Revised 08/25

ART 154 - Wheel Throwing I (3 CR.)

Course Description

Introduces a variety of ceramic wheel throwing techniques utilized to design and produce ceramic arts. Includes an introduction to clay, glazes and kilns. Part I of II. Lecture 1 hour. Studio instruction 4 hours. Total 5 hours per week.

General Course Purpose

The purpose of the ceramic course is to introduce the student to the various techniques utilized in studio ceramics, to make the student aware of relationships between the artist potter and ceramic industry, and to prepare the student for further study in ceramics. Emphasis will be on craftsmanship and creativity with special attention given to total concept from idea to finished product. This is a studio option under the AFA in Visual Arts. It is the beginning of the first-year sequence of Ceramic Wheel Throwing I-II.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

A basic understanding of three-dimensional form is a recommended.

Course Objectives

Upon completing the course, the student will be able to: Communication/Critical Thinking

  • Use media-specific terminology to critique and evaluate both concept sketches and

completed works.

  • Demonstrate attention to the entire process from concept to final

Composition

  • Demonstrate an understanding of utility by creating basic functional

Technique

  • Demonstrate technical skills and craftsmanship through the correct handling of materials and tools.
  • Explore the stages of clay including understanding bisque and glaze

Cultural Understanding

  • Identify precedents of traditional, historical, and contemporary functional

Wheel Throwing Basics

  • Investigate a variety of forms as well as finishing techniques including:
  • Cylinder form
  • Bowl form
  • Other thrown forms
  • Altered forms
  • Trimming
  • Handles

Composition

  • Explore traditional and contemporary thrown and thrown-and-altered ceramics to create work that begins to explore students’ individual styles.

 Critique

  • Utilize media-specific terminology to critique and evaluate

Conceptual Intent

  • Use traditional, historical or contemporary examples of ceramics as the basis for in-class exploration of forms.

Major Topics to Be Included

    • Cylinder form
    • Bowl form
    • Other Thrown forms
    • Thrown and altered forms
    • Trimming
    • Handles

    Extra Topics

    • Introduction to hand building