Ceramics II - Honors 1
Scope and Sequence
Intermediate ceramics is a continued exploration of the variety of three-dimensional art
that is made with clay as the primary medium. Both functional and sculptural works will
be made. Students will do some hand-building, more in-depth wheel throwing, and try a
mix of the two. A look into the history of ceramic work, contemporary ceramic work, and
a deeper look into ceramic processes will also be included. Objectives include continuing
to develop ceramic construction skills for both functional and sculptural clay work
including a technical and conceptual overview of ceramic art. Students will exercise
knowledge of the basic formal elements of 3D composition and connect form with function
and concept with craftsmanship, tools, and materials.
NATIONAL VISUAL ARTS STANDARDS: used to evaluate outcomes
 1-understanding and applying media, techniques, and processes
 2- using knowledge of structures and functions
 3- choosing and evaluating a range of subject matter, symbols, and ideas
 4-understanding the visual arts in relation to history and cultures
 5-reflecting upon and assessing the characteristics and merits of their work and the
work of others
 6-making connections between visual arts and other disciplines
UNITS:
Pre-assessment
1. Discussion of what is art, what is craft (1 day)
a. PowerPoint of definitions of art and craft
b. Look at various clay artists throughout history and their work
Henry Moore, Alexander Calder, Auguste Rodin, Kenneth Snelson, Andy
Goldsworthy, Antony Gormley, Ursula VonRydsingsvard, Merret Oppenheim,
Barbara Hepworth, Richard Serra, Louise Bourgeoise, Michelangelo, Claus
Oldenburg, Robert Smithson, James Terrell, Donald Judd
c. Define and understand developing one’s aesthetic
Outcomes: 3,4,5,6
2.Elements and principles of three-dimensional design (1 day)
a. Identify and implement vocabulary of elements and principles through a
PowerPoint of images of artwork and definitions
b. Illustrate vocabulary concepts in clay
Assessment: QUIZ over vocabulary
Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5
3. Monthly evaluation on contemporary ceramic artwork of choice (4 total)
a. Identify places to find contemporary artwork
b. Identify format for discussing works of art
c. Understand defining one’s aesthetic
d. Use critical thinking skills to critique art work
Assessment: rubric on form
Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5
5. Surface experiments (3 weeks)
a. Create a series of 4 press mold plates
b. Create a different surface technique on each plate:
1. Sgraffitto
2. Mishima
3. Slip trail
4. Stencil
Assessment: rubric on plate work
Outcomes: 1,2,,4,5
6.Wheel work (ongoing through semester)
a. Create 4 cylinders, 4in. tall, cut in ½; focus on getting walls even
b. Create 2 good cylinders; 4in. tall; turn into mugs
c. Create 5 handles; attach at least 3
d. Create 3 bowls, choice in size and shape
g. Attempt at altering one work
Assessment: rubric on wheel work; group critique
Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5
7. Self-portrait (3 weeks)
a. Discuss and observe history of portraiture
b. Create armature on which to build head
c. Create three-dimensional self portrait with terra cotta clay
d. Identify elements and principles being used
e. Use critical thinking skills to critique artwork
Assessment: rubric on self-portrait; group critique
Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5,6 (2-3 weeks)
8. Large Coiled Form (3 weeks)
a. Discuss coiled sculptural forms addressing positive and negative space via Power
Point
b. Look at Ken Price, Jun Kaneko, and Maria Martinez
c. Create coiled form with one added element and one carved element atleast 10 “
in one dimension.
d. Identify elements and principles being used
e. Use critical thinking skills to critique artwork
Assessment: rubric on coiling; group critique
Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5
9. Large scale Source Project (3 weeks)
a. Discuss working from a source as explored in Ceramics I and expand source
ideas to larger scale
b. Create a sculptural piece based on a source that is at least 12” in one
dimension.
c. Identify elements and principles being use
d. Use critical thinking skills to critique artwork
Assessment: rubric on containment; group critique
Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5( 3 weeks)
Mid-term and Final: essay of 2 pieces of work produced by student evaluating their work
through the semester in terms of critical art analysis and personal growth.