Ceramics
Military & Global Leadership Academy
Instructor: Mrs. Drusin
Email: vauncile.drusin@cms.k12.nc.us
Telephone: (980)343-0006
Course Information
This course explores the 4 aspects of Visual Art: Production, Aesthetics, History/Culture and Criticism
Students will learn how people have used ceramics in their lives, culture and current events for centuries and how the
ideals of this search have changed over time. We will explore the work of others with an aesthetic, historical and critical
eye. During this course students will be able to create many 3D objects with the use of clay as their primary medium.
Students will study ceramics through art history, art aesthetics, art criticism, and art production. The first nine weeks will
be devoted to hand building techniques while the second nine weeks will involve wheel throwing. Students will work with
other classmates in the process of recycling clay, and will also learn to understand the firing processes involved in making
completed projects. After the original structures of the works of art are made, students will glaze items and work with the
effects created from the different glaze techniques.
Students will be instructed in the materials and skills necessary to explore and create a personal voice through art.
Course Goals
The primary goals for students of this course will be to;
 express personal creativity and grow skills and abilities to communicate visually
 explore a wide variety of media, techniques, and processes
 gain knowledge and understanding of the Elements and Principals of Design
 choose and evaluate a range of subject matter, Art styles, movements and ideas
 comprehend the visual arts in relation to history, cultures and society
 critically reflect upon and evaluate the characteristics & merits of personal work and the work of others
 make connections between visual arts, other careers.
 develop relevant dialog, depth of thought and perspective and cooperative exploration
*All of the units in this course are aligned to the National Art Standards and the North Carolina Essential Standards.
MGLA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION GOALS are that our students will become:
Independent Learners
Critical Thinkers
Academic Achievers
Responsible Citizens and Leaders
Effective Communicators
Research &Written Projects
In the course of our study of art and artists, students will be expected to write/create several short research based papers
which will include added imagery from resource and student. In addition inclusive of every unit is a written critique of
historical art work associated with unit and an artist statement of purpose and reflection from the student of the unit’s
work.
Class Rules and Expectations
Students will be expected to follow the Expectations of MGLA and CMS as outlined in the student handbook
1. Students must be seated with all materials before the tardy bell rings.
2. Students will use appropriate and respectful language at all times. No
vulgar, derogatory or gang terms allowed in class.
3. No food, gum or drinks in classroom except water.
4. Students must follow all school rules such as keeping their shirts tucked-in,
not using electronic devices or cell phones in class.
5. Students must clean up their workspace at the end of class.
6. Students must not waste materials.
Studio Expectations:
• Respect each other and each other’s work. Critique will be respectful and thoughtful. We are to foster each other’s
creativity. Students are NEVER to touch or interfere with each other’s work.
• Ready to work! Students are expected to come to class ready to work, incubate, and create art when the bell rings.
• Prepared- Have your materials in good order.
• Complete assignments in a timely fashion. Meet your deadlines
• Clean up. A clean studio is a creative studio!
• Fun! Students will be expected to explore, create and learn daily!
Homework
Homework is to reinforce skill building or continued research or planning for an upcoming major project.
You will be expected to complete weekly sketchbook assignments each week. Sketching is an essential tool for artists
and as such is an essential “habit” for successful art students. All major projects will be completed in class and are not
sent home… ample class time given.
Grading
Grades are earned as a result of: Projects, Portfolio, Art Journal, Class Work, Homework, Quizzes/Exams and class
participation including attendance and tardies.
Every assignment, based on a percentage of its value, will be averaged and letter grades will be given according to the
following criteria:
 A (100-93) – Very Proficient
 B (92-84) Demonstrates Mastery
 C (83-77) Demonstrates satisfactory growth
 D (70-76) Demonstrates some growth
 F (69-0) Demonstrates little or no growth or understanding of concepts presented.
Exams, projects and portfolio = 70%
Creative journal, quizzes, critiques and homework = 30%
Final Exam = 25% of Year end grade
What to do if you miss a class:
Excused Absence/Tardy: Students who miss one or two days with a lawful absence will be provided extra time make up
the assignment (usually 1 day). It is the students’ responsibility to request the make-up work from the teacher on the first
day they return to class after the absence. Students, who have 3 or more consecutive absences, have five school days to
make up any missed assignments. I will work with you on an individual basis.
