ARTS 260: Introduction to Ceramics
ARTS 260: Introduction to Ceramics
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Course Description
Course Description
ARTS 260 is a lower-division undergraduate course that promotes the development of ideas through an introduction to hand-building techniques, using pinch, coils, slab, and mold methods of construction. Students get to experiment with a variety of low fire glazes, and other low fire surface treatments.
ARTS 260 is a required course in the B.A. in Art and is a prerequisite for upper-division ceramic courses and is an elective course for the B.A. in Computer Animation and Game Development. The class meets twice a week for 3 hours, and it involves significant hands-on and experiential learning.
The history of ceramics contains many elements of form, technique and manufacture that are used today. Resource images, techniques and online video are used in each of the assignments.
Contemporary artists with diverse ages and nationalities are introduced highlighting similarities and differences in methods and focus.
Course Modality & Design
Course Modality & Design
This is a face-to-face course that has been transformed into a flipped classroom format: students watch pre-recorded tutorials and how-to videos, research artists and different approaches to ceramics, and historical references so that when you arrive at the studio they will be ready to get busy building with clay. Students work with the materials in the studio and there are 3 major projects ( 7-8 clay pieces ) that explore different working techniques and kiln firing temperatures and finishes. This includes building preparation (slab rolling etc.), refining techniques, drying of the projects, decoration/finishing processes and kiln firing techniques.
This course serves as a hands-on introduction to clay and ceramic work and allows students to reflect on the different techniques and their relative merits for use and aesthetic considerations.
Sample Blackboard Design
Sample Blackboard Design
Elements of Engagement & Experiential Learning
Elements of Engagement & Experiential Learning
Elements of active and experiential learning include:
Glazing and underglazing techniques
Studio work with other students
Student engagement with materials and equipment
Kiln loading and discussion of firing techniques
Group discussions of finished work
Use of 3D PotterBot
Participation in the California Conference for the Advancement of Ceramic Arts
https://www.natsoulas.com/ccaca-2021/
Assessment of Student Learning
Assessment of Student Learning
Requirements/Grading
Class meets for 6 studio hours per week. Demonstrations, Slide Lectures/videos are available online to access and should be visited each week. In-person demonstrations of equipment and projects will happen during studio time and students should be able to complete clay projects.
Students are graded by the following criteria:
Quality of finished work
Overall effort spent
Attendance (online or in person); late projects will jeopardize the grade due to kiln firing schedules. In-class studio time is essential for the completion and glazing of projects.
Participation during critiques and discussions and the level of involvement in student work and research during online and in-person class time.
Creative Problems: (450 points)
Class Participation: weekly studio work and postings of work-in-progress and clean-up when in studio (300 points)
Sketchbook/Visual Journal/Discussion postings: (50 points)
Short research Paper (250 words): (100 points)
Criteria for determining Creative Problem points:
Focus and Impact of work
The translation of the creative problems into visual solutions and how those solutions address the requirements of the assignment. The clarity of the statement you are making. Presentation is critical.
Work Ethic
The attitude towards the creative problems, the degree of difficulty the overall ambition of the project. Willingness to do more than is expected with curiosity and enjoyment.
Timely Completion
Demonstration of effective use of time and readiness during presentations.
Craftsmanship
How carefully and thoughtfully was the project constructed, cleaned up and glazed. Is the attention to detail equal throughout the completed piece?
Originality
Demonstration of inventiveness and extension of your solution.
Criteria for determining Participation points
Attendance: Consistent attendance (online, In-studio), using your time efficiently and being punctual.
Inveolvement/Engagement: ou have been motivated, responsible and have done more than expected. You have helped to make the studio a clean and safe environment. You have demonstrated an attitude that is a positive benefit to the class and have pride in the work you have executed.
Preparedness: You have assigned work completed on time for class discussions and you ask relevant questions. Online images of your clay work are received each week. Time Management.
Technology & Tools
Technology & Tools
Equipment/Tools: Technical instruction and utilization of a variety of equipment used in Ceramics is part of the course. Material and Equipment safety is an major part of this utilization. Students are not responsible for the firing of the kilns but do need to know how they operate and how to be aware of the dangers.
Google Drive
Introduction to Autodesk Fusion 360 To design objects for printing, students will need to access (cloud based software, free to students) and learn basics of Autodesk Fusion 360. This is an optional element of an assignment that utilizes some of the same techniques with an analog system: Coils and the use of a profile to create a form (revolve).
Introduction to PotterBot (Clay 3D printer)
Photography of 3D objects: Images of work done in the studio need to be cropped and free of background information. There is a tutorial on how to take images of “3D work on your phone“ as well as a pdf. Phone or camera is needed for this documentation.
Opportunities for Civic & Community Engagement
Opportunities for Civic & Community Engagement
Throughout the semester students are encouraged to visit local art galleries and exhibitions on and off campus. The 1078 gallery is entirely volunteer run and many of the students have been involved in events and installations of artwork at this great community resource.
Elements of Climate Change and Resilience & Environmental Justice
Elements of Climate Change and Resilience & Environmental Justice
Presentations of examples/images of innovative uses of clay for architectural fabrication, social and environmental resilience and sustainability.
Rethinking Artificial Reef Structures through 3D clay printing
Go Virtual Course Design
Go Virtual Course Design
GO Virtual in Summer 2020
Teaching tools for online course presentations were crucial since I had not utilized Blackboard except for basic syllabus upload. The “two week” preparation I was required to do was basically a 5 week start and with the skills I learned with Kaltura and Camtasia editing I was able to get studio demonstrations up online. Skills using Zoom were useful but connection issues continued to be difficult for me and some students. Class was synchronous so I was available for one-on-one meetings throughout the 3-hour classes.
I will continue to utilize the demo shorts and Zoom individual meetings this semester.
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