Ceramics 1 Syllabus
Instructor: Molly Sanyour
Room: The Perkinson Arts Center (PAC)
***Trinity Email: [email protected] - best form of communication***
Teacher Website: http://mollysanyour.weebly.com/
Professional Website: Mollysanyourceramics.com
Course Description:
This class is designed to provide an overview of studio practices and an introduction into the basic techniques used in ceramics. Students will explore the nature of clay through hand building methods: pinching, coils and slabs. And will progress to learning wheel throwing techniques, specifically focusing on: cylinder, bowls and plates. All students will develop an aesthetic for surface design by investigating various surface treatments as well as develop an appreciation of the formal and expressive qualities of clay. Students will research artists, participate in critiques, create artist statements, build a digital portfolio and more!
Covid Guidelines:
We will be following Trinity's policies within the studio and everyone will need to wear a mask.
Respect for Diversity :
It is my intent that students from all diverse backgrounds and perspectives be well served by this course, that students’ learning needs be addressed both in and out of class, and that the diversity that students bring to this class be viewed as a resource, strength and benefit. It is my intent to present materials and activities that are respectful of diversity: gender, sexuality, disability, age, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, race, and culture. Your suggestions are encouraged and appreciated. Please let me know ways to improve the effectiveness of the course for you personally or for other students or student groups. In addition, if any of our class meetings conflict with your religious events, please let me know so that we can make arrangements for you. (Source: University of Iowa College of Education)
Materials:
-8x11 bound sketchbook - Here is a link to one you can purchase on Amazon
-Access to a smartphone/computer or a tool to take photos/video and build your website.
-Machine Washable Clothes. Clay will wash out, some glazes might stain, so I would save your favorite shoes, clothes and jewelry for another time, or bring a set of "studio clothes" to put on over your regular clothes.
-We do have aprons, however you might want your own over sized shirt or apron to wear while working in the studio, you might even prefer to bring in a pair of "clay shoes"
Attendance Policy:
The expectation is that you are on time, prepared and ready to go at the start of class. Punctuality is important to get the most out of our time together.
Assessment:
Final grades will be based on total points accumulated from various assignments. Weekly work ethic grades will be given and based on each student's efforts to work hard on given assignments as well as to be helpful while in the studio. Other assignments, such as sketchbook pages and documentation, will be graded via student websites/google docs/google classroom. You will never be graded based on your skill level, rather by your work ethic and punctual completion of assignments.
Methods:
Students will need to be checking google classroom daily for announcements and assignments. There will be demonstrations of techniques and guided assignments to follow. We will also use critiques throughout the semester which will focus on building art vocabulary as well as practicing the ability to give and receive valuable feedback on our work. After the foundation of skills has been instilled, there will be time for students to chose a personal technique or style to focus on and to master with the remaining time. This personal collection will ultimately be photographed and featured at the semester's art show!
Tentative Schedule:
- Introduction to the studio, materials, cycle of clay and expectations of studio maintenance
- Introduction to wheel throwing- throwing and trimming bowls, plates and cylinders.
- Introduction to the techniques of hand built pinch pots, coil building and slabs.
- Introduction to underglazes and glazes
- Introduction to surface textures, treatments and design
- Personal Project
- Art Show
- Final Presentations
Class Rules and Expectations (each class will have an opportunity to update these rules and expectations):
- Be on time and ready to go
- Respect others and their work
- Be prepared to work hard
- Failures are guaranteed to happen while working with clay, please be prepared to handle them accordingly
- Conduct yourself within the guidelines of the honor system
- Use mistakes and failed attempts as ways to learn and improve
- Clean up all messes made (whether you made them or not)
-Clean above, below and around your wheel after every use
-Keep your cubbie clean, organized and free of extra tools and clay dust
-Use sponges to wipe down surfaces
-Leave the studio cleaner than you found it
- Music must be clean
- Use your sketchbook regularly
- Be encouraging to others whenever possible
Personal Electronic Device :
Personal electronic devices should be used for documentation or looking up clay related articles, images or videos. Students should not be on their phones playing games. Also, please consult with your parents about using your phone near clay, protective cases are highly recommended!
Honor Code:
It is expected that the honor code be followed in the studio as it would in any other classroom. Work should be your own and other's work should be left alone.
Tips for Success:
-Be on time and ready to get to work as soon as you enter the studio.
-Watch VIDEOS! It makes a huge difference when students watch throwing videos on YouTube or follow artists on Instagram or do their own research and those who don't.
-Be prepared for failure, unfortunately, it is the nature of clay. I still have pots that collapse, or that get cracks in them, after 16 years of working with clay and unfortunately there is nothing we can do except "make another one". I will be here to offer support, advice and guidance, but it is always heart wrenching nonetheless, so try to be prepared for those challenges as they arise.