Course Syllabus
Southeast Missouri State University
Department of Art
Ceramics 3
AR 442
New
I. Catalog Description and Credit Hours of Course:
Personal investigation and exploration of alternative construction and glazing
techniques in ceramics to foster expressive sophistication.
3 credit hours
II. Prerequisite: AR441 or consent of professor
III. Purposes or Objectives of the Course:
A. To encourage personal investigation and exploration of alternative construction
techniques in ceramics to foster expressive sophistication.
B. To introduce the art student to the design and application of plaster and non-plaster
molds with pressed clay and casting slip.
C. To introduce the art student to the design, application, and firing of ceramic decals,
china paints, and luster glazes.
D. To introduce the art student to the concept of clay as a material to be combined with
mixed media.
E. To challenge the art student’s creative insights and skills with ceramic materials
through individual and group critiques.
F. To discuss issues in historical and contemporary ceramics with a greater sensitivity
and worldview of the fine arts.
G. To inform students of the health and safety policies in the ceramics lab including
proper clean-up procedures.
IV.
Expectations of Students:
A. Attend all demonstrations and critical assessments of creative projects.
B. Read all assigned materials.
C. Produce original work through a process of material exploration and creative
problem solving.
D. Complete all assignments according to due dates.
E. Clean up their workspace in lab.
V. Course Content or Outline (Indicate number of class hours per unit or section):
A. Evaluation will be based on participation during class discussions, studio
participation, studio assignments and formal class presentations throughout the
semester.
B. Course Outline: (96 hrs total for semester)
a. Unit 1 – (6 hrs) – Ceramics Overview: Historical, Contemporary,
Pottery, Sculpture, Fine Arts
b. Unit 2 – (9 hrs) – Plaster, One Piece Molds
c. Unit 3 – (6 hrs) – Casting Slip, Ceramic Monoprints
d. Unit 4 – (9 hrs) – Plaster, Two Piece Molds, Slip Casting
e. Unit 5 – (6 hrs) – Glazing and Kiln Firing
f. Unit 6 – (15 hrs) – Ceramic Decals and Kiln Firing
g. Unit 7 – (3 hrs) – Midterm Critique
h. Unit 8 – (15 hrs) – China Paints, Luster Glazes, and Kiln Firing
i. Unit 9 – (6 hrs) – Glazing and Kiln Firing
j. Unit 10 – (15 hrs) – Mixed Media
k. Unit 11 – (3 hrs) – Final Critique
l. Unit 12 – (3 hrs) – Studio Clean-Up
VI. Textbook(s) and/or Other Required Materials or Equipment:
A. The Essential Guide to Mold Making & Slip Casting, Andrew Martin, 2007, Lark Books,
ISBN 1600590772
B. Image Transfer on Clay: Screen, Relief, Decal & Monoprint Techniques, Paul Wandless,
2006, Lark Books, ISBN 1579906354
C. It is expected that each student will need to purchase an estimated minimum of $60
in supplies (plaster, decal paper, china paints, luster, ceramic materials, wood).
VII. Basis for Student Evaluation:
A. Assignments (cumulative)
Participation
Mid Term Critique
Final Critique
Studio Clean Up
600 points
100 points
100 points
100 points
100 points
Total 1000 points