"You will write a 1-2 page research paper (excluding visuals) about the ceramics and/or ceramic
sculpture of a particular culture or period in Art history. Research should be done using the Internet
(www.artcyclopedia.com), and, if desired, other resources such as Ceramics Monthly magazine,
books, etc. Other Art web sites may be used as well. The report should be written in essay form.
The following information should be included:
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Name of culture or period in Art history (or movement)
Relevant dates
Where the culture or movement was (is) located (country, and cities, states, or provinces)
Description of the ceramic work, including:
o Whether it was utilitarian, sculptural, decorative, etc.
o Forms the culture produced (ex. bowls, vases, relief sculpture, etc.) and their sizes
o How the forms are decorated (be as descriptive as possible)
o Technical information, such as the types of clay bodies and glazes used, firing
temperature (or cones) of the work, type of firing (ex. oxidation, reduction, pit firing,
raku, etc.) Include explanations of technical information that you did not previously
know (ex. specialized type of firing).
o List and describe as many examples of the culture's ceramic forms as you can
find. Include print-outs of visuals.
o List and describe as many examples of the culture's ceramic forms as you can
find. Include print-outs of visuals.
o Influences of other cultures or artistic movements (or periods) on this culture's
ceramics
o Symbolism in the forms and/or surface decoration
o Function or importance of the ceramics examples you found in that culture
Why you like or dislike this culture's (or period's) ceramics (at least 2 reasons)
Bibliography of sources, including web sites.
NOTE: Plagiarism will result in a 0. All writing should be in your own words."
Time and Materials Required to Complete the Task:
Time:
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Two weeks
Materials:
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Access to a computer with Internet access and MS Word; a notebook in which to keep
notes and information accessed from books, magazines, Web pages, etc.
Teaching Tips:
Possible Solutions:
Rubrics:
1
5 points
Name of culture or period in Art history (or movement)
2
5 points
Relevant dates
3
5 points
Where the culture or movement was (is) located (country, and cities,
states, or provinces)
Description of the ceramic work, including: (45 points)




4
45 points




Whether it was utilitarian, sculptural, decorative, etc.
Forms the culture produced (ex. bowls, vases, relief sculpture,
etc.) and their sizes
How the forms are decorated (be as descriptive as possible)
Technical information, such as the types of clay bodies and
glazes used, firing temperature (or cones) of the work, type of
firing (ex. oxidation, reduction, pit firing, raku, etc.) Include
explanations of technical information that you did not previously
know (ex. specialized type of firing).
List and describe as many examples of the culture's ceramic
forms as you can find. Include print-outs of visuals.
Influences of other cultures or artistic movements (or periods) on
this culture's ceramics (optional)
Symbolism in the forms and/or surface decoration
Function or importance of the ceramics examples you found in
that culture
5
20 points
Why you like or dislike this culture's (or period's) ceramics (at least 2
reasons)
6
20 points
Bibliography of sources must be included
Total
100
points
Reflections: