Ceramics II
Syllabus
L. Courtney Melton, M.F.A.
Madison Central High School
Introduction:
This course is intended for those extending the study of ceramics and is an introduction to
the sculptural and wheel throwing methods of working with clay. The primary emphasis
is on studio work leading to a portfolio of finished pieces by the end of the semester. In
addition to demonstrations of technique and technical assignments, you should take a
field trip to view historic and contemporary examples of fine ceramic art. Periodically
throughout the term, I will show slides or films to help illustrate what you are learning.
The main goal of this course is for the students to be able to create and hopefully
appreciate expressive, beautiful three dimensional clay forms. The student will have an
understanding of other cultures and periods of human expression in clay and finally begin
to be proficient at forming clay objects.
Materials:
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There is a mandatory $30 materials fee for this class. If you do not pay this
materials fee you will not be given clay and will have to do alternate assignments.
FOUR rolls of paper towels
Sketchbook
You will need certain items in class everyday such as:
1. Sketchbook (Hardbound sketchbooks are preferred) Spiral may be cheaper
if necessary. Please NO sketchpads- they fall apart.
2. Pencils for drawing, not pens.
3. An apron or shirt if you wish (this is for your protection, ceramics can be
very messy at times)
4. Various supplies may be asked for throughout the semester. (plastic bowl,
recycled containers, plastic grocery sacks, etc)
Evaluation:
-Creativity, craftsmanship, composition, effort, and following instructions of all work.
-Progress and completion of studio work.
-Quizzes and/or homework assignments.
Grades are on a percentage which is as follows:
40%- Daily grades- participation, do-nows, Notes, care of art materials, homework,
sketchbook drawings, pop quizzes and being prepared.
60%- Test grades- projects, critiques, and various assignments.
The making process (classwork) and Finished Projects (test grades) are equally
important. Semester Exam- Written final exam will follow MCSD handbook.
Exemptions will follow MCHS handbook.
Grading Scale:
A 90-100
B 80-89
C 70-79
D 65-69
F 64 and below
Artwork:
Artwork turned in late will result in a deduction of 10 points per class period past the due
date.
Exception- excused absences and artwork that has been graded. May time I will give a
student artwork back and offer them a chance to improve a grade by changing or
reworking (if possible) the project on their own time. This work will be due two weeks
prior to the end of the semester. The original grade will be recorded until the reworked
project is submitted. *This does not apply to sketchbook grades.
Tardy Policy:
1st tardy= warning
2nd tardy= parental notification
3rd tardy= Absence (3 early check outs will also count as an absence.)
4th unexcused tardy, and each one thereafter, the student will be referred to the
administration for more severe consequences which may include corporal punishment,
inschool detention (ISD), or out-of-school suspension upon first report to the
administration, the parent/guardian will be notified that there is a problem.
Six (6) or more unexcused tardies will result in a student being suspended from school.
Missing 25 minutes of class, beginning or end will result in an automatic absence.
Remember: This is a SEMESTER class and absences can add up quickly.
MCSD student handbook will be enforced. This includes but is not limited to…
Dress code Absences Tardy Hats/scarves FOOD Electronic Devices
Classroom electronic policy: No electronic device may be used during class unless
students are working individually on their projects OR if the teacher has given an
assignment needing a MacBook. MacBooks are only to be on student tables with
expressed permission of the teacher.
Examples:
• No cell phones should be out while the teacher is demonstrating, testing, lecturing
or teaching the class unless students ask to record the demo. Ear buds must be
removed during these times.
• Gaming is only permitted at the very end of class after you have cleaned your
area and put supplies away in the correct place.
•
If you are permitted to listen to your device it must be with ear buds/head phones.
o
Your neighbor should not hear your music at any time.
o
Especially if you are wearing ear buds.
Infractions of these or any electronic device rules will result in the teacher asking you
to put your device away. If you do not comply the device will be taken up and an
administrator will administer the appropriate punishment.
Ceramics II Outline
Properties of Clay
o Stages of Clay
o Problems with clay
o Techniques and processes
History of Ceramics and 3D Design
o Overview of history of ceramics
o Overview of history of sculpture
o Importance and purpose of ceramics and 3D design
Pinch, Slab, Coil Review
o Hand building techniques
o hump & slump molds
Potter’s Wheel techniques
o wheel throwing techniques
centering, opening, pulling up, trimming
Sculpture
o modeling techniques, (Sculpture in the round/bas relief, high relief, sunken relief)
o mixed media techniques
o mold making
Glaze
o Techniques of glazing
o Properties of glaze
o Surface Enrichment (Stamping, Mishima, Sgraffito, Sip trailing, Marbling, etc.)
This is the first page of your sketchbook! Please cut it out and glue it in.