VAFA181 Introduction to Ceramics
Department of Arts and Communication: Ceramics
- I. Course Number and Title
- VAFA181 Introduction to Ceramics
- II. Number of Credits
- 3 credits
- III. Number of Instructional Minutes
- 4050
- IV. Prerequisites
- None
- Corequisites
- None
- V. Other Pertinent Information
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Safe shop practices are emphasized. In addition to class studio time, students work 5 hours outside of class each week in the studio area under the supervision of a Lab Assistant or at home. It is required that all work be glazed fired by the date of the final. There is a material supply cost for this course.
This course meets the General Education requirement for Arts/Humanities.
- VI. Catalog Course Description
- Lectures, demonstrations, and practice introduce students to the historical, cultural, scientific, creative, and expressive basis of ceramics. Developing a personal viewpoint as an outgrowth of the ceramic process is encouraged by emphasizing historical perspectives, design, basic pottery skills, and exploration.
- VII. Required Course Content and Direction
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Course Learning Goals
Students will:
- achieve the basic skills of working with the ceramic process;
- produce six thrown pots of varying sizes and shapes [Arts/Humanities];
- produce several projects exploring coil and slab construction techniques [Arts/Humanities]; and
- analyze projects through critiques, oral presentations, and discussions.
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Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities
- ceramic wheel throwing techniques
- ceramic coil construction
- ceramic slab construction
- glaze firing ceramics
- Presentation, articulation, and critique of finished works
- ceramic historical developments and accomplishments
- safe shop practices
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Assessment Methods for Course Learning Goals
- Course learning goals are assessed with group critiques of all projects, based on the successful design, execution, and completion of assigned projects.
- At least two individual critiques with instructor are held each semester, to assess projects using the above criteria and to review students' overall progress.
- Instructor evaluation of tool and shop safety practices through observation and quizzes.
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Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Student:
See course syllabus. Slides, video, and digital technology by instructor are incorporated.
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Review/Approval Date - 12/04; Revised 6/09; Revised 4/2012; New Core 8/2015