Major Concepts/Content: The ceramics course is designed to provide a studio-oriented experience with the study of clay. Students explore the properties of clay by making utilitarian and sculptural forms that emphasize form, design, and craftsmanship. The course includes instruction in clay application, kiln management, and the historical role of ceramics in our culture.

Major Instructional Activities: Instructional activities will provide practice in using various materials, tools, and equipment. Students will produce a series of ceramic pieces that demonstrate knowledge of the basic methods of ceramic construction and use of the pottery wheel. Works by several outstanding ceramic artists and/or potters of the twentieth century will be discussed. Visits to art galleries and museums will be included when feasible.

Major Evaluative Techniques: Students will demonstrate knowledge of the proper care and use of tools, materials, and equipment used in creating ceramic products. Student projects will be evaluated for originality, craftsmanship, effort, time utilization, and quality with consideration given to the individual or students' talent, experience, and/or limitations. Both written and oral tests will be used to evaluate knowledge of course content.

Essential Objectives: Upon completion of the ceramics course, students should be able to:

1. Create Works of Art

• Produce a series of ceramic pieces that demonstrate the basic methods of hand-building construction.
• Demonstrate the use of the pottery wheel by throwing a bowl and a cylinder.
• Demonstrate the basic methods for applying glaze to ceramic pottery.
• Describe the basic clay bodies (earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain].
• Conceptualize three-dimensional form with sketches drawn in pencil.
• Maintain a sketchbook/journal
• Demonstrate a basic knowledge of kiln operation by successfully stacking and firing.

2. Demonstrate Aesthetic Perception

• Discuss the. beauty found in several utilitarian and decorative ceramic pieces.
• Recognize the essence of natural forms in ceramic pieces.
• Effectively display ceramic pieces in a given space.

3. Develop Knowledge of Art History

• Discuss the role of pottery throughout history.
• Identify the pottery styles of several cultures.
• Summarize the historical development of the art of ceramics/pottery.
• Identify career options related to ceramics.

4. Utilize Critical Judgment of the Visual Arts

• Evaluate the surface treatment of a piece as it relates to the success of the total ceramic composition.
• Recognize and describe the importance of combining craftsmanship and aesthetic design in ceramic pieces.
• Objectively compare and evaluate ceramic works.

Assist in the selection of ceramic exhibition pieces.

Last Revised: July 18, 2005