Ceramics One
Course Syllabus
Instructor: David Twist
Gonzales High, Rm. 25
Phone 675-2495 ext.25
E-Mail datwist@cruzio.com or dtwist@monterey.k12.ca.us
Description
Ceramics will concentrate on the formation of ceramic objects using the methods
of pinch, slab, and coil. Decorating and glazing will also be covered as well
as the elements of Art as they relate to the medium. A research paper on the
history of ceramics will also be required.
(10 credits/ one year)
Goals
To learn the basic methods of forming glazing, & decorating ceramic objects
To have an aesthetic appreciation of ceramics and be able to express that
appreciation both verbally and in written form.
To understand the cultural and historical links to the medium
To produce ceramic objects that can be used and enjoyed and that the creator
is proud of.
To learn the elements of art and the principles of design through the production
of ceramic pieces.
To be a self directed learner who can work independently on his or her project.
To be able to work in group situations with various students.
To be able to solve problems in regards to design, construction, decoration
and glazing of projects.
Materials
Students will be provided with the necessary materials to work in this class.
They will be issued a lock and locker that they will share with a partner.
The partners will be responsible for a set of tools that will be issued to
them for
the school year. Anything lost or destroyed will need to be replaced by the
locker partners. Students should also bring in a collection of objects from
home to
use as tools such as a fork, spoon, and any other object that can be used to
smooth clay or texture clay. Students may want to bring in old clothing to
protect their school clothes from clay materials while working.
Clay and glazes will be provided for projects and students will be charged
by the pound for projects that they have fired.
Requirements
This is a beginning class, but it is strongly recommended that students take
Art one as a foundation course in Art. before taking this class.
Since this is a project based class attendance is a critical element of
this course. If students have poor attendance projects will not be completed
and
their grade will suffer. Students are expected to attend class regularly
Students will be expected to participate in clean up teams to help clean
up the lab each day as well as clean up their respective areas.
Students will be expected to participate in class critiques and student displays
of work.
At times students will be given homework such as reading assignments written
summaries of articles or drawings for new projects. All written assignments
must be typed double-spaced. Handwritten assignments will not be accepted
If an assignment has a specific due date, that date will be followed and
late work will not be accepted.
Students will be required to follow all lab requirements regarding organizational
and clean-up procedures for the studio and safety requirements for working
with the various ceramic materials.
Students will be required to do a major research paper near the end of the
school year. This paper is tied to a ceramic project and is worth a double
grade. Both parts of the project need to be completed or students will not
get a grade
for either part of the project.
Activities
Introduction to operation of studio and safety procedures
in using ceramic materials along with formation of teams for clean up and pairing
of locker
partners for tools and other issued equipment.
Introduction to clay in regards to where it comes from and its uses and limitations.
Demonstration of wedging (Standard 2.0,3.0)
Demonstration of formation of objects using the pinch method of forming objects
along with slide examples, historical perspective of method and aesthetic qualities
of a good pinch pot. (Standard 2.0,3.0,4.0 )
Demonstration of attaching of glaze foot, what is leather hard, and attaching
of various pieces to a leather hard object. What makes for a well developed
aesthetic foot. (Standard 2.0, 4.2)
Demonstration of the use of engobe and the various decorating techniques
using engobe. Through slides, look at the use of engobe through ceramic history.
The
use of texture and burnishing will also be covered. The artistic value of these
methods will be discussed. ( Standard 3.0, 4.0 , 2.0)
Group critique of first project led by student leaders and teacher.(Standard
1.0, 4.0 )
Firing of first project and discussion of firing procedures and historical
aspect of the firing of clay and what happens to clay when it is fired. (Standard
3.0)
Basic glaze demonstration along with historical perspective of glaze and
why it is used. Aesthetic qualities of glaze and artistic perception of various
surface
qualities. Safe use of and application of Glaze.(Standard 3.0,2.0, 1.0, )
Demonstration of making of clay whistle and how to tune it to make a sound.
Converting it to a sculptural piece will also be covered (Standard 2.0)
Demonstration of use of slab roller and formation of objects such as mugs
using slabs of clay. Use of various symbols to express an idea on a piece of
art such
as a personal mug and a mug about an historical event. (Standard 3.0, 2.0,2.4,2.5)
Demonstration of the making of handles for mugs along with textured handles.
(Standard 2.0, )
Demonstration of how to construct a container using tarpaper and slabs of
clay. Slide examples of containers throughout history and cultures will be
viewed and
various design ideas will be discussed. Students will come up with solutions
to the design of their container. (Standard 3.0,2.0,1.0)
Demonstration of how to form a vase using slabs of clay. Slide examples of
vases throughout history and cultures will be viewed and students will develop
various design ideas for the construction of their vase. (Standard 1.0, 3.1,
3.3, )
Demonstration and slid show of how to make a ceramic birdhouse. Various design
ideas will be reviewed and student will develop their own ideas and problem
solve the construction of a birdhouse.(Standard 4.5,1.0)
Demonstration of the use of the potter’s wheel and the basics of centering
clay, pulling up a wall and forming a cylinder.
Demonstration in forming coils for the purpose of constructing coil pots.
Various examples of coil pots throughout history will be shown and the concept
of symmetry
in design will be emphasized. Various surface treatments and the use of handles
will also be covered. (Standard1.0,3.0,2.0)
Discussion and examples of research papers along with a visit to the library
to learn research techniques. MLA standards of citation, and the use of the
Internet and printed matter for research will be highlighted. A discussion
of what makes
a good paper and what is plagiarism will also be discussed. (Standard 3.0,)
Prepare selection of works for Library Display. How to organize work, label
and display work and publicize work. (Standard 5 )
Evaluation & Grading
Unless otherwise noted, all projects will be evaluated by the student based
on a rubric. The rubric and the questions relating to the project are on
the computers
in the ceramic room. Students may also make a copy of the questions and rubric
and save them in their server folders so they may work on their evaluations
in another location. It is the responsibility of the student to type out
the evaluation
of their projects and shows them to the teacher. If they fail to do this
they could fail the class.
Grades will be based on projects, summaries, homework, and clean up team
participation. All assignments are based on a point system with:
A=100-90%
B=89-80%
C=79-70%
D=69-60%
F=59 and below
The main factor for grades will be the completion of projects so students
need to be in class and producing work in order to pass this class.
Methods for Language Learners and target populations
I speak some Spanish and I am more than willing to assist students in Spanish
when necessary. Since this is a project based class with many demonstrations
students will learn by seeing and doing. They will develop a vocabulary
of ceramic terms and learn to communicate in English through the production
of their work.
Activities that address Language and Math standards
Students will learn new vocabulary as it pertains to art and ceramics.
They will write and talk about their projects through their evaluation
of their
work and
critiques. They will learn about writing a research paper. In regards
to math, they will learn about symmetrical and asymmetrical shapes.
They will
use various
geometric designs for ceramic decoration and construction. If they
formulate glazes, they will use percentages in figuring their formulas.
Class Procedures
Students will work at their own pace with all projects needing to be
completed by the end of each semester. Unless otherwise noted,
missed homework assignments
will be due upon return from an illness. If an assignment has
a due date, the assignment will be due on that date and late assignments
will not
be accepted.
Extra credit projects will be accepted only if all assigned work
is completed and with the consent of the instructor.
Behavioral Expectations