Course Outline of Record

Item	Value
Curriculum Committee Approval Date	03/16/2012
Top Code	100230 - Ceramics
Units	3 Total Units
Hours	108 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 27; Lab Hours 81)
Total Outside of Class Hours	0
Course Credit Status	Credit: Degree Applicable (D)
Material Fee	Yes
Basic Skills	Not Basic Skills (N)
Repeatable	No
Grading Policy	Standard Letter (S),  Pass/No Pass (B)
Local General Education (GE)	CL Option 1 Arts and Humanities (CC1)

Course Description

Introduction to ceramics materials, concepts, and processes including basic design principles, creative development, hand-building, throwing, glaze techniques, firing and ceramic terminology. The course covers aesthetics and creative development of clay objects examining historical, contemporary, and personal modes of expression across cultures. C-ID: ARTS 230. Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.C-ID: ARTS 230.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

1. Solve visual problems based on the analysis of historical/contemporary practices in form, surface design, and craftsmanship of ceramic materials using the creative process.
2. Select appropriate forming, surface decorating, and glazing technique to develop an independent and critical aesthetic practice.

Course Objectives

• 1. Differentiate clay varieties and ceramic processes.
• 2. Create ceramic forms utilizing pinch, coil, soft slab, hard slab and throwing techniques.
• 3. Analyze and demonstrate existing ceramic pieces and distinguish the forming processes used in creating them throughout history.
• 4. Produce and apply surface treatment to a variety of different forms.
• 5. Examine and describe historical and contemporary developments, trends, materials, and approaches in ceramics.
• 6. Assess and critique ceramics in group, individual, and written contexts using relevant critique formats, concepts and terminology.
• 7. Safely handle and use all studio equipment, tools, and materials.

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Lecture Content

Clay types and their relative advantages and limitations. The elements of art and ceramic terminology. Surface and firing techniques appropriate to an introductory study in ceramics, which may include but are not limited to slips, engobe, terra sigillata, glaze, burnishing, in various firing atmospheres and temperatures.  Visual problem-solving exercises that develop ceramic work and require exploration and manipulation of the basic materials used to create ceramic works. Elements and organizing principles of ceramics including but not limited to pinch, coil, soft slab, hard slab, sgraffito, mishima, additive and subtractive techniques, and wheel work. Overview of ceramics as a major medium of artistic expression, including the history of clay and its role in historical and contemporary cultures as both artistic form and functional craft. Critical evaluation and critique of class projects using correct terminology in oral or written formats.  Studio, equipment, and material use and safety.

Lab Content

Visual problem-solving exercises that develop ceramic work and require exploration and manipulation of the basic materials used to create ceramic works. Studio projects that explore the elements and organizing principles of ceramics including but not limited to pinch, coil, soft slab, hard slab, sgraffito, mishima, modeling, carving, and wheel work. Development of skills and processes using a variety of surface and firing techniques appropriate to an introductory study in ceramics, which may include but are not limited to slips, engobe, terra sigillata, glaze, burnishing, in various firing atmospheres and temperatures.  Safe use of tools and specialized equipment. Critical evaluation and critique of class projects.

Method(s) of Instruction

• Lecture (02)
• Lab (04)

Instructional Techniques

Image Presentations Material Demonstrations Group Projects/Assignments Peer Review Reading Assignments Video Presentations Studio Time

Reading Assignments

Contemporary Art Publications Relevant Essays and Journals Historical Biographical Artist Research Instruction Demonstrations

Writing Assignments

Compare and Contrast Essays Historical Surveys

Out-of-class Assignments

Contemporary Art Publications Relevant Essays and Journals Historical Biographical Artist Research Instruction Demonstrations Course-related exhibit Preparation for final critiques of student portfolio

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

Portfolio of completed work; Group and individual critiques in oral or written formats; Written assignments, which may include quizzes, essays, exams, or reports.

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration

Portfolio of completed work; Group and individual critiques in oral or written formats; Written assignments, which may include quizzes, essays, exams, or reports.

Eligible Disciplines

Art: Masters degree in fine arts, art, or art history OR bachelors degree in any of the above AND masters degree in humanities OR the equivalent. Note: “masters degree in fine arts” as used here refers to any masters degree in the subject matter of fine arts, which is defined to include visual studio arts such as drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, textiles, and metal and jewelry art; and also, art education and art therapy. It does not refer to the “Master of Fine Arts” (MFA) degree when that degree is based on specialization in performing arts or dance, film, video, photography, creative writing, or other non-plastic arts. Masters degree required.

Textbooks Resources

1. Required Creswell Bell, Amber. Clay: Contemporary Ceramic Artisans, ed. Thames Hudson, 2017 2. Required Kline, Gabriel. Amazing Glaze: Techniques, Recipes, Finishing, and Firing, ed. Voyageur Press, 2018 3. Required Hamer, Frank. The Potters Dictionary of Materials and Techniques, 6 ed. University of Pennsylvania Press, 2015 Rationale: The Potters Dictionary of Materials and Techniques presents a comprehensive survey of all aspects of making ceramics for craft potters and ceramic artists. With its sound, practical explanations of ceramic processes, this indispensable reference book has gained a reputation as "the potters bible." Professional potters, beginners, students, and collectors will find authoritative information clearly and logically presented.   Legacy Textbook Transfer Data: Legacy text

Other Resources

1. Coastline Library