Ceramics I (Fall)

Ceramics II (Spring)
Ceramics III (Fall)
Ceramics IV (Spring)

Mon-Fri
2019-20

Ms. Jones
Jonesd8@fultonschools.org

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Ceramics I
The prerequisite for this course is Introduction to Art.
Ceramics I is an introductory course in ceramics. Students will examine the unique qualities of clay and three-
dimensional design/problem-solving. In the exploration of this media, strong design, technical awareness,
aesthetic sensitivity and one’s imagination will contribute to the success of each art experience. The art
experiences are opportunities to express oneself, to solve problems, demonstrate an understanding of elements
and principles of art, and to understand/appreciate the world in which we live. This course will concentrate on
the function, form, and cultural contributions of ceramics through basic hand construction methods of pinching,
coiling and slab forming clay. Students will learn the beginning vocabulary of ceramics, properties of clay,
methods of surface treatment, firing, and other related aspects. Ceramic history, aesthetics, and art criticism will
be incorporated throughout the course. This course, as an overarching goal, aims to make arts learning
personally meaningful for each individual student.

FCS Sequence & Scope for Ceramics 1 - (3) 6 WK UNITS OF STUDY MAKE UP THE SEMESTER:
1. Pinch Handbuilding Method
2. Coil Handbuilding Method
3. Slab Handbuilding Method

Ceramics II
The prerequisite for this course is Ceramics I.
Ceramics II is an extension of the introductory ceramics course. This course explores sculpture, traditional
shapes and functional forms traditional to clay. This course is a continuation of the hand construction methods
learned in Ceramics I. More specifically this course aims to develop a beginning understanding of animal
anatomy and the sculptural skills necessary to represent animal forms. Students will build on their vocabulary in
ceramics, properties of clay, methods of surface treatment, firing, and other related aspects. Ceramic history,
aesthetics, and art criticism will be incorporated throughout the course. This course, as an overarching goal,
aims to make arts learning personally meaningful for each individual student.

FCS Sequence & Scope for Intro to Art Curriculum - (3) 6 WK UNITS OF STUDY MAKE UP THE
SEMESTER:
1. Functional Ceramics
2. Sculptural Ceramics
3. Combined Techniques and Alternative Surfaces
Ceramics III & IV
The prerequisite for this course is Ceramics II or Sculpture II/Ceramics III or Sculpture III
Ceramics III & IIII expands on all of the skills acquired in Ceramics I & II and focuses on developing artistic
voice and advanced clay work including working with Porcelain. This course allows for student work to be self-
directed and reflective of personal interests and working with advanced techniques in clay. Experimentation will
be encouraged, as will works of depth and complexity. Students may explore an area of concentration or attempt
a variety of self-generated projects. A major focus of this course will be on principles, practice, and techniques
for designing ceramics. More specifically this course also aims to develop a beginning understanding of human
anatomy and the sculptural skills necessary to represent the human form. This course aims to deeply investigate
the designing process in ceramics and prepare students for Ceramics IV and AP3D.

FCS Sequence & Scope for Ceramics III and IV – THERE IS NO STATE CURRICULUM FOR either.
The curriculum is designed using students interest (handbuilding versus throwing) as a framework.

The following techniques will be explored in the ceramics courses listed above (*DENOTES INTERMEDIATE
& ADVANCED):

HANDBUILDING GLAZE SURFACE DECORATION

Pinch construction Glazes* Burnishing Openwork*
Coil construction Underglazes Chanel Decoration* Relief
Slab construction Oxides and Dyes* Extrusion Resist*
Paddle construction Fluting and Faceting Scratching/Incising
Combined techniques Inscribing and carvingSgraffito*
Press, sling, drape mold making Mishima* Texture/Stamping
Cloisonné* Agate*
WHEEL THROWING KILN FIRING
Centering• Raku Firing*
Throwing forms* Smoke Firing*
Trimming•
Altered Thrown forms*

MATERIALS NEEDED/REQUIRED FOR THE COURSE:

- Work shirt/apron to protect your clothing
- a Sketchbook (may be shared between classes, but preferably NOT with an academic class)

OTHER MATERIALS NEEDED:

Grocery bags or dry cleaning plastic bags
Found objects for creating unique textures (shells, buttons, cheese grater, etc.)
Newspaper

EVALUATION/ASSESSMENT:
C Range B Range A Range

Totaled Percentage: <69% 70% 75% 79% 80% 85% 89% 90% 95% 100%
Course Grade: F C- C C+ B- B B+ A- A A+

Course grade explanations

A: Excellent
Demonstration of superior work (written and oral) in the fulfillment of the course requirements
B: Good
Work that exceeds expectations in the fulfillment of the course requirements

C: Satisfactory
Work that meets the course requirements

F: Failing
Failure to meet minimum course goals—written assignments, class participation, and other course requirements

Grade Distribution:
Your grade will reflect the overall quality, thoroughness and dedication you have put forth in each part of the
course listed below. Your grade will be determined as follows:

(a) Art Experience Projects/Participation (Summative Grades) 70% of your final grade
(b) Sketchbook/Journal, Critiques (Formative Grades) 15% of your final grade
(c) Final exam 15% of your final grade

*The course activities will be scored by content-specific rubrics that will be provided to the students for given
assignments.

Portfolio reviews will occur at the end of 6, 12, and 18 weeks and grade reports will be issued at these times.
Parents may request a meeting with the teacher throughout the school year.

Classroom Safety Policy

Students will receive instruction on safe practices, proper care of tools, equipment and supplies and will be
expected to adhere to the safety guidelines. Student will participate in art activities that include but are not
limited to utilizing X-acto knives, hammers, pliers, wrenches, files, sandpapers, saws, adhesives, aerosols,
chemicals, glazes, clay and clay tools.

