Fall 2015. Art 161 15841
Phoenix College
Tu/Th 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
Instructors: Tiffany C. Bailey
Ceramic Studio/Room Art 111 tiffany.bailey@phoenixcollege.edu
Office Hours: Tu/Th 9 am - 11 am and
Monday 11 am – 12 pm in Art Office upstairs Room 226
Course description:
This is an introductory course designed to expose students to a variety of hand building and wheel throwing techniques. We will cover solid construction, pinching, coil building, slab building, and wheel throwing. The first half of the session will be dedicated to hand building and the second half to wheel throwing. In addition students will learn varying slip decoration and glazing techniques and develop a working knowledge of ceramic materials, equipment, and terms. Over the course of the session, I will provide image lectures that relate to the current assignment allowing students to expand their visual references for idea development. Students will be encouraged to explore ideas and personal expression within given assignments and should note that the development of the “object” requires expression, imagination, attention-to-detail and time.
Course objectives:
Students will gain an understanding of how to utilize hand building and wheel throwing techniques to create sculptural and functional objects. You will learn basic glazing and decorating techniques. You will learn clay and glaze terminology. You may learn how to load bisque and glaze kilns.
Canvas:
We will be using Canvas to communicate in this class and you can access it through your https://my.maricopa.edu/ . This syllabus along with assignments, grades, supplemental materials and resources will be posted to Canvas. If you are absent or have lost a document you can find it on Canvas.
Attendance Policy:
Attendance and punctuality are mandatory and critical to academic success. Most class periods will include vital information such as demonstrations, slide lectures, and project discussions. Information will not be repeated for late or absent students. More than
3 absences may drop your final grade by 1 letter, and may continue to drop with each subsequent absence. 3 late arrivals and/or early departures count as one full absence. Late students must give notification of their arrival otherwise they will be marked absent. If for some reason you cannot attend a class, contact me via e-mail prior to class to make arrangements for making up what you have missed. Contacting me in advance does not excuse the absence in terms of grading, but it will keep you on track.
* If you miss a class it is your responsibility to find out from another classmate or me what you missed and what is expected of you for the next class period.
* There will be one 15-minute break in class each day. Excessive or habitual lateness, leaving early, or overindulging in breaks will have a negative impact on your grade.
Critiques:
Critiques are mandatory. Projects are due at the beginning of the class on the scheduled due date. The critique will be held on the same day. Presenting your finished piece for scheduled critiques is mandatory. Missing a critique could result in an automatic failing grade for that project. If your project is not finished, bring it in anyways-
-your grade will be lowered, but you will still receive credit. You must notify me in advance if you will be handing your project in late/unfinished. If you don’t come and bring your project, however, you may not receive ANY points for your piece.
Grading:
Criteria for grading is based on originality, quality of finished projects, creativity and design concepts, preparedness, craftsmanship, attitude, effort, work in class, work outside of class, attendance, critique participation, development and improvement of skills, and involvement with studio’s clean-up. Each Project will be worth 100 points. The breakdown is as follows:
1. TECHNICAL / 25 points
 Technique (skill with materials). Innovative use of materials.
 Problem requirements satisfied
 Overall level of craftsmanship
Instructor||| Tiffany C. Bailey || Ceramics 1|||

2. CONCEPTUAL / 25 points
 Prompt Comprehension (showing understanding of the idea behind the project)
 Communication (Does your project communicate the idea behind the assignment)


Intention; Depth of Thought.
 Invention and Originality; Interesting solution to proposed problem.
