Academic Catalogs

ART G221: Ceramics 3

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-advanced level course involving further development of ceramic building techniques. Historical and contemporary works will be emphasized. The student will also learn to safely and efficiently calculate a glaze. The safe preparation and use of electric and gas kilns will be covered. PREREQUISITE: ART G122. Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

  1. Course Outcomes
  2. Examine examples of historical and contemporary ceramics as a stimulus and a point of departure.
  3. Utilize complex details of clay management in their art, when demonstrating an ability to make aesthetic and technical judgments about ones work and the work of others.
  4. Integrate intermediate-advanced knowledge of pottery making, sculptural forms, glazing and glaze formulation.

Course Objectives

  • 1. Apply aesthetic decisions and technical judgments about ones work and the work of others.
  • 2. Define health and safety issues that arise from the use of ceramic materials and equipment.
  • 3. Create a body of finished artwork that demonstrates expanded proficiency in the ceramic medium.

Lecture Content

Historical Content Review of historical and contemporary works Build upon previous historical knowledge Significance of current ceramic trends Ancient Traditions Mediterranean Asia Africa Americas Europe The Artists Vision Creative process Sources of imagery Drawing Aesthetics techniques Getting Started Workspace Health and safety Tools Types of clay Formulated clay bodies Choice of a clay body Mixing of clay bodies Glaze calculations Handbuilding Drying sculpture Repairing dry clay Architectural building

Lab Content

Throwing on the Wheel Form Altered form Postfire construction Molds Using hump molds Making plaster molds Slip casting Texture, Color, Glaze Precautions Color Underglazes Glazing the work Glaze calculations Mixing glazes Applying glazes Common glaze problems Firing Safety Bisque Glaze Low fire High fire Setting up Your Studio Wheels Kilns Clay processing and equipment Spray booth Health and safety

Method(s) of Instruction

  • Lecture (02)
  • Lab (04)

Reading Assignments

Instructor generated handouts.

Writing Assignments

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

Out-of-class Assignments

Fields 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 appropriate glazes.

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration

Students will visit art galleries and museums, and prepare a written report for each of the visits. Students will demonstrate and use building techniques to create hand built or wheel thrown pieces that are finished with glazes created by the student and subsequently fired.

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. Overlock Hardcover, 2012 Rationale: CLASSIC TEXT