Catalog Description

Prerequisite: Completion of ART 18A with grade of "C" or better
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Description: Students integrate techniques and concepts learned in introductory ceramics to produce works of a more prioritized and personal nature. Introduces advanced techniques and concepts of using clay for creative expression to produce a fundamentally more self-directed portfolio using the potter's wheel and or hand building techniques. Provides increased sensitivity to the materials, to aesthetic design, and to further development of individual and imaginative use of the materials. Glaze technology is introduced. (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 traditional building techniques.
  • CSLO #3: Create original ceramic work using advanced and non-traditional glazing technique process.
  • CSLO #4: Develop, create, and present a body of original works.
  • CSLO #5: Develop an artist statement about own body of work.
  • CSLO #6: 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. Analyze building methods in terms of sculptural and vessel forms, combining of traditional techniques (coil, slab, pinch, wheel), non-traditional building methods, variation of scale and size, and creation of group and/or serial work.
2. Analyze advanced and non-traditional glazing technique processes including additive and subtractive processes, subjective and expressive use of glazing processes, and traditional and non-traditional post firing techniques.
3. Analyze high and low-fire kiln techniques.
4. Evaluate contemporary developments and non-traditional works in terms of trends, materials, and approaches in ceramics.
5. Evaluate verbally or in written form personal artwork, the work of other students, and professional examples in terms of artistic voice, non-traditional techniques, and experimental success.
6. Utilize art-making vocabulary including the principles of design, glaze calculation terminology and kiln firing terminology.
Laboratory Objectives:
1. Formulate, conceptualize, design ceramic forms/projects employing the most appropriate building method, glazes, firing, and post-firing techniques in terms of:
a. Employ sculptural and vessel oriented forming processes,
b. Apply additive and subtractive surface treatment processes,
c. Create subjective and expressive use of glazes
d. non traditional post firing processes.
2. Assemble, document, analyze, present, and discuss a cohesive body of work or portfolio in a professional manner.
3. Safely store, handle, use, and dispose of studio materials, and load and unload kiln.

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

        • CSU Transferable
        • UC Transferable

        Methods of Evaluation

        • Classroom Discussions
          • Example: Students will analyze course readings on cultural appropriation. Students will discuss the difference between appreciation and appropriation within the field of ceramics.
        • Projects
          • Example: Students will be evaluated on the completion of their own proposed body of work and their use of advanced surface treatment techniques through critique.
        • Skill Demonstrations
          • Example: Students will be required to make a plaster press mold to be incorporated into their body of work.

        Repeatable

        No

        Methods of Instruction

        • Laboratory
        • Lecture/Discussion
        • Distance Learning

        Lab:

        1. Instructor will help students divide into pairs to create their own high fire glaze by mixing a recipe of their choosing after research. Instructor will provide a tutorial worksheet of batch limit formulas to help structure the project. Instructor will provide supervision to ensure that Students will work properly and safely with raw materials, identifying, mixing and applying mixed recipes to tiles and individual projects. After completion instructor will assess student teams based upon having completed the mixing, application of glaze on tile and the submission on tile.

        Lecture:

        1. Instructor will lecture on a survey of contemporary ceramic artists. Students will engage in a class discussion on the changing role of ceramics from the craft movement to the world of Fine Arts.

        Distance Learning

        1. Students will watch video tutorial and slide presentation on sgraffito surface 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 sgraffito process on the surface of clay. Students will apply their drawings to the surface of the clay using the sgraffito with the use of engobes. 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 instructor assigned reviews of gallery/museum show from a periodical or website. In a one-two page typed paper, analyze and describe the reviewer’s effectiveness in describing visual work with the written word. Differentiate the use of descriptive and vague interpretations in the review. 2. Read about a well documented artist and give an oral presentation about their work in class, describing style, technique, and historical context of their significant work. 3. Read "Highpoints in Ceramic History" by Susan Peterson and Jan Peterson in "The Cradft and Art of Clay and discuss how each time period influenced contemporary ceramics.

        Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

        1. Write a critique on a pre-approved museum or gallery show that you have visited. 2. Prepare and submit for evaluation a portfolio of art work completed during the semester. Include an artist statement of the work.

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

        1. Mid-term critique portfolio review. 2. Final critique portfolio review. 3. Web-based research for class projects. 4. Submit work for an exhibition.

        Required Materials

        • A Potter's Book
          • Author: Bernard Leach
          • Publisher: Unicorn Press
          • Publication Date: 2015
          • Text Edition:
          • 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:
        • Ceramic Studio
          • Author: Shay Amber
          • Publisher: Lark Crafts
          • Publication Date: 2012
          • 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:
        • Clay and Glazes for the Potter
          • Author: Daniel Rhodes
          • Publisher: Schiffer Craft
          • Publication Date: 2022
          • Text Edition:
          • 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.