Ceramics I
Course: 0102300
Syllabus
The purpose of this course is to enable students to recognize the properties, possibilities, and
limitations of clay by creating functional and nonfunctional works of ceramics and pottery using the
three basic hand building techniques (pinch, coil, and slab). Students will also be exposed to wheel
work. Students will pick a theme for the year.
Students will need a sketch book and binder. Students are responsible for $70 for
materials. Pay Mrs. Knife, power hour. Sketches will be graded prior to beginning
project with clay. Students will completely weekly E.Q’s and will turn their
portfolio in quartley.
You are expected to help others and serve as an example to other students. Good
clean up habits and care of your work is expected. Your work space should be neat
and clean for incoming classes. Monitor your time wisely as the content is
demanding. Missing class should be avoided at all costs, since you need the time to
work on projects and may miss any lessons being taught. Schedule your dentist and
doctor appointments after school if possible. If you do miss class, it is expected that
you would attend power hour to get caught up and not fall behind.
Hand building projects will be critiqued on a rubric for the following five areas;
Concept preparation & sketch, Design & Form, Originality & Uniqueness, Surface
texture & Glazing, & Following Parameters and Completeness.
All projects are to be out of kiln and finished by due date or are late
and will be deducted a letter grade.
Grades will be calculated by 60% for Projects and 40% for class work. Class work
includes a weekly Participation grade based on the students work ethic, attitude,
responsibility to clean up, help others, and attendance.
(Extra time has been allotted for students to explore wheel throwing when projects are completed
and before the next project is introduced.)
All work must comply with the Marion County School Board parameters. Any work
that is in violation will be subject to any necessary disciplinary action.
SEMESTER I (PINCH POT, MASK, COIL POT, LIDDED SLAB)
PINCH POT Evenly compressed, multiple pinched forms scored and assembled
together ¼”- 3/8” thickness approximately. Due 10/1
THE MASK A slab built project approximately ¼” thick. The mask should be
expressive. Students will incorporate additions and or subtractions into their
designs. Variety and patterns will add value to create works. The mask needs to
have 3 holes to mount on wall. Due 10/22
COIL POT Build a Coil pot using the coil method. Pots may be functional of
nonfunctional. An example may be a vase or pitcher. Shapes may be altered by
paddeling. Pots should have a distinct foot and rim. Coils should be even and of a
consistent diameter. They should be smoothed out every 3 coils, inside and out
adding strength to the pot. Due 11/19
THE LIDDED CONTAINER Create a sketch of form to be created with
dimensions. Build form out of cardboard. Disassemble constructed form and use as
template on clay slab to measure and cut out pieces. Texture should be applied
before clay dries out and preferably before assembling so construction is not
damaged. Assemble pieces by scoring with slip when leather hard. Snug fitting lid
requires a unique handle or knob that adds value to shape, form and design.
Midterm Due 12/17
SEMESTER II (ANIMAL, FACE MUG, MACHINE, AND AMPHORA)
THE ANIMAL Forms should be hollow in nature and support themselves.
Students may combine techniques to achieve desired shape. Due 2/4
FACE MUG Students may use any hand building technique desired to create face
mug. Mugs should be stable and have a usable lip that enhances usage. Clay
additions should be used to convey a strong emotion or expression. Special attention
should be given to the location and size or scale of the additions used. Due 3/3
THE MACHINE Students should create object using a combination of any
materials or mixed media desired. Care should be given to select non- clay items
before making clay parts so items fit together when fired. Machines should look
real and may have moving parts but not required. Due 4/7
AMPHORA POT Projects may be glazed with Iron Oxide or glazed with slip and
stains. Amphora’s should be representative of classic researched shapes. Most
projects will be coil built, however any method of construction may be used
including the pottery wheel. Coils should be compressed and smoothed inside and
outside adding strength to vessel. Proportion and balance are emphasized with two
uniform handles. Students will write a story around the belly of the pot that
represents their life, past, present or future goals. The story should be written in a
language other than English, preferable one that represents the students own
heritage or ethnicity. Final Due 5/12