ART 140: Beginning Ceramics

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2023
Credits: 3
Total Contact Hours: 108
Lecture Hours : 36
Lab Hours: 72
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 72
Total Student Learning Hours: 180
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: Yes - Approved
Grading Method: Standard Letter

Catalog Course Description

This course explores basic techniques of pottery making. It may include aspects of handbuilding and throwing on the potter's wheel. Emphasis is on understanding the qualities of clay, appreciation of basic pottery forms, glazing techniques and the development of personal expression. Historical and cultural concerns in ceramics are included. Material fee. 36 lecture hours, 72 lab hours.

Course Objectives

  • Produce and critique pottery forms using ten different basic handbuilding and throwing techniques
  • Understand the nature of glaze and be able to apply it to simple forms
  • Decorate simple pieces using four wet clay decorating techniques
  • Research ideas for class projects through use of library materials and the internet
  • Recognize and describe the origin and qualities of clay and glaze
  • Recognize and appreciate the role of handcrafts in today's society

Major Course Content

  1. Introduction, Requirements, Tools, and Materials
  2. History and Appreciation of Ceramics. Origin of Ceramic Materials
  3. Hand building Pottery Methods; Demonstrations, and Student Exploration - 6 Projects
    1. Stamps
    2. Pinch pots
    3. Slab tiles
    4. Slump/ump mold pot
    5. Slab pot
    6. Slab and coil pottery multicultural Mask
    7. Coil pottery-Jamon and Native American style
  4. Wheel Thrown Pottery; Demonstration, and Student Exploration - 8 Projects
    1. 3" x 5" cylinder
    2. Mugs
    3. Bowl
    4. Lidded jar
    5. Compote
    6. Decorated cylinder
    7. Butter dish
    8. Optional piece
  5. Wheel Trimming of Thrown Forms
  6. Glazing Demonstration and Student Exploration
  7. Book Reviews, Films, Announcement of Special Events (Workshops, Exhibits)
  8. Final Review and Evaluation

Lab Content

  1. Hand built
    1. Stamps
    2. Pinch pots
    3. Slab tiles
    4. Slump/hump drape pot
    5. Slab pot
    6. Mask
    7. Coil pottery
  2. Wheel Thrown Pottery
    1. 3" x 5" cylinder
    2. Mugs
    3. Bowl
    4. Lidded jar
    5. Compote and Decorated cylinder
    6. Internet based piece
  3. Wheel Trimming
  4. Glazing 
  5. Firing

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

Make it in Clay, current periodicals e.g. Ceramics Monthly, Art news

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

Three to five page gallery review, internet project, and periodical review.

Examples of Outside Assignments

Visit a ceramics related gallery or showing, for example AMOCA the American Museum of Ceramic Arts, or the Scripps Ceramics Annual in Claremont, and do a report on the visit.

Instruction Type(s)

Lab, Lecture, Online Education Lab, Online Education Lecture