California University of Pennsylvania
Guidelines for New Course Proposals
University Course Syllabus
Approved: 2/4/13
Department of Art and Design
A.

Protocol
Course Name:
Advanced Ceramics
Course Number:
ART 493
Credits:
3 (repeatable to 18)
Prerequisites:
ART 382, Ceramics Studio
Maximum Class Size (face-to-face): 18
Maximum Class Size (online):
(Choose which one is appropriate or both if applicable)

B.

Objectives of the Course:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.

C.

The students will develop advanced level skills in forming and finishing
ceramic works using the potter’s wheel and hand forming techniques.
The students will demonstrate proficiencies in designing and “redesigning” utilitarian vessels.
They will demonstrate the skills needed to perform the ceramic procedures
of surface embellishment, glazing and the firing of ceramic works in
various kinds of kilns.
The student will produce a body of works representing a series of studies
based on form, an idea, a technical process or an expression in the context
of art.
They will be able to identify ceramic works of historical significance, the
processes used to form and fire the pieces and the cultures that produced
them.
The students will demonstrate a working knowledge of contemporary
artists, techniques and movements in the ceramic arts.

Catalog Description:
An advanced course in ceramic skills and techniques on the potter's wheel and
hand forming methods. Considerable emphasis will be placed on glazing and
firing a body of work completed through an in-depth study area in clay. The
prerequisite for Advanced Ceramics is Ceramics Studio, ART 382.

D.

Outline of the Course:
Lecture Outline
(1) Glaze and clay formulation
(2) Advanced forming processes
(3) Technical aspects of glaze firing
(4) Non traditional firing methods
(5) Advanced surface embellishment approaches with slips and stains.
Laboratory Outline
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)

E.

Production techniques on the potter's wheel.
Advanced methods in hand-forming large pieces.
Glaze and clay formulations (depending on level)
Slip decoration and glaze stain decoration of surfaces.
Loading and firing of electric, gas, and primitive kilns.

Teaching Methodology:
Traditional Classroom Methodology
The teaching methods used include lectures with support by the use of slides,
processes of forming and finishing the students will make use of the studio
equipment and be challenged with problem solving assignments in making their
own pieces. Field trips to nearby potteries and galleries will supplement the
students’ exposure to special and individual techniques.

F.

Text
A lecture text will not be required however, following will be recommended for
reference:
Clay and Glazes for the Potter - D. Rhodes
Pottery Form - Daniel Rhodes
Finding One's Way with Clay - Berenson
Hands in Clay - Charlotte Speight
Ceramics - Glenn C. Nelson

G.

Assessment Activities:
Traditional Classroom Assessment

Students will be evaluated by their performance in completing pieces in given
problem-solving assignments. They will be required to accomplish basic skills in
the forming and finishing of clay objects. The evaluation of their work will be by
individual critique, group discussions or group critiques with the student's
participation, on the design and craftsmanship of the completed work. In these
discussions, the objects are evaluated on originality, function, creative thought
and process and craftsmanship.
H.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities:
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities:
• Reserve the right to decide when to self-identify and when to request
accommodations.
• Will register with the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) each semester to
receive accommodations.
• Might be required to communicate with faculty for accommodations, which
specifically involve the faculty.
• Will present the OSD Accommodation Approval Notice to faculty when
requesting accommodations that involve the faculty.
Requests for approval for reasonable accommodations should be directed to the Office for
Students with Disabilities (OSD). Approved accommodations will be recorded on the
OSD Accommodation Approval notice and provided to the student. Students are expected
to adhere to OSD procedures for self-identifying, providing documentation and requesting
accommodations in a timely manner.
Contact Information:
• Location:
Azorsky Hall – Room 105
• Phone:
(724) 938-5781
• Fax:
(724) 938-4599
• Email:
osdmail@calu.edu
• Web Site:
http://www.calu.edu/current-students/studentservices/disability/index.htm
I.

Supportive Instructional Materials, e.g. library materials, web sites, etc.
The Library has an outstanding collection of materials on the history, procedures
and techniques of working in clay.

Additional Information for Course Proposals
J.

Proposed Instructors:
Any qualified faculty member of the Department of Art and Design.

K.

Rationale for the Course:
Required course for BA in Art and BFA majors.

L.

Specialized Equipment or Supplies Needed:
Existing Ceramics Lab

M.

Answer the following questions using complete sentences:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

N.

Does the course require additional human resources? (Please explain)
This course does not require additional human resources.
Does the course require additional physical resources? (Please explain)
This course does not require additional physical resources.
Does the course change the requirements in any particular major?
(Please explain)
This course does not change the requirements in any particular major.
Does the course replace an existing course in your program? (If so, list the
course)
This course does not replace and existing course.
How often will the course be taught?
This course will be taught every semester.
Does the course duplicate an existing course in another Department or
College? (If the possibility exists, indicate course discipline, number, and
name)
This course is not a duplicate of an existing coure.

If the proposed course includes substantial material that is traditionally taught
in another discipline, you must request a statement of support from the
department chair that houses that discipline.
N/A

O.

Please identify if you are proposing to have this course considered as a menu
course for General Education. If yes, justify and demonstrate the reasons
based on the categories for General Education. The General Education

Committee must consider and approve the course proposal before
consideration by the UCC.
This course should be included in the General Education menu as a
CRITICAL THINKING COURSE, due to the fact that students are required
to act independently. Students are required to make intelligent, aesthetic
choices that need to be defended and explained during classroom critiques.