers two main courses:
- AP Art History
- AP Studio Art
The "20" in "AP 20" is not a standard or officially recognized part of the AP designation itself. It's more likely to be a course number assigned by a particular high school to differentiate between various AP offerings. For instance, a high school might use "AP 20" to refer to their AP Studio Art course, while "AP 21" might be their AP Art History course. This internal numbering system helps schools manage their course catalogs and student registrations.
Delving Deeper: AP Studio Art
The AP Studio Art program is particularly relevant when discussing "AP 20" if that number is associated with a studio art offering. This program is structured to allow students to develop their artistic skills and create a portfolio of work that demonstrates their understanding of artistic principles and their ability to execute ideas effectively. There are three different AP Studio Art courses:
- AP 2-D Art and Design: Focuses on the principles and techniques of drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, and mixed media.
- AP 3-D Art and Design: Explores the elements of art and design in three dimensions, including sculpture, ceramics, architecture, and product design.
- AP Drawing: Concentrates on the development of skills in drawing, including mark-making, line, value, composition, and color.
Students enrolled in AP Studio Art courses work on developing a portfolio over the course of the academic year. This portfolio is then submitted for evaluation by the College Board. The portfolio consists of three sections:
- Quality: A selection of their strongest works, demonstrating technical skill and artistic merit.
- Concentration: A body of work that shows the student's exploration of a specific artistic idea, concept, or theme. This section requires a significant amount of work and demonstrates sustained investigation.
- Breadth: A series of works that demonstrate a variety of skills, techniques, and media, showing the student's versatility and exploration of different artistic approaches.
A strong performance on the AP Studio Art portfolio can lead to college credit and the opportunity to bypass introductory art courses at many universities and colleges across the United States.
AP Art History: Another Possibility
While "AP 20" is more commonly associated with studio art due to potential internal course numbering, it's worth noting that AP Art History is another significant AP offering in the arts. This course examines human visual culture and its role in history. Students study a wide range of art and architecture from diverse cultures and historical periods, developing their ability to analyze and understand art in its historical context.
The AP Art History curriculum is structured around learning objectives that include:
- Understanding art-making processes and materials.
- Analyzing visual culture and its functions.
- Investigating the global context of art and architecture.
- Examining the historical development of art and architecture.
The AP Art History exam typically includes multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, and essays, requiring students to demonstrate both knowledge of art history and analytical skills.
In Summary: What "AP 20" Likely Means
In the context of art, "AP 20" is almost certainly a high school's internal designation for an Advanced Placement Art course. The most probable interpretation is that it refers to the AP Studio Art program, as this is a common area for specialized AP course numbering. However, without specific information from the school or institution using the designation, it's impossible to be absolutely certain.
If you see "AP 20" on a transcript or in course listings, the best course of action is to inquire directly with the school or the College Board for precise clarification on what that specific designation entails within their curriculum.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How can a student earn college credit with AP 20?
Students earn college credit for AP 20 (assuming it refers to AP Studio Art or AP Art History) by successfully completing the course and achieving a qualifying score on the corresponding AP exam administered by the College Board. Colleges then evaluate these scores to determine if credit or advanced placement is granted.
Why do high schools use internal numbering like "AP 20"?
High schools use internal numbering systems like "AP 20" to organize their course offerings. This helps them manage their curriculum, schedule classes efficiently, and ensure that students and counselors can easily identify and register for specific courses within their institution's catalog.
What is the difference between AP Studio Art and AP Art History?
AP Studio Art is a hands-on course focused on developing artistic skills and creating a portfolio of original artwork. AP Art History is an academic course that studies the history, theory, and analysis of art and architecture across different cultures and time periods.
Is "AP 20" a universally recognized art term?
No, "AP 20" is not a universally recognized art term in the way that terms like "Impressionism" or "chiaroscuro" are. It is a designation specific to educational institutions that use internal course numbering for their Advanced Placement offerings.
