I. General Information

1. Course Title:
Ceramics: Beginning Throwing

2. Course Prefix & Number:
ARTS 1488

3. Course Credits and Contact Hours:

Credits: 3

Lecture Hours: 2

Lab Hours: 2

4. Course Description:

This course is an introduction to the physical characteristics of clay and basic wheel throwing techniques. Emphasis is placed on creating original works of ceramics that explore a variety of formal and conceptual problems. Students develop a visual vocabulary and aesthetic of three dimensional form, using historic and contemporary ceramics materials, terminology, styles, and techniques. MnTC Goal 6

5. Placement Tests Required:

Accuplacer (specify test):

Reading College Level CLC or Reading College Level

Score:

6. Prerequisite Courses:

There are no prerequisites for this course.

8. Prerequisite (Entry) Skills:
The basic ability to manipulate clay and art materials such as brushes and clay tools.

9. Co-requisite Courses:

There are no corequisites for this course.

II. Transfer and Articulation

1. Course Equivalency - similar course from other regional institutions:

Minnesota State University, Mankato, ART 250 Ceramics: Beginning Wheel, 3 cr.
Anoka Ramsey Community College, ART 1251 Introduction to Ceramics, 3 cr.

III. Course Purpose

1. Program-Applicable Courses – This course is required for the following program(s):

Art Transfer Pathway A.F.A. Degree

2. MN Transfer Curriculum (General Education) Courses - This course fulfills the following goal area(s) of the MN Transfer Curriculum:
Goal 6 – Humanities and Fine Arts

IV. Learning Outcomes

1. College-Wide Outcomes

College-Wide Outcomes/Competencies	Students will be able to:
Analyze and follow a sequence of operations	Follow the multiple step process involved in making ceramic art.
Apply abstract ideas to concrete situations	Create a unique object in response to a specific problem.
Utilize appropriate technology	Utilize a potter's wheel and kiln to make ceramic art

2. Course Specific Outcomes - Students will be able to achieve the following measurable goals upon completion of the course:

• Demonstrate awareness of the scope and variety of works in the arts and humanities (MnTC Goal 6);
• Respond critically to works in the arts and humanities (MnTC Goal 6);
• Engage in the creative process (MnTC Goal 6);
• Articulate an informed personal reaction to works in the arts and humanities (MnTC Goal 6);
• Understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within an historical and social context (MnTC Goal 6);
• Demonstrate the principles of design through the creation of functional ceramic works;
• Demonstrate skills in construction, surface treatment, finishing or firing techniques in ceramic materials and techniques to successfully complete class assignments;
• Create original works of ceramics that explore a variety of formal and conceptual problems, demonstrate a visual vocabulary, and the ability to make effective aesthetic judgments;
• Analyze historic and contemporary ceramics materials, terminology, styles, and techniques;
• Apply the basic vocabulary of three-dimensional artwork and the aesthetic concerns of using three-dimensional form;
• Demonstrate an increased appreciation of the vital role and value the fine arts and humanities have on the development of culture;
• Explain and evaluate the effectiveness of personal artwork and the work of others through critique; and
• Demonstrate an understanding of health and safety issues within the discipline;

V. Topical Outline

Listed below are major areas of content typically covered in this course.

1. Lecture Sessions

1. Introduction
• Supplies
• Studio operation
• Class expectations
• Use of equipment and safety issues
2. Materials
• Clay: earthenware, stoneware, porcelain
3. Clay Preparation
• Wedging
• Wetting clay
• Drying clay
4. Throwing on the Potter’s Wheel
• Centering
• Cylinders
• Pulled handles
• Joining parts (such as attaching handles) 
• Bowls (trimmed foot)
• Plates (trimmed foot)
• Covered jars or teapots
5. Surfaces
• Clay
• Glaze
• Engobe/slip, underglaze
6. Kilns
• Loading and unloading
• Types of kilns
• Ways of riring

2. Laboratory/Studio Sessions

1. Use of equipment and Safety Issues
2. Clay Preparation
• Wedging
• Wetting clay
• Drying clay
3. Throwing
• Cylinders
• Bowls, (throwing and trimming)
• Plates/platters (throwing and trimming)
• Cover jars
4. Surfaces
• Glaze
• Oxide/colorant wash
• Glaze methods
• Engobe/slip methods
• Non-traditional glaze
• Glaze problems
5. Kilns
• Firing
• Loading
• Unloading