DAILY EXPECTATIONS:
1. Be present-contribute to discussions, participate in course activities, use class time efficiently
2. Be on-time, prepared, engage and persist in art experiences
3. Complete all homework and class work with 100% effort and work on self-evaluation and improvement.
4. Be responsible for tools, supplies, and studio work area
5. Respect all people, materials, artwork in the art room
6. Do your part to ensure the class runs smoothly-be careful not to distract other students
7. Clean up after yourself, cheerfully, and without reminders

**PLEASE ALSO SEE CLASSROOM GUIDELINES ATTACHED**

DAILY REQUIREMENT: Bring your sketchbook, a writing instrument and any additional art tools (not
provided in class) to class each day.

CHS PLAGIARISM STATEMENT:

A particular kind of honor code violation occurs with plagiarism. Plagiarism is defined as the use of another’s
words, ideas, or artwork and the presentation of them as though they are entirely one’s own. Acts of plagiarism
include but are not limited to using words, artwork or ideas from a published source (including the Internet)
without proper documentation; using the work/artwork of another student (e.g., copying another student’s
artwork, homework, composition); using excessive editing suggestions of another student, teacher, parent, or
paid editor. Plagiarism on any project or paper at Chattahoochee High School will result in a zero for the
assignment and an Honor Code Violation. Unless directly stipulated by the teacher, collaboration on written
work/artwork is not acceptable. Students who willingly provide other students with access to their work are in
violation of the Chattahoochee High School Honor Code.

TARDY POLICY
We follow the CHS policy.

ABSENCES AND MAKE-UP WORK:

Students are responsible for ALL information covered in class. If absent, the student should:
Students are responsible for ALL information covered in class. If absent, the student should:
1. Check the ONLINE weekly class assignments https://chattahoocheevisualart.weebly.com/ and if you
have questions ASK THREE RELIABLE CLASSMATES FIRST THEN YOU MAY ASK ME IF
YOU STILL HAVE QUESTIONS.
2. Handouts can be picked up the day you return to school from the instructor
3. Talk with the instructor, before school starts, after class or during your lunch break about making up
work - NOT AT THE BEGINNING OF CLASS.
4. Make up work missed, including tests, within 2 school days of the original due date or you will receive a
Not Handed In (NHI) for missed assignments and missed tests.

HELP SESSIONS, CONFERENCES:

If you fall behind or need extra help/time, see Ms. Jones to set up a help session. Make arrangements the day
before you plan to stay to avoid disappointment.

TOOLS AND MATERIALS:

Some tools and materials will be checked out to you. You are responsible for their care. Lost or damaged tools
must be paid for at the end of the semester.

REVIEW THE GUIDELINES BELOW, SIGN AND RETURN TO THE INSTRUCTOR

CLASSROOM GUIDELINES

Students are allowed to:

 Go to the restroom and/or get a drink of water as long as they ask permission first, so I always
know where everyone is.
 Listen to their own music using their headphones during designated studio times and in the studio
art classroom, as long as their neighbor or I cannot hear their music and they are working on their
art task.
 Talk to their neighbor DURING DESIGNATED TIMES, as long as they keep the conversation to a
dull roar and they are working on their art task while talking (no shouting).
 Sit outside on the patio (weather permitting) DURING DESIGNATED STUDIO ART TIME. This
is a privilege and those who are too loud, disruptive, or focused on tasks other than art
(**ESPECIALLY homework for another class) will loose this privilege. I allow this because the
room is so small and I feel like students need space, literally, to create their art. This is a way for
students to spread out and have “creative space”.

Students are NOT allowed to:

 Sit and talk to their friends and do “NOTHING” or work on homework for another class.
Students have PLENTY to do in this course and ALWAYS have several options for what they can
 be working on (ie. Journal Assignments, Studio Assignments, Group Assignments, Study Guide
Assignments, Special Differentiated Assignments for the Gifted and Challenged)
 Sit and eat breakfast/meals, sip their coffee and idly chat during any class (1st period particularly,
since this is the first class of the day, and the class that tends to forget my classroom IS NOT
STARBUCKS! Come prepared to work for the full class period.
 TOUCH THE ITEMS ON THE INSTRUCTOR’S DESK AT ANY TIME. Students should also not
touch the items behind the Instructor’s desk. Students must ask permission to use art items/tools
located there. For example, tools like X-acto knives require Instructor permission to use. Only
students who have been trained on safety issues related to using X-acto knives are allowed to use
them.
 Play their music over the classroom speakers or out loud. Only the Instructor chooses the music
that plays out loud in the classroom. Students are also NOT allowed to play their music out loud
from their device in the classroom. Students must use headphones when listening to music on their
own devices.
 Swear/Cuss, use derogatory terms, or discuss inappropriate subjects (Inappropriate is defined at
the Instructor’s discretion). Students will be written up immediately for any infractions. Parents
will be contacted and infractions may result in detention.
 Leave my class early FOR ANY REASON (7th period particularly, since this is the last class of the
day, and the class that tends to ask) or leave my classroom/hallway/patio without permission.
Students will be written up immediately for any infractions and infractions may result in
detention.

I have read and understand the requirements, rules/classroom guidelines and expectations outlined in
this course Syllabus and agree to abide by them.

________________________________________
Print Student Name

________________________________________ __________
Student Signature Date

________________________________________ __________
Parent/Guardian Signature Date

REVIEW THE GUIDELINES, SIGN AND RETURN TO THE INSTRUCTOR