Ceramics I

BAC-322F

Instructor:                              Ken Turner

Telephone:                             206-241-7058   

Email:                                     Ken_Turner@antiochseattle.edu

Credits:                                               3-4

Quarter:                                  Winter 2008

Location:                                Antioch University Seattle

Prerequisites:                         None

Day & Time:                          Tuesday, 4 to 6:30 p.m.

Teaching Liaison:                  Jayashree George, DA., A.T.R.-BC

 

COURSE INTENTION

Through a verity of introductory hand-building techniques students will gain a new awareness of their creative selves making the undeniable connection between creativity and a healthy spirit.  The assignments are designed to promote success, encourage creativity and build confidence in each student. Further, students will be introduced to wheel throwing techniques, and will be allowed time on the pottery wheel, although there will be no required assignments related to wheel throwing. 

 

LEARNING GOALS

  1. To become familiar with the potential of their creative spirit through the medium of clay.
  2. To recognize the physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits of working with clay, and to recognize clays humbling qualities.
  1. To gain an entry-level understanding of the ceramic process, creating an awareness of the benefits of clay as a useful tool in their art therapy studies and practices.
  2. To learn introductory ceramic vocabulary, basic hand building and glazing techniques.  Perhaps learning something new about themselves, and communicating an idea or emotion through their artwork.

LEARNING EXPERIENCES

  1. Regular attendance at class lectures and discussions;
  2. Participation in class exercises and discussions;
  3. Completion of assignments;
  4. Utilizing studio time;

DEMONSTRATION AND ASSESSMENT OF LEARNING

 

1.      Class attendance:  Students are expected to attend all classes and satisfactorily complete all assigned work.  Failure to attend 90% of the classes for a course will adversely affect a student’s assessment unless appropriate make up work is completed.  Failure to attend 80% of the classes for a course will result in no credit for the course unless otherwise determined by the course instructor.

2.      Participation in class discussion and activities.

3.      Completion of assignments

4.      Clean up, and consideration of others.

5.       Cultural diversity assignment:  Write a short three page paper related to ceramics from another culture.  Biographies of artists, potters working in traditional – nontraditional, potteries or techniques. Book, article, gallery, museum show, or video reviews, ceramic technology. Must be submitted electronically.  

6.      Late assignments:  Assignments are to be submitted on their due date.  If the assignment is not satisfactorily or thoroughly completed, you may have the opportunity to re-do the assignment.  Credit is granted for this course upon satisfactory completion of all course assignments.

7.      Students are expected to work on projects outside of class time.

8.      Students will be expected to learn the following techniques and complete the related assignments by the due date:

9.   All written assignments must be submitted electronically.

 10.   Expect techniques not covered in this syllabus to be introduced.

·        Proposals for students requesting extra credit must be submitted electronically (Due 3rd week).

·        Two examples of a simple “pinched” clay form (pinch pot). (Due 4th week)

·        One example of a “coiled” form; continues coil, random coil,  repetitive pattern coil, or one form incorporating variations of these coiling techniques. (Due 5th week)

·        Representational Mask (Due 6th week)

·        Cultural Diversity assignment. (Due 7th week)

·        Two examples of “soft slab” construction techniques; one horizontal form (Tray assignment), one vertical form. (Due 8th week)

·        Open discussion on definition of ceramic terms, 8th week.

·        Create a “Personal Altar” combining three or more of the techniques above.  (Due 9th week)

·        Display a working knowledge of basic ceramic vocabulary.

·        Display care and craftsmanship in all work produced throughout the course.

·        Self evaluation; write a paper describing what you learned in this course. Must be submitted electronically.  (Due 10th week)

 

 

EXTRA CREDIT CRITERIA AND OPTIONS

Students wishing to receive an extra credit for this class must apply for it through the registers office and must complete an extra 30 hrs. of approved work by the instructor in order to receive the credit.  BA students may receive 1 extra credit only.  MA students may receive 2 credits if applied for and completed the required 60 hrs. of approved work.  Students may complete the extra credit assignment suggested by the instructor, or they may chose to submit a written syllabus and a request to the instructor for approval of a special project.  This request should be presented to the instructor by the third class meeting.  Students may withdraw their request for an extra credit up to the sixth week of classes, but will be subject to a financial penalty if they do so; consult your adviser or the registers office for further information.

