Course Outline for Art 16C
Introduction to Ceramics III

Effective: Fall 2021
SLO Rev: 10/09/2019
Catalog Description:

ART 16C - Introduction to Ceramics III

3.00 Units

Introduction of intermediate technical skills of throwing forms on the wheel with emphasis on the creative expression of the form. Kiln loading and firing procedure and process introduction. Continued development of various hand construction techniques of clay forms.Mix one large studio batch of glaze.
Prerequisite: ART 16B.
1009.00 - Applied Design*
Letter Grade Only
Type Units Inside of Class Hours Outside of Class Hours Total Student Learning Hours
Lecture 2.00 36.00 72.00 108.00
Laboratory 1.00 72.00 0.00 72.00
Total 3.00 108.00 72.00 180.00
Measurable Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. show mastery of intermediate technical skills in the methods of wheel-thrown forms;
  2. demonstrate an awareness of the procedure and process for loading glaze and bisque kilns;
  3. mastery of compulsory skill building exercises in preparation for advanced ceramic designs;
  4. develop an appreciation, understanding and practical application of the creative development wheel-thrown and hand-built ceramic forms.
Course Content:
  1. Kiln loading and firing:
    1. procedures for high fire stoneware
    2. procedures for bisque firing
    3. proper shelf spacing and Kiln furniture location
  2. Compusory skill building exercises in preparation for advanced ceramic designs. 
  3. Intermediate technical skills of hand built and wheel-thrown clay forms with emphasis on creative expression of form:
    1. Efficency of motion science
    2. Refinement of craft
    3. Development of a signature style
  4. Identification and discussion of formal organizational principles of three-dimensional design.
  5. Evaluation of historical and contemporary artwork, and critical evaluation of their own artwork.
Methods of Instruction:
  1. Assigned reading of selected reference material
  2. Individual instruction and critiques at each class session
  3. Lecture/Discussion
  4. Demonstration/Exercise
  5. Distance Education
  6. Visual aids related to subject matter
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
  1. Create wheel thrown rounded form, trimmed (foot optional) based on demonstration
  2. Create form thrown on the wheel with necks, trimmed (foot optional) based on demonstration
  3. Create wheel thrown bottle form, trimmed (foot optional) based on demonstration
  4. Create hand built hump mold plates with attached foot based on demonstration
  1. Completion of assigned work
  2. Evaluation of growth in skills and craftsmanship
  3. Critique and evaluation of all assignments will be done for final examination
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. Achieve basic technical skills of hand-built forms
  2. Achieve basic technical skills of wheel-thrown forms
  3. Achieve glazing skills which exhibit a knowledge of glaze and it's reaction to fire
  4. Achieve trimming skills which exibit craftsmanship
  5. Demonstrate methods for loading, glaze and bisque kilns.
Textbooks (Typical):
  1. Sunshine Cobb (2018). Mastering Hand Building: Techniques, Tips, and Tricks for Slabs, Coils, and More Hardcover (5th). McGraw-Hill.
  • Clay
  • Tool kit (available in bookstore)
  • Bamboo brush
  • Throwing ribs
Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:
Introduction of intermediate technical skills of throwing forms on the wheel with emphasis on the creative expression of the form. Kiln loading and firing procedure and process introduction. Continued development of various hand construction techniques of clay forms.
Prerequisite: ART 16B.