Academic Catalogs

ART G223: Ceramics 4

Course Outline of Record
Item Value
Eff Term Fall 2026
Curriculum Committee Approval Date 11/18/2025
Top Code 100230 - Ceramics
Units 3 Total Units (Lecture Units 1.5;  Lab/Other Units 1.5)
Hours 108 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 27; Lab Hours 81)
Total Outside of Class Hours 54
Total Student Learning Hours 162
Course Credit Status Credit: Degree Applicable (D)
Material Fee No
Basic Skills Not Basic Skills (N)
Repeatable No
Open Entry/Open Exit No
Grading Policy Standard Letter (S), 
  • Pass/No Pass (B)

Course Description

This course develops advanced ceramic skills with an emphasis on the aesthetic development of personal style in addition to portfolio development. PREREQUISITE: ART G221. Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

  1. Produce a body of work to be used in a portfolio.
  2. Analyze one's own ceramic artwork and the work of others.
  3. Apply advanced pottery making skills in sculptural forms, glazing and glaze formulation.

Course Objectives

  • Produce a body of advanced ceramic work for presentation/exhibition.
  • Analyze the history of ceramics from prehistoric to modern times.
  • Develop an idea through execution of ceramic works.
  • Express personal style in the production of ceramic work.
  • Create a portfolio of work demonstrating formal, conceptual, and material development in a broad range of advanced techniques.

Lecture Content

  1. History of ceramics from prehistory to modern times
    1. History of hand building
    2. History of throwing
    3. History of sculptural ceramics
    4. History of clay
    5. History of glazes
  2. Developing a personal style
    1. Sculptural work
    2. Hand built work
  3. Writing an artist's statement
  4. Writing a CV
    1. Formatting
    2. Content
    3. Full CV vs. selected CV

Lab Content

  1. Proposed Work
  2. Special Projects
    1. Multiples
    2. Trompe l'oeil
    3. Volumetric work
    4. Figure
    5. Colored clay
  3. Assemble a portfolio of work
    1. Choose appropriate work to be photographed
    2. Photograph work
    3. Edit photograph to enter a show
    4. Enter a professional gallery show
  4. Load and fire a kiln
    1. Gas
    2. Electric

Method(s) of Instruction

  • Lecture (02)
  • Lab (04)

Instructional Techniques

-

Reading Assignments

Library reading and research. Instructor prepared handouts.

Writing Assignments

Written gallery reports of professional artwork are required.

Out-of-class Assignments

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

Study Non-Contact Hours Recommended

54

Methods of Student Evaluation

  • Midterm Exam
  • Final Exam
  • Short Quizzes
  • Written Assignments
  • Objective Examinations
  • Report
  • Projects (Individual/Group)
  • Problem Solving Exercises
  • Oral Presentations
  • Skills Demonstration

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

Given a set of criteria, students will create free standing ceramic structures using advanced construction techniques, glaze formulations, and firings which reflect their personal style. Students will also engage in formal and informal critiques.

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration

Students will write gallery reports and engage in formal and informal critiques. They will also demonstrate advanced construction techniques, glaze formulations, and firings. Students will also write an artist's statement and draft a CV.

Resources Subscreen

  • Textbook: Charlotte Speight and John Toki. Hands in Clay: An Introduction to Ceramics . McGraw-Hill (2003 (Classic)).
  • Textbook: Susan Peterson. The Craft and Art of Clay. Overlock Press (2012 (Classic)).
  • Textbook: Louisa Taylor. The Ceramics Bible Revised Edition. Chronicle Books (2022).

Eligible Discipline(s)

  • Art: Master’s degree in fine arts, art, or art history OR bachelor’s degree in any of the above AND master’s degree in humanities OR the equivalent. NOTE: “Master’s in fine arts” as used here refers to any master’s 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, creative writing or other non plastic arts.