Southeast Missouri State University

Course Syllabus Southeast Missouri State University

Department of Art AR 442 Ceramics 3 New

I. Catalog Description and Credit Hours of Course:

Personal investigation and exploration of alternative construction and glazing techniques in ceramics to foster expressive sophistication. 3 credit hours

II. Prerequisite: AR441 or consent of professor

III. Purposes or Objectives of the Course:

A. To encourage personal investigation and exploration of alternative construction techniques in ceramics to foster expressive sophistication. B. To introduce the art student to the design and application of plaster and non-plaster molds with pressed clay and casting slip. C. To introduce the art student to the design, application, and firing of ceramic decals, china paints, and luster glazes. D. To introduce the art student to the concept of clay as a material to be combined with mixed media. E. To challenge the art student’s creative insights and skills with ceramic materials through individual and group critiques. F. To discuss issues in historical and contemporary ceramics with a greater sensitivity and worldview of the fine arts. G. To inform students of the health and safety policies in the ceramics lab including proper clean-up procedures.

IV. Expectations of Students:

A. Attend all demonstrations and critical assessments of creative projects. B. Read all assigned materials. C. Produce original work through a process of material exploration and creative problem solving. D. Complete all assignments according to due dates. E. Clean up their workspace in lab.

V. Course Content or Outline (Indicate number of class hours per unit or section): A. Evaluation will be based on participation during class discussions, studio participation, studio assignments and formal class presentations throughout the semester.

B. Course Outline: (96 hrs total for semester) a. Unit 1 – (6 hrs) – Ceramics Overview: Historical, Contemporary, Pottery, Sculpture, Fine Arts b. Unit 2 – (9 hrs) – Plaster, One Piece Molds c. Unit 3 – (6 hrs) – Casting Slip, Ceramic Monoprints d. Unit 4 – (9 hrs) – Plaster, Two Piece Molds, Slip Casting e. Unit 5 – (6 hrs) – Glazing and Kiln Firing f. Unit 6 – (15 hrs) – Ceramic Decals and Kiln Firing g. Unit 7 – (3 hrs) – Midterm Critique h. Unit 8 – (15 hrs) – China Paints, Luster Glazes, and Kiln Firing i. Unit 9 – (6 hrs) – Glazing and Kiln Firing j. Unit 10 – (15 hrs) – Mixed Media k. Unit 11 – (3 hrs) – Final Critique l. Unit 12 – (3 hrs) – Studio Clean-Up

VI. Textbook(s) and/or Other Required Materials or Equipment:

A. The Essential Guide to Mold Making & Slip Casting, Andrew Martin, 2007, Lark Books, ISBN 1600590772 B. Image Transfer on Clay: Screen, Relief, Decal & Monoprint Techniques, Paul Wandless, 2006, Lark Books, ISBN 1579906354 C. It is expected that each student will need to purchase an estimated minimum of $60 in supplies (plaster, decal paper, china paints, luster, ceramic materials, wood).

VII. Basis for Student Evaluation:

A. Assignments (cumulative) 600 points Participation 100 points Mid Term Critique 100 points Final Critique 100 points Studio Clean Up 100 points Total 1000 points