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Introduction to Ceramics
Art 213: CRN 10141
G06 Bedford Hall
Fall Tue/Tr 11-12:50
Instructor: Adam Paulek
Phone: 2462
Email: paulekad@longwood.edu
Office hours Mon/Wed 1:00-3:00 Rm G05
Or by appointment
** Please note that this syllabus may be altered and modified as the semester progresses.
Course Description
The main objective of this introductory course is to expose and engage students in a
diverse range of practices with the ceramic medium. Topics will include vessel- and sculpturemaking using basic hand building techniques. Hand building refers to all techniques used to
manipulate clay that do not involve the use of a potter’s wheel. Also introduced are basic
concepts and theories regarding ceramic technology, kiln operations and aspects of historical and
contemporary ceramics. This course will provide an introduction to the discipline of ceramics
and direct experience in a studio context with demonstrations, lectures, case studies and
assignments.
This introductory course is designed for students with little or no prior experience in the
discipline. Attendance and punctuality are therefore essential in Art 213, Introduction to
Ceramics.
Course Objectives:
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will have:
1.
Gained basic experience in various methods of clay forming;
2.
Gained basic experience in glazing and firing;
3.
Been exposed to historical and contemporary models and issues in the ceramics
field;
4.
Been made aware of the diverse possibilities available within the medium
including the metaphorical possibilities of form and surface in creating a visual
language;
5.
Explored the ceramic medium in creative and personal ways;
6.
Produce solutions to projects which indicate a grasp of objectives 1-5
Course Expectations:
 All projects must be completed on time. All students will be expected to take part
in group critiques that conclude each project, and to constructively discuss issues
raised in their own work and that of their colleagues.
 Ceramics is hard work and labor intensive. You will need to spend at least 6 hours
of studio time per week outside of class. You can come in and work in the studio
anytime that the building is open and class is not in session. The studio is a shared
space-- treat other people’s work and tools with respect.
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

You must keep a sketchbook as a visual “diary” of ideas, thoughts, class notes and
research.
You must become proficient in terms and techniques demonstrated in class.
Assignments:
Each assignment will be introduced through a written description which will include the
final due date of the assignment as well as a working schedule. Work will be critiqued at the end
of the assignment after firing and glazing. Group critiques take place on the due date of the
project. Work should be presented on cleaned tables, free from clutter, with the student ready to
present ideas and thoughts on the finished work.
Project 1- Pinch Pot Project
Project 2- Mold Construction
Project 3- Coil Building Project
Project 4- Slab Project
Attendance:
Students are expected to arrive on time and prepared every class and stay the entire class
period. More than two unexcused absences will lower your grade a full letter, for each
subsequent absence, your grade will lower another full letter. You are expected to come on time
and be in class for the entire class period. Actual studio time is precious, and the semester is
incredibly short!
Attendance at critiques is mandatory. Participation at critiques is mandatory.
Grading Criteria:
Grading is dependent not only on artistic and technical skill, effort and creativity within
the guidelines of the project, but also on participation in class discussions, group projects and the
quality of personal research, commitment and attendance.
Good grades come through hard work, open- mindedness and application of technical skill.
Grades will be based on:
 Sketchbook 10%
 Attendance and Class participation 15%
 Includes group and critique participation, clean-up, clay mixing, kiln loading and
unloading, and quality of personal research, commitment and attendance
 Projects 75%
Technical skill and craftsmanship
Application of skill to communicate concept within project guidelines
Ingenuity and originality
Effort and personal growth
Progress
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Failure to finish your assignments on the due date will result in the lowering of one full letter
grade of the assignment. Absence on critique days will result in a failure for the assignment.
Summary of Grading
A
AB+
B
B-
95-100%
90-94%
85-89%
80-84%
75-79%
C+
C
CD+
DF
70-74%
65-69%
60-64%
55-59%
50-54%
50%
A = Outstanding work executed with a strong sense of involvement, thought, and an
understanding that conveys the intent of the assignment. Craftsmanship ambition and creativity
are more than evident in this work.
B = Good work that is completed with and above average facility, creativity and understanding
of the assignment.
