2017-18 IROQUOIS HIGH SCHOOL SYLLABUS

Ceramics
Mission: Providing all students the skills to be responsible, productive citizens who are
College and Career Ready.

Vision: Iroquois High School will provide a high quality education that prepares
students to be responsible citizens who will choose a post-secondary education or a
career after graduation. We will expand our students horizons through a variety of
social, cultural, and educational experiences.

Course Title: Ceramics

Instructor: Rachel Spears
Instructor e-mail address rachel.spears@jefferson.kyschools.us
Instructor planning period time 5th period

Course Description
Students in ceramics construct hand built and wheel turned pieces that are glazed and
fired. Sculpture students explore additive, subtractive, and model techniques. Study in
both 3D processes which includes skill development in the use of art elements,
principles of design, and composition. Traditional and experimental use of various
media, techniques and styles are encouraged. Broad historical and cultural perspectives
on art and artists who work in ceramics and sculpture, as well as instruction and
practice in the critique process are addressed.

Students in this class have made a commitment to the study of art and are expected to
maintain a professional attitude at all times. All students will be involved in long-term art
projects throughout the course of the semester. Grades will be based on a students
individual progress, assignment requirements, and established teacher expectations.
Active participation in critiques, reading assignments, written assignments, and
sketchbook assignments will all be required for this class.

One Semester Course Sequence

Exploration of the art process of ceramics. Students will create using clay. They will
explore the process and techniques of the successful use of the clay medium. Students
will understand purposes and cultural/historical contexts of ceramics.

Unit 1 - Foundation/Orientation Unit 6 - Hollowing out method

Unit 2 - Pinch pot and Combined pinch Unit 7 - Experiment with finishing
pot techniques: incising, dipping,
Unit 3 - Coil method underglazing, overglazing,
Unit 4 - Slab method scraffito, embossing
Unit 5 - Combined methods Unit 8 - Glaze application
Unit 9 - Introduction to firing clay
Grading Scale
JCPS Grading Scale
A.. (Above Standard)...90-100%
B..(Meets Standard)..80-89%
C..(Approaching Standard).70-79%
D..(Below Standard).60-69%
U..(Substantially Below Standard)59-0%

Components of Academic Grades

Categories and Percentages
Student Engagement with Standards
(Reflection) 20%
Student Progression Toward
Standards (Formative) 20%
Student Mastery of Standards
(Summative) 60%
Components/Assignments
Daily warm-up writing, class discussions,
critique participation
Sketchbook assignments, notes, written
assignments, art exercises
Projects and tests

Classroom Expectations
1. Show respect for yourself, your classmates, the teacher, and the classroom
materials, through your words and actions
2. Follow directions and stay on task
3. Clean up after yourself
4. Leave all food and drink outside of the classroom
5. Keep all body parts and objects to yourself
6. Raise your hand and ask for permission to speak during instruction
7. Stay in your seat unless you have permission to do otherwise
8. No cell phones or electronic devices
9. Comply with the Discipline and dress code policies outlined in the Iroquois High
School handbook

Materials Needed
Pencils
Sketchbook
Old t-shirt or apron

Student Fee
There is a $15 student fee for this class. Students on Fee Waiver are exempt from this
fee.

Iroquois Visual Art Website - http://iroquoisvisualart.weebly.com/

Iroquois Visual Art Instagram - @IroquoisVisualArt