Ceramics 1

In this unit, students will learn the basics of working with clay, including its properties, drying stages, shrinkage, and preparation methods. Students will practice wedging clay, using clay tools safely, and understanding how these skills affect the success of ceramic projects throughout the semester.

In this unit, students will learn and practice the four steps of art criticism: describe, analyze, interpret, and judge. Students will build confidence discussing and evaluating professional artwork and later apply these skills when reflecting on their own ceramic work and portfolios.

In this unit, students will strengthen their hand-building skills by learning how to pinch clay into hemispheres and transform simple pinch pots into more complex forms. Students will be introduced to various ceramic artists who use pinching techniques.

In this unit, students will explore form, shape, line, and rhythm to build ceramic forms using rolled or extruded clay coils. Students will be able to distinguish between functional and nonfunctional ceramics while studying the work of ceramic artists who use the coil method. 

In this unit, students will create ceramic forms using slab-building techniques. Students will explore measurement, pattern making, assemblage, and surface decoration while creating containers, vases, and other forms. Students will learn the difference between hard and soft slabs and understand why they would use one or the other. A variety of ceramic artists and their slab work will be used as examples.

In this unit, students will reflect on their artwork from the semester and identify an area for improvement or growth. Students will plan and create a final project that demonstrates stronger skills, revised techniques, or new learning. Students will document their progress through sketches, photographs, and written reflections in their portfolios.