Catalog Description

Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Description: Introduction to the ideas, techniques, history and tradition of the art and craft of ceramics. Designed for students interested in working with clay, the course provides experiences in making functional as well as sculptural pieces using a variety of techniques. Emphasizes well-thought-out forms, designs and functional uses along with good craftsmanship. Ceramics explored through handbuilding projects, wheel throwing, decorating and glazing of ceramic works. A rigorous exploration of clay as a craft and art form. (CSU, UC)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Critique artworks using relevant terminology and elements of principles and design.
  • CSLO #2: Create original ceramic work using appropriate traditional building techniques.
  • CSLO #3: Create original ceramic work using appropriate traditional 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.     Outline the differences between stoneware and earthenware clay bodies.

2.     Analyze both historical and contemporary ceramics and discuss the         similarities and differences in both building techniques and surface treatments.

3.     Examine and discuss contemporary developments, trends, materials, and approaches in ceramics; 

4 .   Assess and critique ceramics in group, individual, and written contexts using the language and vocabulary within the discipline of ceramics.

4.     Outline the proper loading and unloading of Kilns.

5.     Explain the difference between bisque firing and high firing of clay bodies.

6.     Explain the differences between glazes, underglazes, stains, and engobes.

Lab Objectives 

1. Complete visual problem solving exercises that develop ceramic work and require exploration and manipulation of the basic materials used to create ceramic works.

2. Create studio projects that explore the elements and organizing principles of ceramics including but not limited to pinch, coil, soft slab, hard slab, sgraffito, mishima, modeling, carving, and wheel work.

3. Develop skills and processes using a variety of surface and firing techniques appropriate to an introductory study in ceramics, which may include but are not limited to slips, engobe, terra sigillata, glaze, burnishing, in various firing atmospheres and temperatures.

4. Safely use tools and specialized lab equipment.

5. Critique and evaluate of class projects. 

General Education Information

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

        Articulation Information

          Methods of Evaluation

          • Projects
            • Example: Students will be evaluated on their ability to execute a project. They will be assessed in their research, sketches of ideas, and craftsmanship of the final objects and forms.
          • Skill Demonstrations
            • Example: Students will be evaluated on their ability to build a form using the coil building technique.

          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. Students will engage in questions and discussion about the historical works being presented. Students will then research the historical vessels of a non-western culture of their choosing and present a slide presentation on their research.

          Distance Learning

          1. Students will watch video and in-person tutorial and slide presentation on the coil building technique. Students will then develop sketches to be applied using the coil building method. Students will submit their progress drawings to the instructor for feedback. Instructor will lecture and do in-studio demonstration of the coil building method. Students will apply their drawings to produce forms using the coil building method. 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.Students will read "This Artist is Making Ceramics to Honor People of Color from Obama to Biggie" by Rob Goyanes. Digital Articel on "Artsy.net" and discuss how artists pull from their personal histories and cultures in the creation of art. 2. Students will read excerpt by Susan and Jan Peterson titled " Historical Overview of Ceramics" in "The Craft and Art of Clay" by Susan and Jan Peterson and summarize main ideas.

          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 execute ceramic forms, using pinch, coil and slab fabrication techniques. 3. Apply appropriate surface designs; mishima and scraffitto to the selected projects. 4. Gallery/Museum/Artist research report. 5. Slide presentation or research paper on Non-Western Historical Vessels 6. Demonstrate safe studio practices via participation and written exam.

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

          1. Mid-term critique portfolio review. 2. Final critique portfolio review. 3. Vocabulary/proper techniques test.

          Required Materials

          • The Craft and Art of Clay: A Complete Potter's Handbook
            • Author: Jan and Susan Peterson
            • Publisher: Laurence King Publishing
            • Publication Date: 2012
            • Text Edition: 5th
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • Ceramic Studio: Wheel Throwing
            • Author: Emily Reason
            • Publisher: Lark Books
            • Publication Date: 2012
            • Text Edition: 1st
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • Pottery Making: Pottery for Beginners and Essential Tips to Get Started
            • Author: Jessica Lindsey
            • Publisher: Amazon
            • Publication Date: 2015
            • Text Edition:
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • New Ceramic Surface Design: Learn to Inlay, Stamp, Stencil, Draw, and Paint on Clay
            • Author: Molly Hatch
            • Publisher: Quarry Books
            • Publication Date: 2015
            • Text Edition:
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • The Craft and Art of Clay
            • Author: Susan Peterson and Jan Peterson
            • Publisher: Prentice Hall Inc.
            • Publication Date: 2004
            • Text Edition:
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • 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:
          • Mastering Handbuilding: Techniques, Tips, and Tricks for slab, coils, and more.
            • Author: Sunshine Cobb
            • Publisher: Voyageur Press
            • Publication Date: 2018
            • Text Edition: Illistrated
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • Clay and Glazes for the Potter
            • Author: Daniel Rhodes
            • Publisher: schiffer Craft
            • Publication Date: 2022
            • Text Edition:
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • Mastering Raku
            • Author: Steven Branfman
            • Publisher: Lark Books
            • Publication Date: 2009
            • Text Edition: revised
            • 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, carving tool set.