Catalog Description

Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Description: Exploration of various ceramic hand-forming methods with clay as a medium; cultural, traditional, and contemporary ceramics techniques explored through the development of three-dimensional projects. Emphasis on handbuilding and hand forming techniques. (CSU, UC)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Critique artworks using relevant terminology and elements of principles and design.
  • CSLO #2: Create original ceramic sculpture using appropriate handbuilding techniques.
  • CSLO #3: Create original ceramic sculpture using appropriate surface processes.
  • CSLO #4: Apply proper material handling and kiln safety standards in the classroom.

Effective Term

Fall 2024

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

90

Outside of Class Hours

72

Total Student Learning Hours

162

Course Objectives

Lecture Objectives:
1. Describe how clay has been historically used for art, science and technology;
2. Compare and contrast the functional and aesthetic differences between high fire and low fire ceramic processes, their outcomes and intended uses;
3. Formulate and discuss the most appropriate building method suited to execute a desired ceramic form/project;
4. Critique class projects for craftsmanship and aesthetic outcomes individually and in groups;
5. Examine and discuss the historical aspects of both design and techniques in forming ceramics;
6. Outline the process of loading and unloading of kiln;
7. Explain proper usage of glaze and bisque ware carts; and
8. Identify and discuss a variety of ceramic surfaces.
Laboratory Objectives:
1. Create individual works of art and craft by a process of conception, design, construction, finish, presentation and critique;
2.Demonstrate the ability to control the ceramic media with coil, slab, pinch and wheel technique;
3. Formulate and employ the most appropriate building method suited to execute a desired ceramic form/project;
4. Demonstrate proper usage of glaze and bisque ware carts; and
5. Identify and manipulate a variety of ceramic surfaces.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • AA/AS - Fine Arts
  • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
    • CSUGE - C1 Arts
  • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
    • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)

      Articulation Information

      • CSU Transferable
      • UC Transferable

      Methods of Evaluation

      • Classroom Discussions
        • Example: Students will evaluate and discuss peers work utilizing the 7 principles of design.
      • Projects
        • Example: Create and critique of finished projects demonstrating chosen techniques, pinch, coil, slab, slip-cast, and potters wheel, stencil, wash, scraffito, mishima and wax resist. Size requirements, due dates and technical requirements(glazing, slipping and scoring) must be met and will be assessed.
      • Skill Demonstrations
        • Example: Students will be evaluated on their ability to create four pieces of produce apply all of the hand building techniques which include: hollowed out solid, pinching, soft slab and coil.

      Repeatable

      No

      Methods of Instruction

      • Laboratory
      • Lecture/Discussion
      • Distance Learning

      Lab:

      1. The instructor will demonstrate and distribute a tutorial exercise covering how to use the hand building techniques to successfully build a vessel form. Once the tutorials are completed, the students will then apply the knowledge to a vessel from their research.

      Lecture:

      1. Instructor will demonstrate contemporary artists fabricating clay forms using various handbuilding techniques. Students will discuss works in relation to historical and contemporay ceramic works.

      Distance Learning

      1. Students will watch video tutorial and slide presentation on slab building technique. Students will then develop sketches to be utilized to apply the process on their own work in the ceramic studio. Students will submit their progress drawings to the instructor for feedback. Instructor will lecture and do in-studio demonstration of the slab building process. Students will apply their sketches to create a slab built form. Students will submit their completed projects to the discussion board and critique through a written format. Students will be required to participate by responding to their peers' comments in the discussion board.

      Typical Out of Class Assignments

      Reading Assignments

      1. Read "Cultural Reflections: Magdalene Odundo Review in "Ceramic Review Issue 320" MARCH/APRIL 2023. Students will prepare to discuss how historical artifacts influence us today.

      Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

      1. Maintain a notebook of lecture material and a sketchbook of ideas and designs for class projects. 2. Design and create ceramic sculpture, using pinch, coil and slab fabrication techniques to reflect research and conceptual ideas. 3. Apply appropriate surface designs; mishima and scraffitto to the selected projects. 4. Apply appropriate finish surface decoration using slips, under-glazes,glazes and various paints. 5. Gallery/Museum/Artist research report. 6. Demonstrate safe studio practices via participation and written exam.

      Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

      1. Choose a contemporary artist working in clay. Create and present a slide presentation on a contemporary ceramic artist. 2. Record the results of your experiments with glaze materials by making a sample tile documenting the following: its fired result, with one and two dips. 3. Maintain a notebook of lecture material and a sketchbook of ideas and designs for class projects.

      Required Materials

      • Paperclay: Art and Practice (The New Ceramics)
        • Author: Rosette Gault
        • Publisher: University of Pennsylvania Press
        • Publication Date: 2013
        • Text Edition:
        • Classic Textbook?:
        • OER Link:
        • OER:
      • Additions to Clay Bodies
        • Author: Kathleen Standen
        • Publisher: American Ceramic Society
        • Publication Date: 2013
        • Text Edition:
        • Classic Textbook?:
        • OER Link:
        • OER:
        • Author: Orton Cones
        • Publisher: Orton Cones
        • Publication Date: 2015
        • Text Edition:
        • Classic Textbook?:
        • OER Link:
        • OER: http://www.ortonceramic.com/resources/
      • Contemporary Black American Ceramic Artists
        • Author: Chotsani Elaine Dean,
        • Publisher: Schiffer Craft
        • Publication Date: 2022
        • Text Edition:
        • Classic Textbook?:
        • OER Link:
        • OER:
      • Mastering Sculpture: The Figure in Clay
        • Author: Cristina Cordova
        • Publisher: Quarry Books
        • Publication Date: 2022
        • Text Edition:
        • Classic Textbook?:
        • OER Link:
        • OER:
      • The Ceramics Bible
        • Author: Louisa Taylor
        • Publisher: Chronic Books
        • Publication Date: 2022
        • Text Edition: Revised
        • Classic Textbook?:
        • OER Link:
        • OER:
      • Vitamin C: Clay and Ceramic in Contemporary Art
        • Author: Phaidon Editors
        • Publisher: Phaidon Press
        • Publication Date: 2017
        • Text Edition: Illustrated
        • Classic Textbook?:
        • OER Link:
        • OER:

      Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.

      Ceramic tool kit, serrated rib, rubber rib, rubber clean up tools, sculpting tools.