ART 1071 - Introduction to Ceramics

Credits: 3
Hours/Week: Lecture 1 Lab 4
Course Description: This course introduces basic hand-building and wheel techniques with clay. Topics include the diverse cultural history of ceramic art and its continued relevance as a form of creative expression. The principles of 3D design, along with functional and non-functional applications, are explored through a series of hands-on exercises and projects. Open studio hours are available for outside class work if needed.
MnTC Goals
6 Humanities/Fine Arts

Prerequisite(s): None
Corequisite(s): None
Recommendation: None

Major Content
1. Historical/Cultural Overview

1. Art making and Culture: Why is Art making important?
2. Why clay?
3. Function vs. non-functional traditions
4. Cultural context and world traditions
5. Traditional and contemporary approaches and applications
6. The evolution of pottery

2. Characteristics of Clay and Materials

1. Types of clay bodies
2. Preparation of clay
3. Storage of materials
4. Studio and materials safety
5. Tools (traditional and non traditional)
6. Kiln technology: stacking, types, terms safety, cones, firing of
7. Glazing: chemistry, mixing, types, effects, limitations, tests, under/over glazes, terms

3. Traditional Construction Processes

1. Wedging techniques
2. Hand-building techniques (coil, slab, pinch)
3. Slips
4. Molds
5. Wheel- throwing techniques (wheel types, centering, opening and pulling)

4. Visual communication/Visual relationships

1. Construction using 3 -dimensional design principles:
2. Proportional relationships/scale and aesthetics
3. Hidden geometry (merging volumes and shapes)
4. Mass vs, volume (sculpture vs. vessel)
5. Application of 3 dimensional art elements and design principles
6. Color and surface
7. Form and function
8. Creative problem solving (divergent and convergent strategies)

1. demonstrate the principles of design through the creation of functional and nonfunctional ceramic works.
2. demonstrate skills in construction, surface treatment, finishing or firing techniques in ceramic materials and techniques to successfully complete class assignments.
3. create original works of ceramics that explore a variety of formal and conceptual problems, demonstrate a visual vocabulary, and the ability to make effective aesthetic judgments.
4. analyze historic and contemporary sculptural styles, techniques, and materials using vocabulary common to art and design.
5. apply 3D design concepts and elements toward an aesthetic and/or technical end.
6. explain the vital role and value the fine arts and humanities have on the development of culture. the vital role and value the fine arts and humanities have on the development of culture.
7. critique the effectiveness of 3D design principles as applied in personal works and works of others.
8. apply health and safety practices within the discipline.

 
Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC): Goals and Competencies
Competency Goals (MnTC Goals 1-6)
06. 01. Demonstrate awareness of the scope and variety of works in the arts and humanities.
06. 02. Understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within an historical and social context.
06. 03. Respond critically to works in the arts and humanities.
06. 04. Engage in the creative process or interpretive performance.
06. 05. Articulate an informed personal reaction to works in the arts and humanities.

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