Unit details [FFC]
Introduction to Ceramics
Enrolment code: FFC110
Offered: Ltn: sem 2
Special note: available as an elective
Unit description:
Uses practical ceramic projects to explore ideas surrounding the concepts of form and
function. Each project will combine a conceptual challenge with the acquisition of new
ceramics skills and processes. As a background to the projects, an introduction to the great
ceramics traditions of Crete, Greece, Italy and France will be made and compared with
contemporary clay practices.
Staff: Prof V McGrath
Unit weight: 12.5%
Teaching pattern: 3 hrs weekly, lectures, demonstrations, set studio projects, self-initiated
research, group critique sessions and individual studio guidance (13 wks)
Prereq: FFE103 for BCA students
Assess: formal folio presentation at end of unit (100%)
Courses: [F3J] OC:
Faculty website: <www.arts.utas.edu.au>
Ceramics 1
Enrolment code: FFC180
Offered: Ltn: (fy) ie sem 1 & 2
Special note: restricted to students enrolled in DipFAD; part-time students should use enrolment
codes FFC181 and FFC182; unit weight part time 37.5% per year
Unit description:
Focuses on a number of set projects that are designed to help students develop and refine
making skills, acquire technical information concerning clay and glaze technology, build
confidence in handling machinery such as kilns, slipcasting equipment and spray booths.
In addition, the way in which ideas are expressed in ceramics forms a major part of the
study.
Staff: Prof V McGrath (Coordinator)
Unit weight: 75%
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University of Tasmania unit details for 2004 academic year
July 11, 2016, 18:55 PM, page –1
Unit details [FFC]
Teaching pattern: 12 facilitated hrs weekly (26 wks)
Assess: mid-year review of work in progress (not assessed); formal folio/presentation at
end of unit (100%)
Required: Fournier R, Illustrated Dictionary of Practical Pottery, 3rd rev edn, AC Black, Lond,
1992.
Courses: [F2F]
Faculty website: <www.arts.utas.edu.au>
The Art of the Potters Wheel
Enrolment code: FFC201/301
Offered: Ltn: sem 1
Special note: available as an elective
Unit description:
Introduces students to the skills of making pots from the potters wheel. A wide range of
wheelthrowing techniques and processes are explored in the making of cups, jugs, mugs,
plates and bottles. The idea of the functional vessel is studied from the contexts of
function, form, decoration and stylistic meaning, with particular reference to modern day
table culture. Various glazing techniques including pouring, brushing and spraying
together with firing processes and procedures inform the study.
Staff: Prof V McGrath
Unit weight: 12.5%
Teaching pattern: 3 hrs contact weekly – 1 hr lecture/demonstration, grp
critique/individual supervision (13 wks)
Prereq: FFE103 for BCA students
Assess: formal folio/presentation of set class projects at end of unit (100%)
Required: set of hand tools and protective clothing
Courses: [F3J] OC:
Faculty website: <www.arts.utas.edu.au>
The Return of the Figure
Enrolment code: FFC203/303
Offered: Ltn: sem 2
Special note: available as an elective
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University of Tasmania unit details for 2004 academic year
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Unit details [FFC]
Unit description:
A studio-based unit which introduces students to the making of the figurative object. The
study explores the reasons for the re-emergence of the figurative genre in the Postmodern
era and begins with an appreciation of the Pop Art movement, including the work of
Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. The human figure is central to developing ideas,
meanings and appearances dealing with the satirical, heroic, irreverent, mythical, popular,
political and ironic. Students are able to develop a number of skills in modelling, coil and
slab building, extruding and press moulding. In addition, various ceramic painting,
drawing and etching techniques together with raku and earthenware firing processes are
practised.
Staff: Prof V McGrath
Unit weight: 12.5%
Teaching pattern: 3 hrs weekly – 1 hr lecture/demonstration, grp critique/individual
supervision (13 wks)
Prereq: FFE103 for BCA students
Assess: formal folio/presentation of set class projects at end of unit (100%)
Required: set of hand tools and protective clothing
Courses: [F3J] OC:
Faculty website: <www.arts.utas.edu.au>
The Pot as Narrative
Enrolment code: FFC204/304
Offered: Ltn: sem 2
Special note: available as an elective
Unit description:
A studio unit that examines how the functional and non-functional vessel object has
celebrated and recorded defining moments in history, social attitudes and cultural beliefs
of society. The study explores the idea of the narrative, of telling stories from the recent
past that emerge from family histories, personal experiences and imagined events. A
significant part of the investigation centres on the acquisition of skills and understandings
relating to the depiction and interpretation of pictorial elements associated with the visual
narrative. Handbuilding and wheelthrowing skills, kiln management, together with
painting, drawing, etching, relief carving and mould making techniques are introduced
and practised as an essential part of set class projects.
