DEPARTMENT OF ART - Maryville, MO

DEPARTMENT OF ART
College of Arts and Sciences, Northwest Missouri State University

SYLLABUS

13-161 BEGINNING CERAMICS 3 trimester credit hours

Instructor: Office # Office Phone E-mail:
Laura Kukkee FIR117 ext. 1324 [email protected]

Office Hours: Mondays and Wednesdays: 8:30am – 10am and 2-4pm

Catalogue Description:
An introduction to studio pottery through comprehensive experience with clay preparation,
basic forming, decorating, glazing methods, and kiln firing procedures at low temperatures.
Basic studio work principles and individual design are stressed.

Rationale:
This course is an introduction to ceramics as an artistic medium. Students will learn to create
ceramic objects using basic handbuilding techniques of pinching, coil building, slab
construction and working with simple molds as well as have an introduction to basic
throwing on the potter’s wheel. The emphasis is on individual expression and exploration of
traditional techniques.

Course Objectives

1. Students will be able to perform and understand the techniques and processes of
forming, decorating and firing earthenware clay.

2. Students will have an understanding of the basic technical aspects of ceramics and
ceramics studios: -physical properties of ceramics materials
-preparation of clays, slips and glazes
-loading and firing of electric kilns
-health and safety in the studio

3. Students will develop discipline in relation to studio practice.
4. Students will explore the possibilities for self-expression in ceramics.
5. Students will build analytical skills in looking at ceramics, developing the ability to

articulate ideas about ceramic objects during group discussion and critiques.

Methods of Instruction
Demonstrations will be given to present new techniques of forming and finishing at the
beginning of each assignment. Slides will be shown to present examples both historical and
contemporary. Lectures and demonstrations about physical properties and preparation of
clays, slips and glazes and the methods for loading and firing kilns will occur throughout the
trimester. Class time will be divided between demonstrations/lectures, clay preparation, kiln
loading and studio work time. Students are expected to devote time outside of class time to
complete their assignments. Group discussion and critiques of assignments will occur
throughout the trimester. There will be a final critique of finished work at the end of the
semester
.

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Texttbook and Readings
Speight ant Toki, Charlotte F. and John. Hands in Clay: 4th ed. Mountainview, CA: Mayfield
Publishing, 1999.
Disability Accommodations:
Students in this course who need disability accommodations/modifications should present
a copy of their official Northwest accommodation letter from the LAP/S Committee to
the instructor during private office hours as early in the term as possible. Additional
information can be found in the “Services for Students with Disabilities” brochure
available at the Student Services Center in the Administration Building or online at:
http://www.nwmissouri.edu/swd/index.htm.
Syllabus Preparation:
This syllabus was prepared by Laura Kukkee in August 2009 to be implemented during the
fall trimester 2009.

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Beginning Ceramics 13-161 Projects

Pinch Pots
6 pinch pots
Hand-held size

Coil Pot #1
Coil Pot based on Historical form
Emphasizing both volume and tension
Painted with Terra Sigillata, smoke firing optional
Minimum height requirement: 14”

Coil Pot #2
Coil Pot with entire surface carved/textured/built up
Motif informed by another (not pottery) object
Decorated with coloured slips
Minimum height requirement: 16”

Written Self Critique
Written paper on one of your pieces

Slab-building
Two visually and conceptually related containers built by using slabs
Surface treatment is your choice: terra sigillata, carving/building/texture, slips…or any
combination possible.
Minimum height requirement: 10”

Portrait Bust
Wall hanging tondo
Life size or larger human portrait
Coil/slab built
Surface is your choice
Minimum requirement: 16” in one direction

Beginning pottery wheel
5 well-made bowls, bottoms must be trimmed and finished
5 well-made cylindrical forms: choice of cups, vases, tumblers…etc.
Surface is your choice

Ceramics Notebook

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