This course outline has been prepared to communicate the expectations, course content, course requirements, policies, and any other information that will give you the opportunity to achieve and have a positive learning experience. Please read it carefully and share it with your parents. If you do not understand this course orientation sheet or have any other questions about this course, see me personally.
This is a one semester course in beginning ceramics that will give you the opportunity to learn basic concepts of working with clay. The course focuses on hand building, wheel working, firing, glazing, and the sequence of operations from the raw, wet clay to the fired, decorated three-dimensional piece. Students are encouraged to use their creativity to solve the problems that are presented to them while making ceramic wares. Projects will have designated times in which to accomplish the outlined methods of making pottery.
COURSE OUTLINE
1. Nature of Clay
2. Ceramic Tools
3.
Glaze Application
4.
Kilns and Firing Procedures
5. Pinch Construction
6. Coil Construction
7.Slab Construction
8. Mold Construction
9.
Sculpture (bas relief/haute relief)
10. Mixture of Handbuilding Techniques
11.
Elements of Design
12. Principles of Design
13. Art History
14. Surface Decoration/Texture
15. Figurative vs. Abstract
16. Functional vs. Non-functional
17. Vocabulary/Tools
GRADING SYSTEM
Grades are based on the student’s efforts in class, individual abilities, projects, quizzes, tests, and participation. The final grade is based on an average of the total number of points earned throughout the semester. At the end of the project, the student will be given points for the completed assignment. Points are based on criteria established at the beginning of each project. Project points are earned for creativity, construction, purpose, and design. Your grade is not based on talent!
90-100%=A
80-89% =B
70-79% =C
60-69% =D
0-59% =F
Students earn participation points for attending class, working the entire class period, being on time, and following classroom rules.
LAB CONTRIBUTION AND SUPPLIES
A contribution of $35 .00 should be paid by the end of the week. Checks should be made payable to Valencia High School, and should include the student I.D. number. Donations are accepted in the ASB Office before school, brunch, lunch, and after school. Lab and class donations may now be paid online at the school website, www.ValenciaASB.com. Please click Pay Class & Lab Donations Here.
Please note: I buy all materials and supplies in bulk and on sale as much as possible. Although it is lots of extra work, we re-pug our clay so that we may reuse it and we often mix powders to create glazes. If you were to buy the sculpture clay that we use, one bag would be over $15.00, excluding shipping and tax. One gallon of glaze would be between $55.00 and $200.00, with most being over $100.00. The students are taught to be frugal with supplies. The donation of $35.00 usually is enough so that every student may use as much clay and glaze as s/he needs.
Please bring the following items to class by Monday of next week.
*Large zip-lock freezer bags (one box)
*Handi-wrap or cleaner’s plastic
*Tall plastic garbage bags
*Pencil
*Plastic bowl or large margarine type container
Inexpensive flat paint brush (1/2 or 1 inch)
*Old toothbrush
*Old over-sized shirt or apron
Old towel
Hand lotion
*Fork, *spoon, *butter knife, and a variety of kitchen utensils such as a rolling pen, cookie cutters, straws
*Shoe polish
Wire
*-most important items
CLASSROOM RULES
1. Follow directions, and use time wisely. (No one is permitted to disrupt the learning process.)
2. Be in your seat, and ready to work when the bell rings.
3. Treat yourself and others with respect. (Stealing or destroying another’s work is cause for suspension.)
4. Take care of materials, and bring your supplies on a daily basis. (No abuse, misuse, or theft!)
5. Clean up the tools you use, and any mess you make. (This is part of your daily work grade.)
Throwing clay at anytime constitutes an automatic suspension!
HOMEWORK POLICY
All students are required to make-up any work missed due to excused absences. It is YOUR responsibility to ask for make-up work. If you are out due to a long illness you may request work through the counseling office. Make-up work should be completed within two-three days, or at the teacher’s discretion. Work missed because of truancies and uncleared absences may not be made up.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Any student involved in dishonesty on any work will be subject to one, some, or all of the following: an automatic zero on the work; one day suspension from class; a referral to the Dean; and a conference between the Dean, the parents, and the teacher.
ATTENDANCE/TARDY
Attendance is important and is directly related to your success. To be successful, students need to be in attendance and on time to class each day. The school tardy and the district attendance policy will be in effect in this class.
TEACHER CONFERENCE PERIOD
My conference period during the day is period 4. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call at 294-1188, ext. 104, or e-mail at cpharis@hartdistrict.org. It is probably easier to reach me through e-mail, as I will check it periodically throughout the day.