3. AESTHETIC / 25 points
Composition (organization of formal elements)
 Character (individuality)/ Personality
 Expression (non-verbal power/presence, effective communication)
 Gestalt (unity, impact, is the effect greater than the sum of the parts)
4. PARTICIPATION/ATTENDANCE / 15 points
5. SKETCHBOOK / 10 points
Grading Structure: *for an explanation of all grades see the syllabus on Canvas
A An “A” project is excellent! The project not only meets the stated criteria of the assignment, but also reflects a high degree of determination, thoughtfulness, resourcefulness, and hard work. The craftsmanship is impeccable, and the concept is clear and well executed. An “A” student has made full use of studio time and worked outside of class. Sketchbook requirements are fulfilled successfully. Student makes insightful contributions to critiques.
F An “F” project is unacceptable. This project has made no effort to address the stated criteria or assignment objectives.
The idea has not been well thought out, craftsmanship is sloppy, and a lack of care is evident. The student offers a lack of participation and late assignments. Student may have more than 2 unexcused absences. Student is also missing sketchbook.
Grading Policy:
Assignments will lose one grade level per day late (i.e. A to A-) for up to one week; after that, you may not receive credit for the project. Projects may be redone for a better grade if they were completed and turned in on time. If you would like to redo a project to receive a better grade please talk to me during office hours and we can make arrangements. If approved, you have until the end of the semester to turn in redone projects.
Sketchbooks:
Sketchbooks will be used SOLELY for this class. You should have a separate sketchbook to be used only for Ceramics.
Sketchbooks will be assessed at the end of the semester (and periodically as needed). Your sketchbook quality is factored into each assigned project (10 points). Sketchbooks are expected to be a complete history of your involvement in the class and must include the following: all relevant research, project brainstorming, outside (homework) assignments, notes from class, visual references, idea illustration, project development, ALL project sketches and drawings, and other entries of personal or artistic interest (this can be anything - articles of interest, print-offs, photographs, a specific artist or piece, interesting textures or patterns you’ve collected, your own writing, examples of successful or unsuccessful design, etc). Your sketchbooks are not limited in media, however everything meant to be included must be secured within the sketchbook. It should be a product of you and your interests, style, and project history. The more comprehensive and detailed this resource is, the more successful your projects will be.
Performance:
Your performance will be assessed at the end of the semester and will be based on your participation in class and during critiques, your personal dedication to the class (including a willingness to tackle obstacles and take risks), evidence of noticeable improvement, and collaboration efforts during group projects.
*Your progress in the class can be discussed by scheduling an appt. or visiting me during my office hours.
Supply List:
 Sketchbook (8 ½” x 11”)
 To start get a 25# Bag of Cone 10 Clay ( B-mix w/sand, Vegas Buff, Soldate 60 or any Cone 10 White Stoneware)
 Wooden Knife (in tool kit)

Needle Tool (in tool kit)
 Fettling Knife (in tool kit)
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Instructor||| Tiffany C. Bailey || Ceramics 1|||

 Bamboo Brushes of Various Sizes
 Ribs - Wooden, Rubber, Metal (in tool kit)
 Exacto Knife
 Trimming Tools (one big and one little in kit)
 Carving Tools
 Cutting Wire (in tool kit)
 Metal Fork (or other scoring apparatus)
 Straight Edge/Ruler
 Sponges: 1 small for working with clay and one large for clean-up (small one in kit)
 Small bucket for water (there are some in the studio, but you may want your own to store your tools)
 Plastic bags (no grocery bags) tall white kitchen bags or dry cleaner bags
 Optional: apron, work shirt, and/or old bath towel, bulb Syringe or various size bottles with pointed nozzle tops
Clean Up:
This studio accommodates many classes and many other students. So please be respectful of this space and everyone that has to use it. You will be responsible for daily clean up. If you do not clean up, it will affect your grade. The last 20 minutes of every class period will be dedicated to clean up.
Studio Conduct/Expectations/Course Policies:
 Respect should be given at all times to the Instructor, classmates and your working environment. This includes appropriate behavior, language, and use of classroom resources.
 During class time I will not allow the use of laptops, cell-phones and or iPads (unless I allow it during a brainstorming/research day). These units should be muted or set to vibrate and kept in your purse, backpack…etc.). During workdays we may listen to music as a collective, but no earphones will be allowed.
