ARTS 451: Ceramics III (3-D)
Prerequisites: ARTS 251
Credits: (3) One hour lecture, demonstration or critique; three hours studio. (3-D)
Emphasis on original glazes and clay bodies and kiln firing techniques.
Note(s): May be taken multiple times for credit.
Detailed Description of Content of Course
Art 407 will meet for six hours weekly. Two hours will be lecture, demonstration,
or conference and four hours will be laboratory work. The course will include wheel
throwing, various ceramic sculptural techniques, techniques of glaze formulation,
development and application, history of ceramics, kiln design and construction, techniques
of industrial (production) ceramics, ceramic design, sketchbooks, ceramic safety,
studio equipment construction and maintenance. The course will be designed to increase
students personal development such as visual cognitive potential, stimulate observation,
imagination, and invite invention in the area of the ceramic arts. The course will
be designed to help the students find their way to new visual experiences through
ceramics. The course will introduce the students to works of both the past and the
present and will show how these works relate to their work. The students will be encouraged
to explore basic forms, structures and ideas which unite the arts. The course will
try to stress visual cognition and perception. The course will give recognition of
the idea that ceramic art is the process of giving plastic form to visual thought.
The course is designed to assist the student in utilizing those techniques of Art
207 - Ceramics or its equivalent to develop proficiency which will enable the student
to do independent study of the principles and theories of ceramic sculpture and pottery.
The laboratory work will provide experience in development, formulation, and application
of original glazes and clay bodies. The course will also be designed to give instruction
in kiln firing techniques and maintenance of the kilns.
Detailed Description of the Conduct of the Course
All students are expected to have competency in glazing and firing and in construction
techniques - hand building and throwing, verbal and conceptual skills in criticizing
and analyzing modern ceramic art as related to the history of ceramic art. The student
will be expected to submit a program which will be agreed upon by the instructor and
the student and will be selected from the following areas of concentration:
1. A study of the principles and application of original glazes and clay bodies.
2. Instruction in kiln firing techniques.
The student will be expected to present sketchbooks, a glaze notebook, comply with
project deadlines, be prepared for and participate in critiques, be familiar with
studio procedures, and will be graded on individual projects.
1. Method of forming: how well the student completes each method of forming.
2. Follow through with the student's ideas and design of his/her project.
3. Execution of the given project.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
At the conclusion of this course the student will be able to independently work as
a ceramic artist. The student will be able to demonstrate proficiency in wheel thrown
techniques, ceramic sculptural techniques, glaze formulation, development and application,
kiln design and construction, studio equipment construction and maintenance, ceramic
design. The student will explain studio safety and techniques of industrial ceramics.
Art 407 is the advanced course in ceramics at the undergraduate level. It is open
to art majors and art minors and any student who has completed Art 207.
Assessment Measures
Critiques will be used to assess the student's progress. Students will present notebooks
and sketchbooks at regular intervals as requested. Participation in the firing schedule
and other studio operations and maintenance will be expected. Examinations will also
be given at intervals to assess the student's comprehension.
Other Course Information
This course fulfills the graduate course requirements for the M.S. in Art degree.
Review and Approval
October 2, 2012
March 25, 2005 Reviewed by Steve Arbury, Chair