 

All students must present written syllabus (submitted electronically) outlining their extra credit project even if the student chooses to instructors’ assignment 1 or 2.  Please include the following:

    1. Quarter, year, and number of credits.

  1. Your intentions.
  2. Your learning goals.
  3. Your learning experiences.
  4. Demonstration of learning
  5. Reading materials

 

Instructors suggested extra credit assignment 1: 

Research a historical, or contemporary ceramic artist / movement and write a paper describing their contributions to and affects on the art world.

 

Instructors suggested extra credit assignment 2:

Research in depth a specific ceramic technique.  Write a paper on your findings and produce physical examples.

 

  CLASS ASSIGNMENTS

Students will be expected to learn the following techniques and complete the related assignments by the due dates.  All written assignments must be submitted electronically.

 

Week One 

1/8/07        Distribute and discuss syllabus.  Make notations of possible modifications based on class feedback.  If revisions are necessary, students will receive revised syllabus on week two.  Explain studio policies, hours, safety, and clean up.

                    Discuss ceramic Terms and Definitions hand out, and notify students of open discussion on terms, week eight.

                    Discuss specifics on “Cultural diversity assignment”. (Due 7th week)

                    Explain extra credit criteria.

                    Assignment one; “Creating an organic form using the pinch method.” Two examples.  Demonstration of making and attaching simple pinched clay forms.  The introduction of coil building.  (Due 4th week)

 

Week Two 

1/15/08        Demonstration of coiling method, and explanation of assignment.

                    Assignment two: “Coil built pots.”  One example of a “coiled” form; continues coil, random coil,  repetitive pattern coil, or one form incorporating variations of these coiling techniques. (Due 5th week)

 

Week Three

1/22/08       Discussion of glazes and firing, and demonstration of basic glazing techniques.   Introduction to soft slab techniques.  Announce and display supplies needed for assignment three.

Assignment three-A:  "Representational Mask" Soft slab construction.     (Due 6th week)  

                             

Week Four  

1/29/08      Mid-Quarter Evaluations handed out and collected.  Discussion and critical evaluation of glaze fired work.   Assignment one due.

Assignment three - B: “Soft slab tray” with emphasis on texture.  Demonstration of tray assignment.  Two examples of “soft slab” construction techniques; one horizontal form, one vertical form. (Due 7th week)

 

Week Five     

2/5/08          Discussion based on mid-quarter evaluation of previous week.  Assignment two due.  Stiff slab construction techniques demonstrated.

Assignment four: Create a personal altar or shrine combining three or more of the techniques you have learned.  You may also use other techniques, and add elements other than clay.  For example:

Feathers, branches, flowers, paper, candles, oils, etc.  Be prepared to talk about your altar, your choice of elements and their symbolism.  Did you discovery anything about yourself while creating your alter?   (Due 9th week)

 

Week Six       

2/12/08        Wheel throwing and trimming demonstration.  Assist students with various projects.

 

Week Seven  

2/19/08        Cultural diversity assignment due.  Assist students with various projects.

 

Week Eight

2/26/08        Open discussion on definition of ceramic terms.  Assignment three (Soft Slab) due. 

 

Week Nine

3/4/08          Assignment four due.  Private, and group discussion of “Personal Altar” assignment.  End of quarter Evaluations handed out.

 

Week Ten

3/11/08        Group critique of assigned and unassigned work.  End of quarter Evaluations collected by a student and returned to Jack Johnston, Office Manager’s, box in the front office. Final assignment due.  A written paper describing what you learned in this course. Must submit electronically.

 

Antioch University Seattle is committed to providing "reasonable accommodations" to qualified students with a disability in order to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to benefit from and have access to programs and services.

 

Students in need of accommodations should contact the Disability Support Services (DSS) Office (206-268-4151 or 206-268-4403). TTY: 206-728-5745