Catalog Description

Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Description: Introduction to Raku, a traditional ceramics process. Explores origins and cultural developments and their application to the contemporary world. Includes fabrication techniques, glaze chemistry, firing techniques, and design theory. (CSU, UC)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Critique class projects for craftsmanship and aesthetic outcomes individually and in groups.
  • CSLO #2: Compare and contrast the functional and aesthetic differences between Eastern and Western ceramic processes, their outcomes and intended uses.
  • CSLO #3: Formulate and employ the most appropriate building methods suited to execute a desired ceramic form/project using the raku resources.
  • CSLO #4: Identify and manipulate a variety of ceramic surfaces and firing styles/techniques.
  • CSLO #5: Load and unload a raku kiln firing using appropriate safety measures and techniques.

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. Compare and contrast the functional and aesthetic differences between high-fire and low-fire ceramic processes, their outcomes, and intended uses;
2. compare and contrast the functional and aesthetic differences between Eastern and Western ceramic processes, their outcomes, and intended uses;
3. formulate and employ the most appropriate building method suited to execute a desired ceramic form/project using the raku process;
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. explain and demonstrate the process of loading and unloading of a bisque kiln;
7. explain and demonstrate the specialized process of loading and safely unloading of a raku kiln firing;
8. demonstrate proper usage of glaze and bisque ware carts; and
9. identify and manipulate a variety of ceramic surfaces.
Laboratory Objectives:
1. apply raku principles and techniques to create individual works of art and craft by a process of conception, design, construction, finish, presentation, and critique;
2. demonstrate the ability to control ceramic media with coil, slab, pinch, and wheel techniques through the application of Raku principles;
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;
5. identify and manipulate a variety of ceramic surfaces using Raku techniques.

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 discuss raku glaze recipies and finishes and provide insight to the discussion by referencing glaze mixing process and raku firing techniques
        • Objective Examinations
          • Example: Students will complete evaluation rubrics (the written objective exam for each project) that evaluates each project of criteria such as: craftsmanship, creativity, surface treatment, and effort
        • Projects
          • Example: Students will create a series of forms all of which will be glazed or fired in different ways from each other.
        • Reports
          • Example: Students will analyze works of raku art in an exhibition and present in either oral presentation or written format.
        • Skill Demonstrations
          • Example: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the proper and safe methods for conducting Raku firings; students will participate as a team in such firings

        Repeatable

        No

        Methods of Instruction

        • Laboratory
        • Lecture/Discussion
        • Distance Learning

        Lab:

        1. Instructor will demonstrate and lead a discussion on safety procedures, tool use, and material storage. The included safety video will be followed by a safety quiz. No student will proceed until satisfactory completion of safety evaluation during a demonstration.

        Lecture:

        1. Instructor will give a lecture on contemporary ceramics along with a lecture on various raku processes. Student will bring idea development/drawings on pieces they will build inspired by an artist & combined firing method.

        Distance Learning

        1. Visually oriented slide presentation demonstrating the creation of a vessel from the mining of clay, through processing, creating and firing in using the raku process. Video examples of contemporary artists using raku firing in their artworks. Students will then be guided through a step by step process of creating pinch pots and eventually vessel forms to be fired. Students submit progress to the instructor for feedback. Projects in the wet/leather hard stage are posted to the discussion board and critiqued through written format using appropriate vocabulary and terminology pertaining to the basic elements and organizing principles of three-dimensional art. Active and relevant participation includes students responding to each other's comments in the discussion board.

        Typical Out of Class Assignments

        Reading Assignments

        1. Read various library resources on one historic raku technique and artist and a contemporary raku technique and artist. Students will then discuss the differences in the historic and contemporary practices. 2. Read the safety handout in preparation for a quiz.

        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 all of the class projects as indicated in the course content. 3. Apply appropriate surface designs to all of the class projects. 4. Gallery report.

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

        1. Mid-term & Final critique portfolio review. 2. Self-critique student self-assessment 3. artist research and reflection

        Required Materials

        • Raku Firing: Advanced Techniques
          • Author: Bill Jones
          • Publisher: American Ceramic Society
          • Publication Date: 2009
          • Text Edition: 1st
          • Classic Textbook?:
          • OER Link:
          • OER:
        • Mastering Raku
          • Author: Steve Branfman
          • Publisher: Lark Books
          • Publication Date: 2013
          • Text Edition:
          • Classic Textbook?:
          • OER Link:
          • OER:
        • Raku Pottery
          • Author: Robert Piepenburg
          • Publisher: Pebble Press
          • Publication Date: 1998
          • Text Edition:
          • Classic Textbook?:
          • OER Link:
          • OER:
        • The Unknown Craftsman
          • Author: Soetsu Yanagi
          • Publisher: Kodansha USA
          • Publication Date: 1972
          • Text Edition: revised, 2013
          • Classic Textbook?:
          • OER Link:
          • OER:
        • The Japanese Pottery Handbook
          • Author: Penny Simpson, Lucy Kitto, Kanji Sodeoka
          • Publisher: Kodansha USA
          • Publication Date: 2014
          • Text Edition: 2nd
          • Classic Textbook?:
          • OER Link:
          • OER:
        • Contemporary Raku
          • Author: Stephen Murfitt
          • Publisher: The Crowood Press
          • Publication Date: 2022
          • Text Edition: 1st
          • 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.

        safety glasses, leather gloves, cotton / natural fiber clothing, close-toed shoes