Ceramics I Course Syllabus

Course Description: This class will introduce students to building with clay. Emphasis will be placed

on the design elements; line, shape, texture, and color. Focus will be on the hand building techniques;

pinch, coil and slabs. Functional as well as sculptural applications will be explored. Introduction to

traditional and historical ceramic arts will be incorporated into the lab experiences. Students will be

introduced to the craft of wheel thrown pottery on a limited basis. Various glaze and decoration

techniques for finishing work will be introduced in the beginning class. There is a course fee of $20.00.

There is no pre-requisite for this class.

Curriculum Objectives: After successfully completing this course, the student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate the ability to perceive and describe formal qualities and expressive content in

ceramic products.

2. Demonstrate technical skills needed to produce products with aesthetic qualities.

3. Demonstrate techniques of forming pottery.

4. Use vocabulary related to ceramics/pottery.

5. Use criteria for making judgments about ceramics/pottery.

6. Demonstrate an awareness of the history of pottery.

Grade Designation Guide:

A: The student is highly self motivated, works independently, when possible, and uses problem

solving skills. The student completes ALL assignments on time and according to guidelines

given. The student seems to be working to their maximum ability and demonstrates a great

understanding of the skills and techniques taught.

B: The student is motivated and enthusiastic usually taking risks and making an effort to be

creative and original. The student completes ALL assignments on time and according to

guidelines given. The student’s work is consistently above average and demonstrates an

understanding of the skills and techniques taught.

C: The student does satisfactory work, but is sometimes reluctant to take risks and has a

tendency to draw on other’s ideas more than his/her own. Selected work habits (turning work in

on time, following directions, staying on task, etc…) may need some attention. The student’s

work demonstrates a basic understanding of the skills taught in the lesson, and work is

consistently standard.

D: The student is rarely motivated and seldom works without teacher redirection. The student

makes a minimal effort to follow guidelines for each project and relies heavily on the ideas of

others instead of his or her own. The student’s work shows little understanding of the skills and

techniques taught.

F: Failure is not an option!!!

EXPECTATIONS: Rules and guidelines for success.

1. 1 Be Prompt: When the bell rings, you are expected to be seated and ready to begin

beginning bell activity.

2. Be Prepared: When attending class, you are expected to come with all of your required

supplies and artwork.

3. Be Respectful: Common courtesy and respect for everyone in the class, for all materials,

and for the classroom is expected at all times.

4. Be Responsible: Use equipment correctly, keep up with all of your own artwork, and

clean up after yourself every day.

5. Stay on Task: Talk only at appropriate times and only to students at your table. Stay in

your seat.

6. Only bottled water will be allowed in class. No food or other drinks will be allowed in the

art room!

7. No IPod’s will be allowed in the art room.

8. We will end each class period with an ending activity of some sort. You will then be

allowed to clean up your workspace. Those that decide to clean up early will have points

deducted from their daily grade.

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

81/2 x 11 Spiral Bound Sketchbook

1 box of 14 gallon plastic garbage bags.

I have read and understand what is expected and required for Ceramics 1.

Student Signature: __________________________________

Parent Signature: ___________________________________

Date: _________