Course Description
This is a problem solving course designed to introduce you to ceramics as an art making medium. We will examine various approaches to clay, with an emphasis on handbuilding techniques. Course content includes an introduction to basic technical information and a basic vocabulary of clays, glazes and firing techniques will be therefore be covered.

You will also learn about art/ceramics and artists/ceramicists of both the past and present. This will help you understand how other artists think and provide a framework from which you can make art yourself.

Ideas and information will be conveyed/discussed in a variety of ways, some of which include: group and individual discussion, critique, collaboration, technical demonstrations, readings, slide lectures and historical information.

Effort / Attitude
This is a serious class where you are expected to work hard, both physically and mentally. You are expected to be willing to meet challenges and take risks. Some students enter college art classes with the misconception that they are a place to play, relax or take a break from other classes. Art is as serious and difficult as any other college course and I expect appropriate effort and dedication. This will be a demanding course, which will require much effort, a serious attitude and an open mind.

Class Attendance
Class begins at 1:30 pm and you are expected to arrive on time. I allow two unexcused absences per semester. Once those “free” absences have been used, each additional absence will lower your grade one degree (from a B- to a C+ for example). Additional absences will only be excused under extreme circumstances. If you are more than 10 minutes late or leave class early, you will be counted absent for that day. If the rest of us can get to class on time, so can you!

If you know ahead of time that you will be missing a class, please let me know so that we can make sure you will be able to maintain the continuity for the course and not get behind in your work.  When you have been absent it is your responsibility to find out what you missed before the next class meeting! Please contact me to go over what we covered in class that day. Please do not expect me to discuss this with you during our class time.

Time / Work Commitment
This class meets officially for 2 hours and 50 minutes. Often, this time will be occupied by lectures, critiques, discussion or technical demonstrations. Therefore much of the work you do on projects will be done outside of class. I expect a minimum of 5 - 6 hours per week to be spent outside of class on projects; some will take over 10 hours to fully complete. The studio is open for your use at all times except Tuesday and Thursday from 1:30 - 4:15 when Art 261/361 is in session.

Assignments
This course requires that you complete a series of projects during the semester. Assignments will emphasize the  technical and conceptual aspects of artmaking in clay. There will be at least one assignment with an accompanying research project requiring a brief presentation and a paper. All assignments will require some research as you plan for a solution. This research may include looking at examples of contemporary or historical ceramics, or reading about another discipline where relevant to the development of your ideas.  Assignments do have guidelines, however they tend to be somewhat general in nature to allow for individual solutions to the problem. Some assignments will be done entirely in class and other may be done entirely outside of class. Solutions will require varying amounts of time.

A few quizzes will be given throughout the semester and one exam will be given at the end of the semester covering basic technical knowledge about ceramic materials and processes.

Critiques
Critiques will be one of the most important aspects of this class. They will generate feedback about your work as well as provide an opportunity for the development of critical thinking and speaking skills. Participation in all critiques (your own and others’) is crucial to your development in this class.

Journal / Sketchbook
You are expected to keep a journal/sketchbook (for your private use). You will not be required to turn it in, but you will be asked to share your thoughts and sketches for specific projects throughout the semester. You may choose which sections of your sketchbook you would like to share with the rest of class.  The sketchbook should also be used to record technical and historical information. Also, please keep a folder for the organization of class handouts.

Studio Environment
Wear comfortable clothing that you can get dirty, or use an apron.  Be prepared to leave class with clay on you!

Keeping the classroom clean (including the sink, slip and glazing and clay mixing areas as well as the work tables) is every student’s responsibility throughout the semester! Please do your share to keep our work environment conducive to work!

Class Participation
You are expected to participate in all planned group activities as well as studio maintenance and organization. Examples include field trips, gallery openings/lectures, clay mixing, loading and unloading kilns.  You will be responsible for mixing your won clay. At the start of the semester you will establish a clay mixing partner and a clay making schedule will be posted where you and your partner sign up to mix clay 2 -3 times during the semester.  You must make sure the mixer and surrounding area are kept neat and clean! Also, if the scrap clay barrel in the classroom is full please wheel it back to the mixing area and make sure to replace it with an empty scrap clay barrel!

Grades
Projects will receive a preliminary grade after the first critique, at which time your work should still be leatherhard (not malleable yet still wet). This allows you the opportunity to do additional work on you project in response to the feedback you received during critique. These grades are meant to give you some indication of where you stand in the course.  All projects will be re-graded at the end of the semester to account for changes after the first critique and the final glaze firing(s). Project grades will be based upon the fulfillment of assignment objectives; technique / craftsmanship; conceptual and physical investment of time; aesthetic and conceptual quality of work.

Final grades for the course will be based upon an average of project grades, quizzes, final exam, participation in critiques and discussion, your willingness to explore and take risks with your work, participation in maintaining a good working studio environment and attendance.

Grading Standards
A = Outstanding work on all levels; takes problems well beyond assignment guidelines to a personal solution; ambitious; creative; complex. True critical thinking combined with technical excellence. Excellent participation in course. No absences.

B = Above average on all levels; goes beyond assignment but may be lacking in skill or creativity.

C = Average; does not go beyond the basic requirements; lacking in skill, creativity and/or effort.

D/F = Deficient / inadequate, insufficient work; excess absences; lack of growth in studio work.

Supplies
Your most important tools are your hands. In addition you will need the following (may be purchased at the art department store A207):

Dust Mask   $ .75 (get 2 or 3 for use during clay making!!!!)
Fettling Knife   $3.85
Wooden Tool   $2.66 or $1.60 (large or small)
Needle Tool   $1.80
Loop Tool   $ 1.95 or $3.75 (large or small)
Serrated Metal Rib  $2.50 (be sure to get one of these!!!)
Rubber or Metal Ribs  $2.50 (at least one additional rib is recommended)
Metal Cutting Wire  $2.00
Sponge   $3.20
Bamboo Brushes  (one or two if you can afford them)
Metal Fork & Knife  (salvation army?)
Combination Lock  (wherever) Lockers are available in the hallway
2 - 3 Brushes   (hardware store 1Ó, 2Ó, 3Ó ...be sure to buy natural bristle!!)
Hand Towel   (wherever...to cut down of paper waste!)

As the semester progresses you may want to purchase other tools depending upon your own needs. The art store has a good stock or modeling and carving tools for use in clay.

Lab Fee
A $20.00 lab fee will be billed directly to you by the college. This covers all of your clay, glaze materials (except specialty glazes) and firing costs.

Textbook
Working With Clay: An Introduction, Susan Peterson

Reserve Books and Magazines
From time to time I will put materials on reserve for your use. The Library has an excellent collection of books (historical and technical) in ceramics. If you have exhausted what Peterson says, check out what other authors have to offer!

In addition there are many art magazines in the Library, which you should look at to become familiar with art related issues and contemporary artists. I strongly recommend that you look and read Ceramics Monthly and American Ceramics (on a regular basis throughout the semester) both of which are available on the open shelves (for the most recent issues) and in open stacks (back issues).