 You are responsible for knowing and understanding the syllabus. I am willing to answer any questions you may have concerning the syllabus.
 You are responsible for knowing your rights and responsibilities. You can find these in the College Catalogue and the
Student Handbook.
General Education Assessment Statement:
The faculty and staff at Phoenix College believe that your college education should not only include learning content, but also developing important life-long skills. We call these general education outcomes. The 5 general education outcomes we have identified that should be developed throughout your college career are:
Writing - develop effective writing skills to communicate.
Numeracy - learn to use numerical concepts and data effectively.
Critical Thinking - learn to apply critical thinking skills to solve problems, make informed decisions, and interpret events.
Oral Presentation - plan and deliver an oral presentation to a target audience.
Information Literacy - learn to locate, evaluate, and use information effectively, ethically, and legally.
In this course, we will be focusing on:
Writing-You will be asked to preplan your ideas for your projects by utilizing sketching and written explanations. These processes will further your conceptual development, originality and individuality.
Critical Thinking-You will be asked questions that promote conceptual development, originality and individuality within your projects.
Oral Presentation- You will be asked to find artworks that relate to the current project and through PowerPoint presentations you will explain why you chose these works to your fellow classmates.
Intellectual Property Rights:
The course content, including lectures and other handouts, is copyrighted material. Students may not record lectures or sell notes taken during the course.
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Instructor||| Tiffany C. Bailey || Ceramics 1|||

Potentially Offensive Course Material:
Some course content may be deemed offensive. The instructor will try to make reasonable advance warning of potentially offensive material; it is the student’s responsibility to remove him/herself from the class during those classes/lectures/field trips in which potentially offensive content is shared.
Special Accommodations:
If you have a hidden or visible disability that may require classroom or test accommodations, please contact the Disability
Resource and Services Center. You can reach the Disability Resource Center at 602.285.7477, or visit Hannelly Center-HC
120.
Withdrawal Deadline: http://www.phoenixcollege.edu/enroll/enrollment-services/admissions-records/withdrawal-procedures .
October 12, 2015 is the last day for a student to withdraw from this class in order to still receive a grade of “W.” It is your responsibility to withdraw from class. If you do not officially withdraw, you may receive a failing grade and may be held accountable for all tuition and fees charged for course enrollment. Not attending course does not automatically drop/withdraw you.
Ceramics Supplies:
A basic tool kit and clay is required. There is no required text for this class. I can recommend Ceramic books if interested. The closest source for ceramic supplies is Marjon’s Ceramic Supply, 3434 W. Earll Dr., Phoenix, AZ 85017, 602-272-6585 .
Wherever, you choose to get your clay be sure to get Cone 10 clay and make sure it is soft to the touch through the bag- you don’t want to get stuck with a hard bag of clay.
Disclaimer:
*This syllabus is subject to change at anytime per my discretion. It will be your responsibility to access changes via canvas.
Rules for the PC Ceramic Studio
The ceramic environment has special concerns that must be addressed. The instructor will be lecturing on these concerns, but it is the students’ responsibility to follow safe work standards. These include but are not limited to:
1) Keeping the studio clean. It is your responsibility to clean up any spaces or tools that you use. This includes but is not limited to:
-wiping down your wheel, splashguard and the floor/wall/and table that surround your wheel after each use
-cleaning glaze utensils and glaze splatter on tables and buckets after each use (Cone 6, Cone 10 and Raku)
-returning ware boards and bats clean and to their proper places
-scraping and sponging clean the wedging table
-returning studio tools clean and back to their proper places
2) Treating the studio and studio equipment with respect. If you do not know how to use the tools and equipment in the studio please ask for assistance before use. The proper use of the tools and equipment in this studio is important to the success and safety of everyone that uses this space.
3) No sanding of clay pieces in the common studio space.
