Course Syllabus

Welcome to Ceramics Wheel Throwing!

 

1.0 Syllabus Ceramics

Wellesley High School

Ceramics Wheel Throwing 

Course Syllabi 

 

Amie C. Larson, larsona@wellesleyps.org

 

Office hours: 

Posted outside of room 345. 

 

Course Objective: 

Explore the ceramic process using the potter's wheel.  We will use our creativity in and out of the ceramics studio.  With an open mind and a creative spirit, anything is possible!

 

Course Description: 

You will learn the basics of working on a potter's wheel and hopefully make a set of tumblers (cups without handles); a set of cups with handles and a set of bowls.   

Course Requirements: 

Be in class for the duration of our time, be open to constructive feedback and put in your best effort.  Working with clay is like learning a foreign language with your finger tips.  Be patient with yourself--this takes time!  I expect you to work alongside me as we continue to build your clay vocabulary on and off the wheel.

Resources: 

www.ceramicstoday.com 

www.archiebray.org 

www.wocef.com 

www.nceca.net 

www.potters.org 

www.artaxis.com 

www.ayumihorie.com

 

Materials needed for class: 

If you feel that you need to cover your clothes, you will need to come with an extra t-shirt or towel daily. 

 

GRADING AND ATTENDANCE: 

Assignments will be given and class critiques will follow. Assignments must be turned in for full credit. Grading for each project will be based on fulfillment of the assignments based on the quality of work done. Criteria for assessing quality will be idea, formal resolution, craftsmanship and originality. ***idea development and craftsmanship are key**** Final grades will be affected by your studio habits (which includes attendance), thoughtfulness, participation, clean up and improvement.  An "A" is yours to lose.

Attendance, participation in critiques, attitude and your work energy will be major factors of your final grade. ANY unexcused absence can affect your grade. 

PLEASE NOTE: OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE WILL TAKE PLACE THROUGH CANVAS. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ACCESS TO IT AND TO CHECK YOUR CANVAS DAILY.

 

HEALTH & SAFETY:

Health and Safety notes: Many of the materials used in the ceramic process are toxic or harmful. 

CLEAN UP IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. YOU WILL NEED A MINIMUM OF 10 MINUTES TO CLEAN UP AT THE END OF EVERY CLASS. Wet cleanup is SAFE cleanup!

Your clean up practices will also affect your grade!!!! 

 

CERAMICS STUDIO RULES AND POLICIES: 

  1. Clean up after yourself! This includes wheels, splash pans, floor around wheels and tables, table surfaces, studio tools and bats, sinks. 
  2. We will be trimming a lot of pots in this class – you MUST sweep the floor gently or vacuum after you trim – every time! Trimmings can make a lot of dust – Bad! Bad! 
  3. Never leave work out on wheels or tables. Move it to your assigned shelf. Always remove boards and bats from your work when it is dry. Wash boards and bats when you have finished using them and put them back in their proper locations. 
  4. Never mess with anyone else’s property!