Course Description: Art 10B CERAMICS
Spring 2009
Rekedal
Instructor: Jane Rekedal
Office Hours: Portable Office building Q-11, MW 8:00-8:40 a.m. and 2:30-3:30 p.m. and by
arrangement.
Class meets in Portable Building (PB) 9. Class hours are MW 11:20 a.m.-2:25p.m. with optional lab
session.
Office phone: (408) 848-4833
Email: jrekedal@gavilan.edu
Course description: Ceramics 10B is a studio course designed to familiarize the student with forming
techniques and artistic potentials of clay as a medium. It is repeatable and each semester is designed
for artistic and technical progression. Theoretical, historical, and technical data is presented in written,
lecture, demonstration, critique, and media forms. Following such presentations, the student applies
the data in actual studio projects of individual design. The student further develops the skills of
forming, glazing, and critical evaluation, and explores glaze calculation, kiln loading, and studio
management. This class has the option of a letter grade or credit/no credit.
Prerequisites: None
Course objectives:
1. A student who successfully completes the sequences of ceramics courses will be informed of and
use:
a. the terminology of the ceramic field
b. the classifications of clays and glaze types
c. appropriate and effective ceramic design
d. historical and ethnic classifications of ceramic art
2. The successful student will:
a. analyze ceramic work through criticism, both orally and in written form
b. create a unique, personal communication and effectively use the ceramic medium for its
expression.
c. participate in classroom activities, contribute to discussions, and complete all assignments
Course content: see project list
Course materials: see recommended tool list. Clay is purchased in class, through the Gavilan Art
Guild.
Course requirements: Individual projects are evaluated by the following criteria:
Originality, imagination, quality of communication.
Application of design principles
Craftsmanship (tool usage, materials application, quality of construction)
Graded Assignments:
65% Projects demonstrating personal artistic expression in clay
5% Participation in student show/display
5% Studio management
5% Sketchbook
5% Oral or written self critique
5% Review of a show in gallery or museum
10% Effort and participation
Grading criteria is as follows:
100-90 points =A
89-80 points =B
79-70 points =C
69-60 points =D
Less than 60 points =F
Extra credit may be granted as follows:
*Written report, up to 5 points
*Participation at Gav Fest
*Help with installation of student show
*Donation of saleable items to Art Guild, 1 point per item, up to 10 points
* Extra Studio Management, 1 point per job or item completed, up to 15 points
Attendance is extremely important in a studio class as artistic skills develop over hours of practical
application. Four (4) absences will be allowed without lowering of a grade. Further absences may be
made up with additional studio time outside of class. Student effort within and without the classroom
will be used for evaluation.
Students must participate in class, and must earn 60 points in order to pass the class. Written
assignments must be completed by the due date or may not be accepted. All students are responsible
for maintaining the classroom in an orderly, clean condition. Students who fail in this will be required
to do extra studio maintenance work and may lose studio privileges. All students are expected to treat
each other’s work with the utmost respect and every effort must be made to avoid damage or loss.
Students requiring special services or arrangements because of hearing, visual, or other disability
should contact their instructor, counselor, or the Disabled Student Services Office.
Occupational/Vocational Students: Limited English skills will not be a barrier to admittance to and
participation in vocational education programs.
Students are expected to exercise academic honesty and integrity. Violations such as cheating and
plagiarism will result in disciplinary action which may include recommendation for dismissal.
Course Learning Outcomes:
1. The student will explain the terminology of ceramics. ILO: 3,1
Measure: discussion, critiques
2. The student will describe and classify the types of ceramics and glazes. ILO: 3,1
Measure: demonstration, oral
and written critiques
3. The student will apply appropriate and effective ceramic design. ILO: 5,6,2,7
Measure: project
4. The student will utilize safe and proper techniques and procedures for ceramic production. ILO: 3,2,7
Measure: project, demonstration
5. The student will recognize the forms and conventions of ceramic art. ILO: 2,1,4,5 Measure: oral and written critiques
6. The student will create a unique, personal communication and effectively use the ceramic medium for expression. ILO:
5,1,6.7 Measure: project
7. The student will appraise and criticize ceramic works created by his peers and himself. ILO: 2,1,5,4,6 Measure: oral
critiques, written critiques
8. The student will formulate and test glazes with proper record keeping. ILO: 2,3
Measure: demonstration, project,
lab notebook
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