I. General Information

1. Course Title:
Ceramics: Beginning Hand Building

2. Course Prefix & Number:
ARTS 1487

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 sculptural hand building 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:
Must have the basic ability to manipulate clay and use art tools such as brushes and modeling 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 251 (3) Ceramics: Begining Handbuilding

Anoka Ramsey Community College, ART 1281 (3) Ceramics : Begining Hand-building

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	Fabricate unique objects responding to a specific visual problem.

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. Clay Preparation
• Wedging
• Wetting clay
• Drying clay
2. Construction Methods
• Pinch
• Coil
• Slab: soft and hard slab construction
3. Non Glaze Surface
• Clay
• Engobe/slip/underglaze
4. Decorating
• Brush work
• Sgraffitto
• Paper resist
• Wax resist/line inlay
• Mishma
5. Glaze Application
• Pouring
• Dipping
• Brushing
6. Technical
• Glaze theory
• Clay theory
• Ceramic safety issues
• Kilns and Equipment: loading, firing and unloading

Projects are introduced through slides of contemporary and historical example with discussion of expression and aesthetics

Major projects include individual or full class critiques addressing expressive, aesthetic and technical issues

2. Laboratory/Studio Sessions

1. Various Projects Exploring Construction Methods
• Pinch
• Coil
• Slab
2. Surfaces Development
• Engobe/slip methods
• Glaze, dipping and pouring
• Oxide/colorant wash
• Glaze methods
• Non-traditional glaze
3. Kilns
• Loading
• Firing
• Unloading