Academic Catalogs

ART G122: Ceramics 2

Course Outline of Record
Item Value
Curriculum Committee Approval Date 04/19/2022
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)

Course Description

This course is an intermediate level ceramics class following Art G121. The principles of ceramic materials, techniques, and design of hand built and thrown work will be emphasized along with the introduction of mold making, glaze making and kiln loading. Specific aesthetic and technical criteria of ceramic design including historical applications will be emphasized. PREREQUISITE: ART G121. Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

  1. Course Outcomes
  2. Identify the historical significance of ceramics.
  3. Integrate intermediate skills of pottery-making, sculptural forms, glazing, and glaze formulation.
  4. Use a broad range of intermediate ceramic vocabulary.

Course Objectives

  • 1. Explain the historical significance of ceramics.
  • 2. Analyze the principles of ceramic materials, techniques, and design.
  • 3. Apply individual aesthetic decisions and judgments related to their own work.
  • 4. Compare contemporary and historical pieces of ceramic work.

Lecture Content

Historical Significance of Ceramics Japan China England Pottery Sculptural Industrial Porcelain Contemporary Ceramics Japan China England United States Pottery Sculptural Industrial Porcelain Local clay bodies Getting Started Health and safety The creative process Sources of imagery Drawing Aesthetics/Technique Tools Choice of a clay body Clay recycling Advanced Surface Techniques Underglazes Slips Engobes Oxides Carving techniques Setting Up Your Studio Wheel Tools Kiln Health and safety

Lab Content

Throwing a Series of Work 1. Mugs2. Bowls3. Vases4. Teapot  Handbuilding a Series of Work1. Teapot2. Architectural pieces Glazing1. Research glazes2. Develop a palette of glazes3. Mix glazes4. Understand firing temperatures Develop a Personal Visual Language1. Style2. Aesthetics3. Functionality Mold Making1. Press mold2. Multiple part plaster mold3. Pouring a mold

Method(s) of Instruction

  • Lecture (02)
  • Lab (04)

Reading Assignments

Instructor prepared handouts.

Writing Assignments

Students will visit art galleries and museums, and prepare a written report of the visit.

Out-of-class Assignments

Field trips to art galleries and art museums to view ceramic works of art.

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

Given a set of criteria, students will create free standing ceramic structures using appropriate construction techniques and determine appropriate glazes.

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration

Students will visit art galleries and museums, and prepare a written report of the visit. Students will demonstrate and use building techniques to create hand built or wheel thrown pieces that are at least 18 inches tall.

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 Speight, C. and Toki, J.. Hands in Clay: An Introduction to Ceramics, 5th (latest) ed. McGraw Hill, 2003 Rationale: CLASSIC TEXT 2. Required Peterson, S.. The Craft and Art of Clay, 5th (latest) ed. Overlook Hardcover, 2012 Rationale: CLASSIC TEXT

Other Resources

1. Work clothesTowelShoes- (required) rubber soled. Tennis shoes suggestedTie for long hairNotebook with pen or pencilSpray bottleLarge clean up spongeSpoonMetal forkContainer with lid1 gallon plastic bucketElephant ear spongeFettling knifeCut off wireNeedle toolLarge brushSteel ribBox wood modeling toolRibbon trimming toolPlastic bags (garbage bags or dry cleaning bags)Combination lock