ART 1073 - Introduction to Ceramics: Wheel-Throwing

Credits: 3
Hours/Week: Lecture 1 Lab 2 studio
Course Description: This course introduces basic wheel-throwing techniques with clay. Course topics include the diverse cultural history of ceramic art and its continued relevance as a form of creative expression. Hands-on exercises and projects are used to explore the principles of 3-dimensional design and functional and non-functional applications. Open studio is available for outside class work. 
MnTC Goals
Goal 6

Prerequisite(s): None
Recommendation: Course placement into ENGL 0950 and RDNG 0950 or above OR completion of RDNG 0940 with a grade of C or higher OR course placement into ESOL 0051 and ESOL 0052 and ESOL 1033 OR completion of ESOL 0041 with a grade of C or higher and ESOL 0042 with a grade of C or higher and ESOL 0043 with a grade of C or higher.

and ART 1025 

Major Content
1. The pottery wheel and constructing functional pottery

1. Throwing a cylinder
2. Construct a cup
3. Trim ceramic forms
4. Make a matching set
5. Using tools specicially for making lidded forms
6. Make teapots that incorperates multiple thrown components
7. Design and construct a planter form, taking drainage into consideration

2. Clay bodies

1. Eathernware
2. Stoneware
3. Porcelain

3. Glaze and glazing methods

1. Application methods
2. Glaze compenents (flux, silica, allumnia)
3. Firing ranges (low, mid, and high temperature ranges)

4. Firing methods

1. Pit-firing
2. Wood-firing
3. Gas kilns
4. Electric kilns
5. Oxidation vs reduction

5. Aesthetics assessment of works

1. Critique vocabulary
2. Engage in the critique process
3. Report on a ceramic artist

 
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this course students will be able to:

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.

4. analyze historic and contemporary ceramics materials, terminology, styles, and techniques.  

5. apply the basic vocabulary of three-dimensional artwork and the aesthetic concerns of using three dimensional form. 

6. explain the vital role and value the fine arts and humanities have on the development of culture.  

7. critique the effectiveness of personal artwork and the work of others.

8. demonstrate procedures to ensure good health and safety issues within the discipline.   

9. demonstrate proficient skills using various pottery wheel techniques.

10. identify appropriate techniques for building specific works. 

 
Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC): Goals and Competencies Goal 6
Competency Goals (MnTC Goals 1-6)
06.02 Understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within a 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. 
Theme Goals (MnTC Goals 7-10)
none

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