ART 161 Course Syllabus Spring
2011
ART 161 – Introduction to Ceramics
Course Syllabus
Brooke Amick, Professor
Spring Semester, 2011
Northwest Valley Community College, Kelsey Campus
Course Description:
This course provides students with an introduction to ceramic materials and methods. This
course will introduce students to methods of hand-building, decorating, throwing on a potter’s
wheel, and glazing. This course is intended for those studying ceramics for the first time and is a
comprehensive introduction to the art of pottery and clay work. The primary emphasis is on
studio work leading to a diverse portfolio of finished pieces by the end of the semester. 3 credits.
Course Schedule & Location:
Time: Thursdays, 6-8:00PM beginning January 20th, 2011
Room: 163 Cocopah Hall
Required Materials:
Ceramic tools can be purchased in the NVCC bookstore for approximately $15.00. Clay can also
be purchased at the bookstore for approximately $10.00 for 25lbs. Clay and tools will be
provided for learners on the first day of class. You will also need plastic bags, a plastic storage
container, an old towel, a large shirt or apron to cover your clothes, a toothbrush, and a three ring
notebook. There is NO required textbook for this course.
Recommended Reading:
Ceramics Monthly. 1609 Northwest Blvd., Columbus , Ohio 43212
The Craft and Art of Clay (3rd Edition) (Paperback), Susan Petersen
A Potter's Book. Bernard Leach, Faber and Faber, London, 1960
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Northwest Valley Community College
ART 161 Course Syllabus Spring
2011
Expected Learner Outcomes:
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Knowledge of the appropriate tools for ceramics
Knowledge of the equipment uses and limitations
Knowledge of the stages of clay and how they can effect production
Knowledge of the firing process
The ability to throw on the potter’s wheel
The ability to construct clay projects using hand building techniques
The ability to utilize a variety of techniques in surface decoration
C
Coouurrssee PPoolliicciieess::
Participation & Attendance:
It is very important that you are on time and present for each class. Class will begin with lectures
and instructions. Please call me or send me an e-mail before class if you are unable to attend.
You are responsible to sign in and out of the studio each time you are present. This is your
official attendance record! Three times being tardy to class or leaving the studio before the end
of the scheduled class time will be counted as one absence. In the case of an excused absence
students are expected to retrieve the missed information on their own. Attendance is one of the
main keys to success in any class.
There are 15 class sessions in the semester. Learners will receive two points for each session that
they are present for and in which they actively engage in the learning activities. Learners gain
participation points by being prepared, attentive, and by actively participating in the creation
process. Learners are also expected to help others in class and to help keep the studio a safe and
CLEAN environment!
Grades:
Grades are based on a 100 point scale.
A = 90 – 100 Pts
B = 80 – 89 Pts
C = 70 – 79 Pts
D = 60 – 69 Pts
E = 0 – 59 Pts
Grades will be based on the following criteria:
30 Pts. - Attendance/ Participation (2 Pts. per class session)
10 Pts. - Midterm Assessment – Wheel Project
20 Pts. - Ceramic Art Critiques
40 Pts. - Final Ceramic Portfolio
Late Work Policy:
Due to the nature of this course and that most work is accomplished through participation and
your final portfolio, late work will not be accepted. Final portfolios must be turned in by the last
night of class.
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Northwest Valley Community College
ART 161 Course Syllabus Spring
2011
Studio Policies:
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Help keep the studio clean!!!
There is to be no throwing of clay or other objects.
Cell phones should remain off during class. If there is a need to have your phone on
vibrate, please see me before class.
Help others in the class to succeed and help build collaboration.
All work you make must be signed legibly with your name. Unsigned work will not be
fired or graded.
You are welcome and encouraged to use the open lab hours we provide. Visit the
ceramics studio between classes to move your work along. This is valuable
“uninstructed” time. ALWAYS sign into the log book when you visit the studio.
(Instructor will post open lab hours after the first week of classes.)
Be respectful of other students’ possessions and creations.
Remember there are hazardous equipment and materials in the ceramics studio, so please
use items appropriately and with care. If you don’t know how to use something, ask for
help.
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Instructor Information
Instructor’s Name:
Brooke Amick
Telephone:
(404) 555-6392 – Office
(404) 555-7281 – Cell
Office:
153 Cocopah Hall
Office Hours:
Tuesdays & Thursdays 3-6:00PM
Wednesday 10-Noon
E-mail Address:
Bamick@nvcc.edu
Biography:
Brooke Amick has her BA in Liberal Studies from Northern
Arizona University as well as an MA in Ceramics from
Arizona State University. She is currently working on her MA
in Adult Education and Training with the University of
Phoenix. Brooke has been working with the clay medium for
over 10 years and is passionate about ceramic art. She has had
her ceramic art exhibited at the Yuma Art Center & Gallery in
Yuma, AZ as well as Arizona Western Community College’s
Art Gallery. Brooke has spent the last five years working in the
education field and this is her second year teaching ceramics at
the community college level. On a personal note, Brooke has 3
AKC registered Chihuahuas and grew up in the desert
Southwest.
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Northwest Valley Community College
ART 161 Course Syllabus Spring
2011
Course Topics:
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
4
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Introductions & Syllabus
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Studio Tour & Policies
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Pinch Pots
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Firing Demonstration
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Week 9
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Potter’s Wheel Demo – Jar & Lid
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Continue previous & current
projects
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Visit from Guest Artisan
Terminology Slideshow
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Ceramic Jewelry PowerPoint
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Slab Construction
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Continue previous & current
projects
Decoration – Clay Hand Project
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Whistle Demonstration (Pinching and
slab construction)
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Rainstick Demonstration
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Glazing
Continue previous & current
projects
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Video on coil construction
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Clay Figurine (Human & Animal)
Demo
Coil Construction
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Continue previous & current projects
Continue previous & current
projects
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Mask Slideshow
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Final Night for Bisque Firing
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Mask Demonstration
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Review of Portfolio Requirements
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Continue previous & current projects
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Independent Work Time
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PowerPoint of Potter’s Wheel
Products
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Final Night for Glaze Firing
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Review of Portfolio Requirements
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Potter’s Wheel Introduction – Bowl
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Independent Work Time
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Grading of Final Portfolios
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Clean out storage areas
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Potter’s Wheel Demo – Trimming &
Cup
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Continue previous & current projects
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Potter’s Wheel Demo – Vase
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Continue previous & current projects
Week 10
Week 11
Week 12
Week 13
Week 14
Week 15
Northwest Valley Community College
ART 161 Course Syllabus Spring
2011
Code of Conduct:
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Please see the NVCC Code of Conduct in the Course Catalog or online at
www.NVCC/Catalog/Codeof Conduct.edu
College Policies:
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Please see the NVCC Policies in the Course Catalog or online at
www.NVCC/Catalog/policies.edu
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Northwest Valley Community College