Unexcused Absence/Tardies: Work may not be made up nor will extended time be given for unexcused absences.
*Late work is not accepted except as outlined above or at the discretion of the instructor.
Supplies:
Sketchbook, pencil, several large Ziploc bags (gallon) and plastic from dry cleaners if possible.
Students are expected to have a pencil and spiral sketchbook with them each class.
*There is a $20 lab fee which covers clay glazes and other consumable items used throughout the course.
Unit projects will be turned in as a packet that includes the art work (50points), A Critique of famous art (25points) and an
artist personal statement of intention and reflection (25points.) Student will be expected to understand and use the
vocabulary of ceramics in all writing.
Units of Study
UNITS/AREA OF STUDY LENGTH OF TIME
1. Hand-building Unit 9 Weeks
2. Glazing Unit Ongoing
3. Texture and Clay Manipulation Unit Ongoing
4. Wheel Throwing Unit 9 Weeks
Unit Plan
Unit: Hand-Building Techniques
Individual Learner Objectives
1. Students will understand the basic Elements and Principles of Art including: Line, Shape, Form, Space, Texture, Color, Value,
Pattern, Unity, Rhythm, Balance, Variety, Emphasis, Proportion and Contrast.
2. Focus will be on artists, measuring, technique, craftsmanship, composition, materials and a basic introduction to two-dimensional
design processes.
3. Students will utilize technology in design work. Computer programs, printing strategies, and technological problem solving will take
place.
4. Problem solving and design processes will be utilized in this unit.
5. Knowledge on techniques and materials will come from the production of projects.
6. Aesthetic questions will be asked and utilized on a project by project basis
7. Art criticism will teach students to view their own art work, while asking questions about their pieces. This will encourage students to
improve upon their own work and begin to think about possibilities of enhancing “good” work.
Unit Plan
Unit: Glaze Techniques
Individual Learner Objectives
1. Students will learn about the kiln firings and how glazes are affected in certain environments.
2. Various glazing techniques will be discussed including but not limited to the following: pouring, brushing, dipping, stencil work,
bubbles, spraying, wheel manipulation, overlapping, etc.
3. Color theory will be discussed when addressing glaze chemistry and color choice.
4. Differences between bisque firing and glaze firings will be learned and observed.
5. Kiln run time will be discussed.
Unit Plan
Unit: Texture and Clay Manipulation
Individual Learner Objectives
1. An appreciation of how texture can enhance a clay piece will be learned. Also the possibility of utilizing glazes to bring out the
textures will be discussed, examples will be shown.
2. Clay manipulation will be learned as an extras in the hand-building and wheel throwing units. Clay pieces will be altered either on the
wheel, or after using the wheel.
3. Examples of clay manipulation and texture will be viewed and discussed throughout the entire semester.
4. Texture will be required on various projects throughout the semester.
Unit Plan
Unit: Wheel Throwing
Individual Learner Objectives
1. Students will understand the basic Elements and Principles of Art and Design
2. Focus will be on artists, measuring, technique, craftsmanship, composition, materials and a basic introduction to wheel throwing
processes.
3. Students will be introduced to the basic throwing techniques as well as alternative methods of using the wheel for texture, product
creation, etc.
4. Problem solving and design processes will be utilized in this unit.
5. Knowledge on techniques and materials will come from the production of projects.
6. Aesthetic questions will be asked and utilized on a project by project basis
7. Art criticism will teach students to view their own art work, while asking questions about their pieces. This will encourage students to
improve upon their own work and begin to think about possibilities of enhancing “good” work.
8. Art History lessons will be incorporated into each project. All history lessons will be related to the topic that is currently being
discussed.
Subject Outline
A. Hand-building projects
1. Craftsmanship
a. Projects will be graded upon neatness.
b. A ruler should be utilized on any geometric/straight lines
c. Guidelines and requirements should be included by the student with each project completed.
d. Slipping and scoring will be an absolute for each project.
e. Sketches should be completed for each project prior to beginning the work process.
f. Student clean-up will also be included with each project work day.