It is unhealthy for you and others to breathe in dry clay dust. When wanting to sand your work please do so in the spray booth with the exhaust fan on or outside of the back door. Always mop or sponge up your mess afterword. For your safety while sanding we recommend you wear a mask. You will want to purchase a P100 Particulate Respirator Mask.
4) Spray booth must be cleaned and used properly. If you do not know how to use the spray booth please ask for assistance. Always turn on the ventilation system and wear a mask when using the spray booth. Clean booth after use.
*** The outdoor kiln area is also part of our studio. When you make a mess in this area you are expected to clean it up.
Some example situations are: when sanding or grinding pieces mop or sponge up your debris, when glazing for Raku sponge or mop up spilled glazes. All tables you work on should be left clean when finished.
5) Use glaze materials properly. If you are unsure about how to glaze or about any material in the glaze area please ask before using. When glazing be sure to return any unused glaze to the container from which it came. Never use an unclean utensil to mix another glaze. Not following the above requests can result in contamination of a glaze.
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Instructor||| Tiffany C. Bailey || Ceramics 1|||

*If you use a jar of underglaze or container of slip please clean the rim of the container prior to returning it to the shelf.
*Avoid using more than two glazes on your pieces unless given proper application instructions from your instructor.
*Always pay attention to glazes that are labeled NOT FOOD SAFE and do not use them on the insides of your functional work. Always pay attention to glazes that are labeled RUNNY and avoid applying them all the way to the bottom of the outside edge of your pieces.
*It is a good practice to always leave a ¼” edge free of glaze on the outside bottom of your pieces. This will help prevent glaze from running off of your piece and onto the kiln shelf during the glaze firing.
6) Always wipe glaze from the bottom of your pieces before placing them on the shelf to be glaze fired.
7) Do not eat or drink in or near glaze areas. If you have a cut on your hand and you are glazing it is best to wear gloves to protect yourself from exposure to the raw glaze.
8) Students are not allowed in the glaze materials room. Students are not allowed to use the materials in the glaze mixing/storage room. Many of these materials are very expensive and highly toxic. If you need a material not you can get these materials from MARJON CERAMICS INC. 3434 W. EARLL DR. PHOENIX, AZ. Permission from your instructor is required before bringing in and using any materials not provided by Phoenix College ceramic studio.
9) Students are not allowed to take our already mixed glazes out of this studio. Do not fill containers with our studio glazes and take them home with you. Only pieces made and glazed in this studio will be fired in this studio.
10) Take note of fire exits and eye wash locations.
11) Theft will not be tolerated. Any person caught intentionally stealing PC ceramic studio equipment, tools or materials will be dismissed from the class with a grade of an “F.”Any person caught intentionally stealing tools or ceramic work belonging to other students will be dismissed from the class with a grade of an “F.” In both of these above scenarios, the culprit will also be reported to Student Affairs for any further action.
12) Only purchase high-fire Cone 10 clay. Ask your instructor for more details and recommendations.
13) Do not store work on throwing bats. We are limited on the number of throwing bats that we have available for student use. Remove your work from the throwing bat and place it on a square bat for storage in your cubby.
14) Do not use heat guns on the plastic throwing bats. It causes bats to warp and therefore renders them useless.
15) Students will be assigned a storage cubby inside the classroom. Do not under any circumstance, remove or touch anything from another students’ storage area. Keep your stuff in your cubbies and not all over the studio.
16) Do not handle others’ work waiting to be bisqued. Only the studio technician, instructors and students with previous experience and supervision/permission from their instructor can handle work to be loaded into the bisque kilns.
17) Clean up any spills. If the floors in the ceramic lab have standing water it will be extremely slippery. If you see a wet floor, please stop and towel down that area for your safety and that of your fellow classmates.
