ARTS 240 Ceramics I

Previously ARTT 151. This course focuses on the use of clay as a creative tool for the visual artist. Drawing upon the knowledge and skills learned in Three-Dimensional Art and Design, this course will introduce students to the basic hand building skills that are necessary to effectively use clay as a sculptural medium of artistic expression. The course will emphasize a thorough understanding of basic design principles as related to ceramics, and students will use this knowledge to critically evaluate work both verbally and in writing. Students will gain knowledge and skills in the use of ceramic tools, techniques, and processes sufficient to produce work from concept to finished product. This includes knowledge of raw materials and technical procedures such as clay-making, glazing, and firing.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

ARTS 100, ARTS 101, ARTS 102, ARTS 103, and ARTS 104 or ARTS 105

Hours Weekly

4

Course Objectives

1. Identify concepts and specialized vocabulary related to past and contemporary issues of aesthetics and creativity specific to the ceramic arts.
2. Demonstrate mastery in the fundamental ceramics techniques of wedging, coiling, hard slab, soft slab, slumping, and solid building.
3. Carefully plan and then create original artwork using each technique that shows an understanding of the fundamental design principles and incorporates risk-taking and creativity into problem-solving for each project.
4. Analyze and evaluate completed ceramic forms according to aesthetics, technique, and craftsmanship.
5. Identify and utilize appropriate ceramics sculptural, decoration, and glazing techniques and tools that efficiently and creatively complete the requirements of each project.
6. Engage in an exploration of various worldviews through study of the ceramics of artists of many cultures.
7. Communicate clear design ideas by using written and symbolic forms of communication to convey concepts creatively through a sketchbook.
8. Identify and understand scientific concepts involved in the changing nature of clay forms – green ware, bisque, and glaze – using appropriate symbols, notation, and vocabulary.
9. Demonstrate mastery of course objectives through a final portfolio of work completed through traditional and non-traditional finishing methods.

Course Objectives

1. Identify concepts and specialized vocabulary related to past and contemporary issues of aesthetics and creativity specific to the ceramic arts.

   This objective is a course Goal Only

2. Demonstrate mastery in the fundamental ceramics techniques of wedging, coiling, hard slab, soft slab, slumping, and solid building.

   This objective is a course Goal Only

3. Carefully plan and then create original artwork using each technique that shows an understanding of the fundamental design principles and incorporates risk-taking and creativity into problem-solving for each project.

   This objective is a course Goal Only

4. Analyze and evaluate completed ceramic forms according to aesthetics, technique, and craftsmanship.

   This objective is a course Goal Only

5. Identify and utilize appropriate ceramics sculptural, decoration, and glazing techniques and tools that efficiently and creatively complete the requirements of each project.

   This objective is a course Goal Only

6. Engage in an exploration of various worldviews through study of the ceramics of artists of many cultures.

   This objective is a course Goal Only

7. Communicate clear design ideas by using written and symbolic forms of communication to convey concepts creatively through a sketchbook.

   This objective is a course Goal Only

8. Identify and understand scientific concepts involved in the changing nature of clay forms – green ware, bisque, and glaze – using appropriate symbols, notation, and vocabulary.

   This objective is a course Goal Only

9. Demonstrate mastery of course objectives through a final portfolio of work completed through traditional and non-traditional finishing methods.

   This objective is a course Goal Only