Maui Community College
Course Outline
1. Alpha and Number:
ART 243
Course Title:
Intermediate Ceramics: Hand Building
Number of Credits:
3
Date of Outline:
March 29, 2004
2. Course Description:
Develops vessel and sculptural concepts using handbuilding techniques. Introduces the elements of art
through the making of ceramic form. Progresses beyond
basic hand building techniques to advanced skills:
various forming and embellishing techniques, work with
plaster and molds, colored slip, colored clay, glaze work,
and the firing of kilns. Students work towards
development of individual creative expression.
3. Contact Hours Per Week:
2 hours/Lecture; 4 hours/Lab
4. Prerequisites:
Art 105 or consent.
Corequisites:
None.
Recommended Preparation:
None.
Approved by _________________________________________Date________________
5. General Course Objectives:
Art 243 develops vessel and sculptural concepts using hand building techniques. The course
introduces the elements of art through the making of ceramic form. The class progresses beyond
basic hand building techniques to advanced skills: various forming and embellishing techniques,
work with plaster and molds, colored slip, colored clay, glaze work, and the firing of kilns. 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 techniques of hand building in an effort to develop a personal
style and individual expression, demonstrate innovative problem solving;
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 oxidation and reduction firing, low temperature and high temperature
firing, and the basic chemical compositions of glazes;
g. demonstrate knowledge of historic and contemporary examples of hand-built ceramics;
h. demonstrate an ability to articulate the concepts and intent of a completed piece.
7. Recommended Course Content and Approximate Time Spent on Each Topic
Linked to #6. Student Learning Outcomes
1 Week:
Pinching, burnishing, terra sigilatta, sawdust firing (a, c, d, ,e, f, h)
1 Week:
Geology, plasticity, and health concerns of clay (b, e)
1 Week:
Transformations of clay (a, b, c, d, e, f)
1-3 Weeks:
Coil building (a, d, e, g, h)
1-3 Weeks:
Slab building (a, d, e, g, h)
1 Week:
Critiques and discussions of student work (a, d, h)
1-3 Weeks:
Gazing (d, e, f, g, h)
1-2 Weeks:
Surface decoration (a, d, e, f, g, h)
1 Week:
Loading bisque and glaze kilns (c, f)
1 Week:
Chemistry and safety with glazes (c, d, e, f)
1 Week:
Historical and contemporary examples of ceramic art (g)
8. Text and Materials, Reference Materials, Auxiliary Materials and Content
An 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:
The Craft and Art of Clay by Susan Peterson.
Materials:
Handouts provided by instructor
Video tapes 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.).