Office hours: Posted in my schedule and outside the ceramics room door.

1.0 Syllabi

Wellesley High School

Honors Ceramics Intensive 

Course Syllabi 

 

Amie C. Larson, larsona@wellesleyps.org

 

Office hours: 

Office hours change each term and are by appointment only.  Available times are posted outside the ceramics studio.

Thursday’s 2:30-3:30pm

 

Course Objective: 

Further exploration of the ceramic process; an introduction to more complex ways of hand building and continuing to develop the art of wheel-throwing. Examination of the technology and chemistry of clay, glazes and high temperature oxidation and reduction firing.

 

Course Description: 

In this course we will build on what you have learned in your pre-requisite classes.  We will focus on utilitarian pottery, and non-functional sculptural clay works. We will dive deeply into Asian Pottery and finally you will be asked to use clay as a vehicle to affect change in the world around us.  Making good pottery is very difficult, it takes a lot of time and practice to master the skill to a level that we can express our ideas. Making pottery is also tremendously joyous and a passionately creative act. This class will have a strong online component, please make sure you have access to our Canvas page.

 

Course Requirements: 

Students will have at-home work and in-school assignments weekly.  There is an expectation for all students to participate in class critiques, complete assignments and make a digital portfolio of work created.

 

Resources: 

www.ceramicstoday.com 

www.archiebray.org 

www.wocef.com 

www.nceca.net 

www.potters.org 

www.artaxis.com 

www.ayumihorie.com

https://ayumihorie.com/ceramic-links/

 

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. Some students prefer to use gloves for their hands and dusk masks.  You will need to supply these for yourself.

 

GRADING AND ATTENDANCE: 

Assignments will be given approximately every five weeks and class critiques will follow. Assignments must be turned in on time 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. 

 

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 10 MINUTES TO CLEAN UP AT THE END OF EVERY CLASS, AND ONCE EVERY MONTH WE WILL DO A MAJOR STUDIO CLEAN UP. IF YOU COME IN OUTSIDE OF CLASS TIMES, CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF. 

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.
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!