Course Outline for Art 16D
Ceramics - Intermediate

Effective: Fall 2021
SLO Rev: 05/19/2016
Catalog Description:

ART 16D - Ceramics - Intermediate

3.00 Units

Intermediate technical skills of wheel-thrown and hand-constructed clay forms, exploring more advanced concepts, and processes including basic design principles, creative development, hand-building, throwing, glaze techniques, firing and ceramic terminology. The course covers aesthetics and creative development of clay objects examining historical, contemporary, and personal modes of expression across cultures.
Prerequisite: ART 16C.
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. focus on a specific project in ceramics that shows an advanced, practical application of the creative development of a selected ceramic form;
  2. demonstrate an advanced execution of decoration techniques appropriate for specific forms for the advanced level of study;
  3. apply critical thinking skills to the critique and evaluation of their artwork and the artwork of others;
  4. apply advanced design decisions in the construction of a line of functional pottery forms;
  5. create an original line of production pottery forms with a signature style;
  6. examine contemporary approaches to production pottery and forms from diverse cultures.
Course Content:

Course Content:

  1. Application of studio best practices
    1. Mixing large batch studio glazes or slips
    2. Kiln loading and firing procedures
    3. Recycling clay
  2. Advanced technical skills of wheel-thrown and hand-constructed clay forms with emphasis on creative expression of form
    1. Efficiency of motion science and body mechanics
    2. Developing a signature style
  3. Refined development of surface decoration techniques
  4. Creation of an original line of production pottery forms
  5. Critique and evaluation of individual artwork and the artwork of others
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 lidded wheel thrown container form with different types of shapes based on demonstration
  2. Mix one large studio batch of glaze with instructor
  3. Create a hard slab constructed form 8"-10" in height or length 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. Compare and contrast the approaches of contemporary ceramic artist.
Textbooks (Typical):
  1. Cobb, Sunshine (2018). Mastering Hand Building: Techniques, Tips, and Tricks for Slabs, Coils, and More Hardcover McGraw-Hill.
  • Clay
  • Tool kit (available in bookstore)
  • Bamboo brush
  • Calipers
  • Throwing ribs
Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:
Intermediate technical skills of wheel-thrown and hand-constructed clay forms. Glaze exploration and experimentation. Exploration in the history of contemporary ceramic art and masters.
Prerequisite: ART 16C.