Course Syllabus

Instructor: Ms. Lau
Course: Ceramics: Handbuilding
Location: 345
Email: lauj@wellesleyps.org

Course Description

This course introduces students to the fundamental techniques and creative possibilities of building with clay by hand. Through demonstrations, practice, and two major projects, students will explore slab construction and coil building while developing an understanding of form, structure, surface, and craftsmanship.

Students will learn to plan, construct, refine, decorate, and glaze ceramic forms while developing their own visual ideas and artistic voice. The course concludes with a digital portfolio, in which students document their work and create a personal website featuring their ceramic pieces and an artist statement.

Students will:

• Demonstrate fundamental slab-building and coil-building techniques
• Construct ceramic forms with attention to structure, proportion, and stability
• Use appropriate techniques for joining, compressing, smoothing, and refining clay
• Explore surface design through texture, carving, pattern, and/or glaze
• Develop ideas through sketches, experimentation, and revision
• Make intentional decisions about form and surface
• Demonstrate safe and responsible studio practices
• Evaluate and discuss their own work using appropriate ceramic vocabulary
• Photograph and document finished ceramic work
• Create a digital portfolio website
• Write an artist statement that communicates their ideas, process, and artistic interests
• Participate in critiques and discussions.

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Course Units/Projects

• Unit 1: Building with Slabs
• Unit 2: Coil Vessels
• Website with Final Portfolio and Artist Statement

Grading/Assessment

Your work will be evaluated based on your growth, craftsmanship, participation, and ability to apply the techniques taught in class.

Assessment may include:

• Process & Practice: Consistent effort and willingness to practice.
• Craftsmanship: Care, control, and attention to detail.
• Technique: Demonstration of skills taught in class.
• Creativity: Development of original ideas and thoughtful artistic choices.
• Problem Solving: Ability to respond to challenges and make adjustments.
• Participation: Engagement in demonstrations, studio work, critiques, and discussions.
• Studio Habits: Safe and responsible use of materials, tools, and equipment.
• Reflection: Ability to discuss artistic choices, successes, challenges, and growth.

Project-specific rubrics and grading criteria will be provided throughout the course.

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Studio Policies

Absences

Making hand-built ceramics is a multi-step process and missing one stage can affect the entire project. Students are expected to email the teacher to coordinate making up missed classes.

Office Hours

Extra help is available after school on Tuesdays in 345 (the ceramics studio). Additional time can be arranged via email.

WHS DCAP

District accommodations (DCAP)Links to an external site. are available to all students, and in the 26-27 school year, WHS is committed to moving this forward with fidelity.

While some accommodations can be offered at the moment, others require advanced notice. 

For example: Extended time on an in-class assessment is a collaborative decision made by the teacher, student, and family to meet individual student needs.  The WHS guideline is up to 25% extra time.  This accommodation relies on proactive student communication prior to the date of the assessment.  The student and teacher must establish how the accommodation will be provided.