Staff: Prof V McGrath
Unit weight: 12.5%
Teaching pattern: 3 hrs contact weekly – 1 hr lecture/demonstration, grp
critique/individual supervision (13 wks)
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University of Tasmania unit details for 2004 academic year
July 11, 2016, 18:55 PM, page –3
Unit details [FFC]
Prereq: FFE103 for BCA students
Assess: formal folio/presentation of set class projects at end of unit (100%)
Courses: [F3J] OC:
Faculty website: <www.arts.utas.edu.au>
Studio Glass Studies
Enrolment code: FFC205/305
Offered: Ltn: may be taken in sem 1 OR sem 2
Special note: available as an elective
Unit description:
For students wishing to explore the potential of warm and cold glass mediums in
contemporary art, architecture and interior design contexts. The unit provides a brief
history of Roman, Medieval, late Victorian and Modernist glass, including Art Deco. As
well, warm glass practices of the Crafts Movement and aspects of postmodern glass will
be studied to complement practical studio presentations. The main emphasis of this studio
unit is placed on the acquisition and practice of glass skills set within a suite of challenging
studio project briefs. Processes and technologies include: a study of the nature of glass;
mould making; slumping and fusing; cutting and polishing; colour theory for glass; design
principles; and glass kiln management.
Staff: Prof V McGrath (Coordinator)
Unit weight: 12.5%
Teaching pattern: 3 hrs contact weekly – 1-hr lecture/tutorial, 2-hr critique and individual
supervision during studio sessions (13 wks)
Prereq: FFE103 for BCA students
Assess: formal portfolio: end-of-unit presentation of 4 set class projects (25% ea)
Courses: [F3J] OC:
Faculty website: <www.arts.utas.edu.au>
Ceramics: Precious and Ephemeral
Enrolment code: FFC250/350
Offered: Ltn: sem 1
Special note: available as an elective
Unit description:
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University of Tasmania unit details for 2004 academic year
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Unit details [FFC]
Encourages students to explore a variety of means by which creative ideas can be realised
through clay materials, processes and technologies. Students are exposed to the great
Eastern and Western traditions of ceramic art as an important way of understanding the
nature of contemporary studio clay practices – precious objects, ephemeral works, serial
and batch production, and ceramic installations for the built environment.
Staff: Prof VF McGrath
Unit weight: 12.5%
Teaching pattern: 1-hr lecture/demonstration, 2-hr group critique/individual supervision
weekly (13 wks)
Prereq: FFE103 for BCA students
Assess: formal folio/presentation at end of unit (100%)
Courses: [F3J]
Faculty website: <www.arts.utas.edu.au>
Ceramics for the Kitchen Dresser
Enrolment code: FFC251/351
Offered: not offered in 2004
Special note: available as an elective
Unit description:
Explores the history and meaning of objects associated with the kitchen dresser. The terms
‘precious’, ‘common’, ‘functional’, ‘decorative’ are examined in the contexts of family,
community and cultural perspectives. Students will have the opportunity to design and
create a range of ceramic objects that can fit within the idea of the kitchen dresser.
Staff: Prof V McGrath
Unit weight: 12.5%
Teaching pattern: 1-hr lecture/demonstration, 2-hr group critique/individual supervision
weekly (13 wks)
Prereq: FFE103 for BCA students
Assess: formal folio/presentation at end of unit (100%)
Courses: [F3J]
Faculty website: <www.arts.utas.edu.au>
Ceramics 2
Enrolment code: FFC280
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University of Tasmania unit details for 2004 academic year
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Unit details [FFC]
Offered: Ltn: (fy) ie sem 1 & 2
Special note: restricted to students enrolled in DipFAD; part-time students should use the
enrolment codes FFC281 (full year) and FFC282 (full year); unit weight part time 37.5% per year
Unit description:
The program builds on the skills and knowledge acquired in FFC180 through a close
investigation of materials, processes and ideas. There will be set and self-directed projects
which encourage examination of functional and non-functional forms, as well as
commentary on histories and futures (social, cultural and environmental).
Staff: Prof V McGrath (Coordinator)
Unit weight: 75%
Teaching pattern: 12 facilitated hrs weekly (26 wks)
Prereq: FFC180
Assess: mid-year review of work in progress (not assessed); formal folio/presentation at
end of unit (100%)
Courses: [F2F]
Faculty website: <www.arts.utas.edu.au>
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University of Tasmania unit details for 2004 academic year
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