Maui Community College
Course Outline
1. Alpha and Number:
ART 105
Course Title:
Elementary Studio: Ceramics
Number of Credits:
3
Date of Outline:
March 29, 2004
2. Course Description:
Studies ceramic form. Emphasizes hand building,
glazing techniques, and surface treatment. Involves
lectures and projects. Meets UH Manoa Arts & Science
core requirements.
3. Contact Hours/Type:
2 hours/lecture; 4 hours/lab
4. Prerequisites:
None.
Corequisites:
None.
Recommended Preparation:
None.
Approved by
Date
5. General Course Objectives:
Art 105 explores pottery making and ceramic sculpture using hand building and wheel throwing
techniques. The course introduces the elements of art and an understanding of craftsmanship
through the making and decorating of ceramic form. Students work towards development of
individual creative expression.
6. Student Learning Outcomes:
For assessment purposes, these are linked to #7. Recommended Course Content.
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
a. demonstrate proficiency in the three basic techniques of hand building and in wheel throwing in
an effort to develop a personal style, and build self-esteem;
b. distinguish between different clay bodies and explain the relationship of geology to the origin and
characteristics of clay;
c. apply their knowledge of the principles of the firing process to the successful loading of low
temperature and high temperature firings, practicing proper kiln care and safety;
d. demonstrate an understanding of color and surface as it relates to three-dimensional form in the
use of glazes and oxides. Integrate surface treatment with form;
e. explain the physical and chemical changes that transform clay and glaze at each stage of the
building, drying, and firing process, and ascertain the appropriate stage at which to construct,
manipulate, and decorate their ceramic project;
f. demonstrate knowledge of historic and contemporary examples of ceramics.
7. Recommended Course Content and Approximate Time Spent on Each Topic
Linked to #6. Student Learning Outcomes
1 Week:
Pinching, burnishing, sawdust firing (a, c, e,)
1 Week:
Geology, plasticity, and health concerns of clay (b, e)
1 Week:
Transformations of clay (a, b, c, d, e,)
1-3 Weeks:
Coil building (a, d, e, f)
1-3 Weeks:
Slab building (a, d,e, f)
1-3 Weeks:
Throwing on the Potters Wheel (a, d, e, f)
1-3 Weeks:
Glazing (d, e, f)
1-2 Weeks:
Surface decoration (a, d, e, f)
1 Week:
Loading bisque and glaze kilns (c)
1 Week:
Chemistry and safety with glazes (c, d, e,)
1 Week:
Historical and contemporary examples of ceramic art (f)
8. Text and Materials, Reference Materials, Auxiliary Materials and Content
Appropriate text(s) and materials will be chosen at the time the course is to be offered from those
currently available in the field. Examples include:
Text:
Make it in Clay by Speight and Toki.
Materials:
Handouts provided by instructor
Videotapes viewed in class
Conventional or digital slide presentations
Clay, ceramic tools, notebook or sketchbook
9. Recommended Course Requirements and Evaluation:
Specific course requirements are at the discretion of the instructor at the time the course is being
offered. Suggested requirements might include, but are not limited to:
10-20%
Attendance and participation
40-60%
Project assignments in clay
10-20%
Examinations
0-20%
Research projects
5-20%
Quizzes
5-20%
Loading Kilns, mixing glaze, etc.
10. Method of Instruction:
Instructional methods vary considerably with instructors, and specific instructional methods will be at
the discretion of the instructor teaching the course. Suggested techniques might include, but are not
limited to:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
written and oral examinations and quizzes;
in-class exercises;
reading assignments;
creative projects;
projects and research (written reports and/or oral class presentations);
lecture;
class discussions;
guest lecturers;
audio, visual and internet presentations;
other techniques (service learning, co-op, self-paced, etc.).