2. Creativity
a. A need for original ideas will be focused on.
b. Students will be utilizing prior knowledge to view examples and create their own unique piece by utilizing the guidelines.
c. A brainstorming process will be used for the best final outcome.
d. Students will create based upon the overall outcome desired.
3. Materials
a. Students will use drawing paper or sketch paper.
b. Students will use a pencil.
c. Students will use a variety of clay tools including a fettling knife, ruler, loop tools, sponges, etc.
d. Students will use clays of varying types including Indian Red Clay and a White Earthenware.
e. Students will use non-toxic glazes as a finishing material for each piece.
f. Students will be introduced to the kiln and firing techniques, but will not be operating the kiln.
g. Students are able to utilize alternative materials throughout this semester.
B. Glaze Techniques
1. Brushing Glaze
a. Students will learn about glazes and temperatures they are best fired to.
b.Students will learn important processes of glazing, including not painting glaze on the bottom of a piece.
c. Students will understand how colors work together. Glazes cannot be mixed without understanding the final outcome through
experimentation.
e. Students will understand how to manipulate glazes.
f. Students will learn what glazes create what types of texture, or are best utilized on clay bodies with texture.
2. Pouring glazes
a. Students will see what happens to glazes when poured, and how to pour in the best manner.
b. Students will understand why pouring works well on clay bodies.
c. Students will see the differences between pouring and brushing.
3. Dipping
a. Students will learn what dipping is, and why it can be beneficial in terms of glazing a piece.
b. Students will try to dip a piece, but this will not be a primary method for glazing utilized in this course.
c. Students will view differences between dipping, pouring, and brushing.
4. Spraying
a. Students will view examples of sprayed glaze techniques.
b. Students will experience the differences between dipping, pouring, and brushing, but will not participate in trying spray techniques in
class.
5. Various techniques
a. Students will utilize a variety of materials to experiment with glazes.
These techniques include but are not limited to the following: wax resists, stenciling, wheel glaze manipulation, overlapping of glazes,
mixing glazes, taping or masking areas, etc.
b. Students will understand how to re-liquefy glazes properly.
c. Students will understand the differences between matte finishes and glossy finishes in glazes.
C. Clay and Texture Manipulations
1. Altered clay pieces.
a. Slab construction
b. Coil building
c. Slab Molds
d. Poured Molds
e. Combination Pieces
f. Altered wheel-thrown pieces
g. History of ceramics will be discussed with each project
2. Utilizing alternative materials
a. Clay tools and functions of clay tools.
b. Creative use of alternative materials to create texture: natural materials such as leaves, rock, grass, bark, etc.
c. Creative use of alternative materials to create texture: fabric, manufactured materials, metal pieces, sponges, etc.
D. Wheel Throwing
1. Introduction of “how” to throw
a. Introductions and demonstrations will take place.
b. Students will learn to throw and practice prior to beginning any projects.
c. Students will utilize various materials and techniques when learning to throw.
2. Projects and materials.
a. Students will create a variety of wheel thrown projects.
b. Projects will begin with a cylinder shape, creating a “pulled” handle, creating a rounded shape, creating a flared rim, and gaining
height on each piece.
c. All projects will be trimmed and will have a foot.
d. Lids will be worked on.
e. Combination of wheel thrown and hand built pieces will be required.
f. Clay combinations may be utilized on projects as the student chooses.
g. Manipulations of clay pieces will be created on a daily basis. These manipulations can be in the form of texture, glaze, or shape alterations.
Syllabus Adaptability
This syllabus may be adapted throughout the year to reflect the needs and desires of the artists. This is a living class with a living syllabus.
Prepared by Chee Chee Drusin
Adapted from Carrie Adler
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THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR SUPPORT THIS SCHOOL YEAR
After reading the above information, I understand what is expected of me in Art Class this year. I adhere to the expectations to
competently complete this course.
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Student Name (Printed) Period
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Student Signature Date
I have read the syllabus for Mrs. Drusin’s Art I class. I have discussed it with my child. I understand what is expected of my
son/daughter. I understand and will support my child throughout this course.
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Parent Signature
Email ________________________________________________________ Phone ________________________________