COURSE OUTLINE Ceramics I - Butler Community College

Butler Community College Roger Mathews
Fine Arts and Communication Division Revised Spring 2013
Implemented Fall 2013

COURSE OUTLINE
Ceramics I

Course Description
AR 161. Ceramics I. 3 hours credit. This course will enable the student to learn basic
processes and construction techniques relating to ceramics. The student will explore
various tools and design processes and apply them to the appropriate ceramic forms.

Course Relevance
Ceramics is the study of an intricate process which transforms one of the most
abundant raw materials on earth into art forms both utilitarian and sculptural. In this
course the student will learn proper usage of tools, equipment and materials associated
with the ceramic process.

Required Materials
Nelson, G., Ceramics: a potter’s handbook. Holt, Rinehart, and Winston

Basic ceramic tool kit (available at bookstore)

Four inch, half-round wooden rib (available at bookstore)

* - For complete textbook information, refer to http://www.butlercc.bkstr.com

Butler Assessed Outcomes
The intention is for the student to be able to:
1. Hand build objects using pinch forming, coiling, and slab construction techniques.
2. Form objects using the potter's wheel as the primary tool.
3. Make independent decisions determining proper tools and techniques to use for

successful execution of various forms.

Learning PACT Skills that will be developed and documented in this course
Through involvement in this course, the student will develop ability in the following
PACT skill area(s):
Analytical Thinking Skills
1. Problem solving

 By completing projects, the student will demonstrate the ability to work through
various construction problems.

Major Summative Assessment Task(s)
These learning outcome(s )and the Learning PACT skill(s) will be demonstrated by:
1. Presenting all completed ceramic assignments for a cumulative, individual final

critique. The student will provide an oral defense of his/her work.

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Course Content
I. Skills or Competencies – Actions that are essential to achieve the course outcomes:

A. Following instruction for successful completion of forms and assignments
B. Working with intent from initial concept development through completion of the

ceramic form
C. Demonstrating eye/hand coordination
D. Maintaining an organized workspace necessary for a safe studio environment
E. Making independent decisions determining proper tools, materials, and

techniques to use for successful execution of various forms
II. Themes – Key recurring concepts that run throughout this course:

A. Art criticism
B. Craftsmanship
C. Creativity within the confines of the individual assignments
D. Aesthetics of finished work
E. Application of process
III. Issues – Key areas of conflict that must be understood in order to achieve the
intended outcome:
A. Traditional application of the ceramic process vs. contemporary application
B. Relevance of form in 3-D art vs. 2-D art
C. Effective use of 3-D design in sculptural vs. utilitarian forms
IV. Concepts – Key concepts that must be understood to address the issues:
A. Vocabulary unique to the ceramic process
B. Effective use of the ceramic process
C. Hand-building techniques including pinch forming, coil building, and hard slab

construction
D. Wheel throwing techniques including cylinder forms, mug forms, and bowl forms

Learning Units
I. Introduction to Ceramics I

A. Overview of the ceramic process
B. Studio tour and introduction to materials, tools, and equipment
C. Materials, tools, and equipment safety

II. Pinch forming
A. Techniques
B. Wedging clay
C. Pinched bowl form, lip rim, body, and foot rim
D. Texture and surface treatment

III. Firing and glazing
A. Drying the work
B. Electric kiln use and safety
C. Bisque firing the work
D. Wax resist
E. Types of glaze and how to use them

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F. Gas kiln use and safety 3

IV. Coil construction of an organic form
A. Identifying and defining organic form
B. Demonstrating of coil construction techniques
C. Developing and executing form
D. Texture and surface treatment

V. Hard slab construction
A. Defining and demonstrating slab construction
B. Using the slab roller
C. Developing and executing form

VI. Introduction to wheel throwing
A. Using the potter’s wheel safely
B. Introducing and demonstrating wheel throwing tools

VII. Throwing the half cylinder
A. Centering clay on the wheel
B. Opening the centered clay
C. Making the floor of the opened clay
D. Bringing up the walls of the opened clay
E. Finishing the lip rim and foot rim
F. Removing the form from the wheel head

VIII. Throwing the cylinder
A. Centering clay on the wheel
B. Opening the centered clay
C. Making the floor of the opened clay
D. Bringing up the walls of the opened clay
E. Finishing the lip rim and foot rim
F. Removing the form from the wheel head
G. Trimming foot rims

IX. Pulling handles
A. Demonstrating techniques
B. Attaching handles

X. Mugs and mug forms
A. Mug design
B. Demonstrating throwing techniques
C. Placing handles

XI. Bowls and bowl forms
A. Defining bowl and bowl design
B. Demonstrating throwing tools and techniques

AR 161 Ceramics I

C. Trimming the foot rim of a bowl form

Learning Activities
Learning activities will include lectures and demonstrations on each individual
assignment, thumbnail sketches that document concept development, in-class
assignments to be completed in specified time period, and group critique of completed
assignments.

Grade Determination
The student’s final grade will be determined by class participation, number of
assignments completed on time, and demonstration of aesthetics, concepts,
craftsmanship, attitude and efforts.

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