18) Only quality work will be fired in our kilns. Functional wares that have visible technical issues like cracked handles, cracked bottoms, broken/chipped/cracked rims will not be allowed through the firing process. Pieces that are unstable and wobbly and could cause potential harm to other students’ work during firing will not be fired. Pieces of questionable thickness that could cause harm to other students’ work will not make it through the kiln firing process.
19) We will have a weekly kiln fire schedule. Bisque kilns will be an ongoing process loaded and fired as kilns become full. Gas kilns will be fired weekly.
20) Glaze work frequently. Glaze your finished work often. Do not store your work until the end of the semester when space is extremely limited. If you choose to wait and glaze the majority of your work until the end of the semester there is no
guarantee it will all be fired. So glaze early and frequently.
21) Only work made for assigned classes and work made in our PC studio will be fired in our kilns. Students
are not allowed to bring in items from their home studios to be fired in our PC kilns.
22) Remove finished work from the studio in a timely manner. Each student is allowed two storage cubbies. Please do not store your personal items in non-designated areas in the studio. Also, do not take over more than your allotted space.
23) Faculty/Staff/Studio storage room is not for students. Please do not go in this room and help yourself. Tools located in this room are not for student use. If you need something please ask your instructor for permission.
24) Do not leave your work behind. At the end of the semester please remove all of your work and tools from the ceramic studio. Anything left behind will be discarded or assimilated.
25) Do not store work on a banding wheel in your cubby.
26) Plaster can cause problems in a clay environment. Students should not work with plaster unless guided and supervised by the instructor.
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Instructor||| Tiffany C. Bailey || Ceramics 1|||

27) Students are not allowed to fire kilns on their own. Please use care and caution around the kilns. The kilns reach high temperatures that could cause severe injury.
28) Accidents can happen to your ceramic work when it is loaded and unloaded from the kiln and also when it is waiting to be loaded. All efforts are made to avoid work accidently being broken, but this studio is a learning environment accommodating many students so unfortunately accidents can happen.
29) Work that can cause harm to the kilns and other students’ work may not be fired. Work that is large, heavy, or to unstable to properly and safely fit in the kiln may not be fired. Work that has unknown materials embedded into the clay may not be fired. Work that is glazed inappropriately may not be fired. Work with metal and wire may not be fired unless the wire is specifically made to be kiln fired. *Firing random metals can cause damage to the studio kilns.
30) Work that requires special attention and instructions when being loaded into the kiln may not be fired.
If your work is large, heavy, has multiple parts and/or is broken and needs special attention when being loaded you should talk to your instructor or person loading the kiln(s) to see if accommodations can be made to fire your piece. It is best practice for you to talk to the person loading the kiln(s) to make arrangements to help load your work if needed.
31) Dressing appropriately for the studio activity that you are engaging in is an important safety factor.
This includes no open toe shoes, excessively exposing clothing, dangling jewelry, and/or tying hair back. Safety glasses or visors may be required for some machinery. Providing your own gloves and mask is required for use of some materials in the ceramic studio. Do not rely on the studio to provide you gloves and a mask.
32) Black hole. There is now a designated area in the studio titled “Black Hole.” This is the area work that is not fit for the kiln will end up. Work may end up in the “Black Hole,” if it is not glazed properly, is cracked or broken, contains unknown materials or is difficult to accommodate. If you are missing something check the “Black Hole,” and see what you can do to remedy your work to see if it can be fired.
33) You are expected to behave in a responsible manner that allows everyone in the studio access to resources and learning. Behavior that disrupts the studio environment will not be tolerated. If your actions are disrespectful to the
Instructor or to other students, you will be asked to leave the studio.
34) Contact Campus Safety at 602-285-7254 to report suspicious activity or if you or another student has a minor injury contact Campus Safety at 602-285-7254. You are in Room ART111. For a life-threatening situation call 911.
By signing this you agree to follow and you understand the guidelines listed above.
Print and sign your full
name_____________________________________________________________________________________
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Instructor||| Tiffany C. Bailey || Ceramics 1|||