CERAMICS

This course is for students who have completed at least one semester of Fundamentals of Art. Students will have the opportunity to explore ceramics concepts at a deeper level, and create works that demonstrate an understanding of advanced ceramic techniques. Emphasis is placed on hand building techniques including pinch, coil, and slab construction, as well as sculpture and glazing methods. The text for this course is Claywork by Leon I. Nigrosh.

ASSIGNMENT GRADES: Students are responsible for the completion of all projects. Student projects must demonstrate an understanding of assignment objectives, attention to detail, and quality time spent. Each assignment will be worth a maximum of 100 points (A+). Each marking period’s grade will be determined by averaging all assignment/project grades earned. Individual assignment/project grades are evenly weighted, and will be based on objectives established for each assignment or project. The grading criteria for each assignment will be explained when the assignment is given and reiterated while works are in progress. Because of the variance in drying times for clay and the restrictions of the firing process, a certain number of projects will be due by the mid-quarter instead of by individual dates. This will make it possible to notify students and sponsors of the possibility of unsatisfactory grades. In addition to the mid-quarter progress report, sponsors will be notified whenever it appears that the student’s grade may be falling below a “C”. The remaining projects will be due by the end of the grading quarter. Only assignments that have been glazed will be considered finished and eligible for credit.

DAILY PARTICIPATION GRADES and EXTRA CREDIT: Students are expected to be participating (in ceramics) for each, entire class period. Each student has the opportunity to earn 50 participation points every time they come to class. FACT: Since many projects take at least two class periods, it’s possible to earn as many points during a week on participation as on an actual assignment! Think about it! If a student fails to begin working on the current assignment within 10 minutes of the beginning of class, they will receive 0 points for that day. Similarly, students who cease work more than 10 minutes before the end of class will receive 0 points for that day. If a student feels that he/she has completed an assignment before it is due, the student must still participate in ceramics. This can take the form of a free project for extra credit, or perhaps re-doing a previous project that failed to get a higher grade. Please note: Extra credit projects cannot take the place of regular assignments.
Bottom line? PARTICIPATE!!!!!!!

CLEAN UP: Students are expected to leave their work areas (including the floor) clean and dry for the next class. Water bowls and tools must also be cleaned and neatly put away before leaving. When finished or at the end of class, clay projects must be placed in the drying cabinet, and unused clay must be returned to the appropriate bucket.

SEMINAR: Seminar passes will be available only to those students who have either missed class due to an excused absence (ex. Sports) or have missed at least half of a class due to an excused tardy. A “Daily Participation Grade” can be earned under the same conditions as stated above (see “Daily Participation Grades” above).

LANGUAGE: Profanity and/or language with vulgar content is unacceptable in the Art room. In a class period, a student may receive one (1) warning if he/she is in violation. Further violation will result first in an after school detention, then in a discipline referral to the administration.

LEAVING EARLY: Students will be released from class at the scheduled bell. If a student is out of the Art room during or at the end of class without permission, he/she will be referred to the administration.

UNITS COVERED

Pinch Pot Construction
Coil Construction Relief Sculpture
Slab Construction
Figural Sculpture
Free Form Expression
Glaze Techniques
Firing Principles