Ceramics is a comprehensive course designed to
provide students with a strong foundation in the use of clay as an art medium.
Many different techniques
of clay modeling and decoration will be introduced through a series
of
challenging projects. After students become familiar with
the possibilities and properties
of clay, they will use their knowledge to arrive at individual and
creative solutions to design problems. During the second half of this class,
students
will be introduced to the basics of working on the potters wheel.
Students electing to take Advanced Ceramics after completion of this course will
have mastered the skills they need for further study. Class
critiques
as well
as the study of past and contemporary ceramic artists and trends
will be an important part of this course.
Advanced Ceramics
Advanced Ceramics builds on the technical and artistic concepts
introduced in Ceramics. This course is designed for students
who wish to pursue their interest in this art form in greater
detail. It is structured to provide a broad range of experiences
that students can draw from and incorporate into their own unique
approach to the medium. A major focus will be working on the
potters wheel, but hand built projects and various decorating
techniques will also be a large part of the class. Art History,
art criticism, and esthetics will be involved as we look at the
work of established artists for inspiration and insight, and
gather to discuss our own.
Attendance / Lateness
Be sure to review the school’s attendance policy as written
in the Handbook
for Students and Parents. Any unauthorized absence from class will exclude
you from participation in co - curricular activities that school day. If
you are late to class, make sure that you arrive with a pass. It is your responsibility
to sign in on a page of the Ceramics room late book if you arrive after attendance
has been taken.
Classroom Environment
The Ceramics room is shared by several classes. It is expected that each student
will do their part to keep the room, equipment, tools, and work areas in good
condition. Clay in its moist form presents no danger, but when it dries and
is ground up into fine dust particles it can be a problem. Monitors will be
assigned on a rotating basis to make sure that certain areas, tools and equipment
are cleaned. If a student neglects to take care of his or her area, he or she
will be assigned a half hour detention.
It is important to respect the right of other classes to a clean and well organized
workspace. It is of equal importance to treat your fellow classmates and your
teacher with respect at all times. This does not mean that we will not be critical
of each others work. We will learn ways of discussing our work and how to give
constructive criticism in order to help each other improve.
In the event that I am absent, I expect that you will conduct yourself in the
same manner as when I am present. Substitute teachers must be treated with
respect and clean up routines must be followed.
Preparation For Class
Come to class each day prepared to work with clay. You may want to bring an
old shirt or apron to put on over your clothes to protect them as Ceramics
can be quite messy. Those with hair that is longer than shoulder length will
need to tie it back when using the potters wheel for safety reasons. No open
- toe footwear is permitted when using the kick wheel. Also - long nails will
get in the way when you work on the potters wheel.
Show Reviews
It is not always possible for the entire class to visit certain museums and
gallery spaces because of the size of the class and time constraints. It is
the policy of the Art Department at CCHS to have students visit at least two
gallery shows / exhibits on their own and write reviews of them. Other reviews
may be written based on field trips, guest lecturers, or even Internet research.
You will be provided with more information on this topic on a separate sheet.
Make Up Work
If a show review is not turned in on time it will be graded down one level
for each day that it is late. If you miss a deadline due to an excused absence,
you will not be penalized but must turn in the assignment the next day we meet.
Students who are out for an extended period due to excused absence will be
given one week to turn in assignments and make up missed class work.
Grading
The Art Department has developed an assessment procedure that is common to
all art classes at CCHS. You will be given a copy of the Art Department
Assessment Procedures. The criteria for evaluation in this class will be
broken down as follows:
Production ( major projects, craftsmanship, expression ) 70%
Perception and Reflection ( written work, self evaluations, critiques ) 10%
Approach to work ( effort, attendance, participation ) 20%
All Ceramics classes are semester classes. There will be no written mid-year
or final exams, however students will be required to attend a final class critique
at the end of each quarter. Your attendance and participation at each critique
is mandatory.