C = Average work done thoroughly and on time
D = Deficient work that is incomplete or executed poorly
F = Inadequate work
Studio Environment and Access:
Everyone is responsible for keeping the studio area clean. Many ceramic materials are a health
hazard and dust should be kept to a minimum. The main studio is a communal area shared by
many classes, therefore it is important to keep the studio clean.
All students have access to the studio as long as there is not another class in session. Evenings
and weekends are usually free for students to use the studio.
Health & Safety:
A sincere effort has been made to insure your safety and good health while working in the studio.
Please help by following these important, yet simple rules:
1. No eating or drinking or smoking in the studio
2. Proper shoes must be worn at all times
3. Pay attention to safety warning signs
4. Never operate equipment unless you have been given demonstrations concerning proper
operating procedures. Use equipment only if you feel comfortable and confident of your
ability to operate the equipment safely
5. Report all broken or misuse of equipment
6. Always ask instructor for help if you are unsure of any procedure
Special Needs:
If students have special requirements to accommodate any disability, you must notify your
instructor and register with the Office of Disability Support Services at least two weeks prior to
requesting a reasonable accommodation.
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ACCOMMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: Longwood provides students
with disabilities reasonable accommodation to participate in educational programs, activities, or
services. www.longwood.edu/disabilities
Honor Code Statement:
A strong tradition of honor is fundamental to the quality of living and learning in the Longwood
community. The Honor System was founded in 1910, and its purpose is to create and sustain a
community in which all persons are treated with trust, respect, and dignity. Longwood affirms
the value and necessity of integrity in all intellectual and community endeavors. Students are
expected to assume full responsibility for their actions and to refrain from lying, cheating,
stealing, and plagiarism.
~All work is bound by the Longwood University Honor Code~
Keep all work from this class for documentation because you must pass the Spring assessment to
continue as a fine art major at Longwood University.
Materials
Your Lab Fee for the quarter will cover all your ceramics materials, glaze and firings. However
tools are not supplied. Most of these can be purchased at the college bookstore or other retail
stores.
You will need these tools to succeed in ceramics class:
 A pottery took kit (at book store)
 A straight edge ruler (metal- 16-18”)
 Fettling knife
 Clay shredder or small surform
 Assorted brushes
 Spray bottle
 Sketchbook, small
 Scoring tool or fork
 Plastic bags- large black garbage
 Rubber rib
 One gallon bucket
 Dust mask
 Sponge
 All sorts of other great ceramic tools, spoons; old saw blades, butter paddles, meat
tenderizers, etc.
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TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
*As Instructor I reserve the right to make changes to the schedule at any time.
Each Assignment will be introduced with a corresponding Lecture. Your participation on these
days is mandatory.
August
Week 1
T/23- Go over syllabus, meet and greet, and introduction to the new facility
TH/25- demo/ Workday Must have all tools and materials for class/ Pinch and coil demo/Begin
Project #1
Week 2
T/30- workday – last day add drop
September
TH/1- workday
Week 3
T/6- Workday
TH/8- Workday
Week 4
T/13- Workday
TH/15- Workday- Have work finished by end of class ready to dry. Bisque over weekend. Glaze
demo for raku.
Week 5
T/20- Complete glazing and- Raku fire project 1 in class
Th/22- Critique Project 1 work. Demo Project 2
Week 6
T/27- Workday Grade estimates- pass/fail deadline
TH/29- Workday
October
Week 7
T/4- Workday
TH/6- Workday
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Week 8
T/11- Fall Break No Class
TH/13- Workday
Week 9
T/18- CRITIQUE PROJECT 2 / Glazed Project 2 Due
Th/20- Intro Project 3
Week 10
T/25- Workday
Th/27- Workday
November
Week 11
T/1- Workday
TH/3- Workday
Week 12
T/8- Project 3 Due Bisque Project 3 Intro Project 4
Th/10- Workday
Week 13
T/15- Workday
Th/17- Workday
Week 14
T/22- Workday
Th/24- Student holiday
Week 15
T/29- Project 4 Due, Load Bisque
Th/1- Critique Project 3 Unload/ begin Glaze project 4
Glazed project 4 is due on Saturday at 5 pm, in order to be fired for Final critique during
finals week.