THEA142 CERAMICS

Course Objectives

This course is intended as a continuous exploration of ceramic media with emphasis on the artistic possibilities of clay. To this end, first, students will learn different hand-building techniques. Then, they will specify a concept, justify it during both interactive and one-to-one discussions, and create an artistic ceramic form that they will relate to the particular concept and aesthetic values. Discussions will be supported with reference to contemporary art, artists especially ceramic artists and how clay has been used as an artistic medium. 

In order to take the course, it is necessary to attend the course selection day announced on the department's website. Registrations are made during the add-drop week.

Course Content

This course is intended as a continued exploration of ceramic media with emphasis on the artistic possibilities of clay. Early pieces will provide review and guides into different hand-building techniques (Pinching, coil building, additive sculpture, slab building and combinations etc.). The course provides an exploration of the properties of clay and an introduction to basic ceramic processes, including studio responsibilities, hand building and glazing techniques. Later projects will combine these techniques to realize more complex artistic objects. The projects will further develop an appreciation of techniques, concepts behind and aesthetic of ceramic forms a greater sense of clay, glaze and firing will be developed. Group discussions will introduce students to the contemporary ceramic artists and illustrate how clay has been used as an artistic medium. The broad diversity within ceramic styles, techniques, functional possibilities and subject matter will be investigated. Ceramics history and appreciation is also included in the course.

Course Learning Outcomes

Students will

•    become familiar with the terminology of art, the history of art and what is art.

•    learn basic techniquesin for making the ceramics forms,

•    understand and be able to apply the basics of artworks , especially ceramic artworks,

•    gain an understanding of the role of ceramics in a cultural context,

•    gain an introductory theoretical and practical knowledge of the properties and technology of ceramics material (e.g., nature of clay, glazes, and firing),

•    learn to critically examine ceramics works (their own as well as of others),

•    create their own ceramic artwork by utilizing their inner experiences,

•    become aware of the active role art plays in a person’s life,

•    have the opportunity to develop their creative and technical skills to continually become more self-confident, self-motivated, and self-sufficient due to the arts knowledge.