A. What is Clay? Introduction
1. Demonstration and discussion of clay and glaze ingredients.2. Discussion of firing techniques and fired ceramics classifications.
B. Pinched Raku-style Tea Bowls
1. Introduction to historical origins of Raku tea bowls.2. Introduction to historical development of Japanese tea ceremony.3. Demonstration of pinching, glazing and firing techniques.4. Finished Raku-style tea bowls used in abbreviated tea ceremony.
C. Advanced Pinching Techniques: Yixing-inspired Teapots
1. Introduction to history of Yixing miniature sculpted teapots.2. Demonstration of teapot component pinching techniques.3. Students research and sketch original Yixing teapots.4. Students sketch own teapot design ideas.5. Students test finished teapots funtional qualities.6. Students critique aesthetic and functional qualities of their own and each others' teapots.
D. Coil Building Techniques: Ancient Vessel Shapes
1. Introduction to history of ancient coil-built vessels, such as Jomon, Minoan and Greek.2. Demonstration of coil-building techniques.3. Students research ancient coil vssel shapes and choose one to interpret.4. Students use wheel to perfect vessel shape in tradition of turntable.5. Teacher demonstrates surface decorating techniques, such as sgraffito and slip painting.6. Students critique coil vessels and present research. Coil vessels are displayed.
E. Slab Building Techniques: Geometric Vessel or Sculpture.
1. Introduction to contemporary ceramic vessels and sculpture.2. Demonstration of slab forming techniques, such as soft and leather hard.3. Students research contemporary ceramics in recent publications.4. Students sketch ideas and then build slab project.5. Students evaluate their construction methods and projects overall appearance.
F. Wall Relief: An Ancient Art Form
1. Introduction to ancient relief sculpture, such as Assyrian, Egyptian and Greek.2. Teacher demonstrates relief carving and assemblage (modern) techniques in clay.3. Students research ancient and modern relief artwork.4. Students carve relief or build from assembled parts.5. Students reflect on success of relief and classify (low-bas, medium, high).
G. Pop/Funk Art Sculpture: A Focus on the Mundane Object
1. Introduction to contemporary Funk and Pop Art movements.2. Teacher demonstrates tromp-l'oeil (fool the eye) techniques.3. Students research Pop and Funk Art examples.4. Students create tromp-l'oeil or cultural commentary sculpture.5. Students reflect on success of visual appearance and effectiveness of social commentary.6. Students exhibit finished Pop and Funk Art style sculpture.
H. Wheel Throwing: The Grand Tradition of Pottery
1. Introduction to ancient pottery traditions, evolution of the wheel.2. Teacher demonstrates centering clay and raising and shaping cylinders.3. Students practice wheel throwing techniques.4. Students are required to make a mug with handle, pitcher, vase and bowl.5. Advanced students create teapots and unique wheel thrown pottery.
I. End of Year Research and Report: A Time for Review and Reflection
1. Teacher confers with students about their best work and which artist to research.2. Students research artist whose work resembles their own.3. Students photograph own art piece and print using digitally based equipment.4. Students write paper and provide illustrations of research artist's and own work.5. Students present research and discuss comparisons between their work and artist's to class.