ART 161

COURSE SYLLABUS

3.	RESOURCES NEEDED:
	TEXT:	Hands in Clay, Speight, Current Edition.
	SUPPLIES:
4.	COURSE DESCRIPTION:	This course is an introduction to traditional and contemporary ceramic forms and processes including hand-building and throwing the potter's wheel.
5.	COURSE GOAL:	The student will complete a portfolio of a minimum of 8 works that demonstrate basic hand-building techniques and an understanding of glazing and finishing options.

6.	COURSE OBJECTIVES:
	By the end of the course, students will
	(A)	This course is an introduction to traditional and contemporary ceramic forms and processes including hand-building and throwing the potter's wheel.
	(B)	Define the fundamental processes and terms used in ceramics.
	(C)	Analyze the basic 3-D design elements and how they are utilized in pottery making.
	(D)	Demonstrate a basic understanding of glaze firing by loading and setting the kiln.
	(E)	Describe and compare different historical and cultural pottery forms.
	(F)	Appreciate ceramics as an art form and medium for self-expression and personal enrichment.

7.	EVALUATION PROCEDURES:
Ceramics I is a studio class which emphasizes mastery of the basic ceramic techniques utilized in handbuilt and wheel-thrown pottery. The class is divided into eight modules and the final. At the end of each module the student is required to turn in a completed piece for a grade and, if passing, retain the piece for the final portfolio evaluation. In addition, students will have one piece mounted in an appropriate fashion for display in the Student Art Show.
The final will consist of:
		1.	A portfolio evaluation of the work completed during the course of the semester.
		2.	A display of the student's work.
The eight modules are 10% each for a total of 80% of the overall grade. The final is valued at 20% of the overall grade.

			Grading Scale Raw Score Range	Letter Grade
			90 to 100	A
			80 to 89	B
			70 to 79	C
			60 to 69	D
			0 to 59	F

Special Remarks:
1.	Attendance: College policy states that students may be dropped from enrollment when absent 20% of the scheduled class meetings. If enrolled from the beginning of the term, 15 hours will usually constitute 20% of a four-credit semester course which meets five hours per week. Reinstatement procedures are described in the PCC catalog.
2.	Tardy Policy: A student who is late three times (enters classroom after the instructor has taken roll) will be charged with one full absence unless the student can provide valid reasons for one or more of these tardies.
3.	Assignments/Missed Exams: It is the student's responsibility, whether present or absent, to obtain all material presented and to complete all course assignments. If prior arrangements are made or extenuating circumstances exist, makeup of tests may be allowed. Late homework papers will not be accepted unless those same extenuating circumstances exist. Makeup of quizzes is to be at the instructor's discretion.

8.	COURSE OUTLINE
	Tentative Schedule
	I.	Module One: Intro to Handbuilt Pottery
		A.	Basic terms and techniques
		B.	Historical perspective
		C.	Coil built pottery and firing
	II.	Module Two: Slab Pottery
		A.	Basic techniques
		B.	Large slab tiles
		C.	Texture and glazing
	III.	Module Three: Wheel-thrown
		A.	Basic procedures
		B.	Glaze calculations
		E.
	IV.	Module Four: Clay as Sculpture
		A.	Modeling techniques
		B.	Firing techniques
		C.	Glazing formulas
	V.	Module Five: Raku Pinch Pots
		A.	Raku defined
		B.	Basic techniques
		C.	Firing processes
	VI.	Module Six: Wheel-thrown sets
		A.	Cups and bowls
		B.	Design fundamentals
		C.	Glazing
	VII.	Module Seven: Wheel-thrown pitchers
		A.	Basics
		B.	Handle making
		C.	Glaze experiments
		D.	Finish and Display Wall Units and Bases
	VIII.	Module Eight: Combination Techniques
		A.	Design ideas
		B.	Glaze experiments
	IX.	Final

9.	METHODS OF INSTRUCTION:
	To be successful in this course, students are expected to participate in discussions, readings, in-class writing, and peer review activities. The instructor may assign point values to such activities.
10.	ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:
	The very nature of higher education requires that students adhere to accepted standards of academic integrity. Therefore, Pueblo Community College has adopted a policy of academic conduct as described in the Student Handbook. Violation of academic integrity may be defined to include the following: cheating, plagiarism, falsification and fabrication, abuse of academic materials, complicity in academic dishonesty, and personal misrepresentation. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of the behaviors that constitute academic dishonesty. Sanctions for violating the standards of academic integrity may include warning, probation, suspension, and/or failure of the course or assignment at the discretion of the instructor.
11.	ADA NOTICE:
	Students who have a documented disability may be eligible to receive accommodations for this class. Please contact the Disability Resources Center at 549-3446 for further information.