SUFFOLK COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

COLLEGE COURSE SYLLABUS for:

VA61: Ceramics I

DATE: February, 2006

DRAFT

I. Course Title: Ceramics I

II. Catalog Description: 2005 – 2006

Introduction to processes and materials of ceramics through exploration of functional and non-functional forms in clay. Students investigate nature of clay by creating forms with several handbuilding methods such as coilbuilding, slabbuilding and pinch pots, as well as introduction to potter’s wheel. Basic decorating, glazing and firing techniques explored.

No prerequisite.

III. *Course Goals: (main concepts, principles, and skills you want students to learn from this course).

• Introduce the medium of clay.
• Give a working knowledge of the process of ceramics.
• Gain the knowledge of the various clay building techniques.
• Explore the creative manipulation of clay as an expressive medium.
• Use critical thinking skills to transform conceptual concepts into ceramic art.
• Develop problem solving skills through the practice of artistic processes and procedure including concept, planning/sketching, exploration of materials, and building.
• Encourage the creative process through self-discovery.
• Foster an understanding of, and a appreciation for ceramic from its prehistoric origins to its most contemporary form and applications.

IV. *Outcome Behaviors: (what you expect students to do in order to demonstrate that the course goals were achieved – expected learning occurred).

Upon completion of this course students will be able to:

• Use the medium of clay in creating ceramic art.
• Demonstrate a variety of techniques used in creating ceramic art.
• Understand and use the appropriate tools required in ceramics.
• Understand the ceramic processes from wedging clay to glazing and firing.
• Conceptualize projects through critical thinking.
• Solve problems applying artistic process and procedure.
• Develop a vocabulary of art terms when discussing ceramic art.
• Perform critical critiques of their own art work as well as the art work of others.
• Discuss the history of ceramic art.

V. Programs that Require this Course: None

VI. Major Topics Required with Approximate Times for Each Major Topic: (3-hour course meets 37.5 hours per semester)

• 5 hours: Ceramics Processes
• 5 hours: Construction Techniques
• 2.5 hours: Tools and Equipment
• 5 hours: Design Principles
• 5 hours: The Creative Process from Concept to Completion
• 17.5 hours: In-Class Studio Time
• 7.5 hours: Critiques
• 2.5 hours: Art Journal/Museum Paper/Research

VII. Special Instructions:

A. Prerequisite(s) to this Course: None

B. Course(s) that Require this Course as a Prerequisite: VA62

C. External Jurisdiction: None

VIII. Supporting Information: (list – newspapers, journals, Internet resources, CD-ROMS, Videos, other teaching materials)

Films, library and internet resources;

IX. Optional Topics: None

X. Evaluation of Student Performance: (approximate time)

· Art Projects

· Museum Paper

· Art Journal

· Attendance

· Participation and Preparation

*These statements must appear verbatim in course outlines.