New School for the Arts and Academics 2020 -2021 Ceramic 1– Ceramic 2- Ceramic 3 Syllabus Instructor Mrs. Weiser Contact ; [email protected] Phone: 480-481-9235 Office Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, or Friday By appointment or Noon Website: NSAA Tempe / Faculty Remind app: Ceramic 1 @/gk28g6d Ceramic 2 @/b2d2dk Ceramic 3 @/hag67b
Course Description: In conjunction with the assigned projects we will have videos of ceramic styles and techniques from around the world through history, and many demonstrations of forming and decoration techniques. We will use the four major clay-forming methods, pinch, coil, slab, and wheel, in a variety of vessel and sculptural projects. We will explore a variety of surface-decoration methods and materials. Some will involve impression into the clay or carving away the surface of the clay, others will involve adding clay to the surface. We can also decorate the damp unfired surface with liquid colored clay mixtures known as engobes. After finishing all assembly and surface decoration of the damp clay we allow the wares to dry. When dry they are bisque-fired, an initial firing making the clay structure permanent, impervious to water, allowing us to coat the surface with liquid glazes. A final firing fuses the glaze materials into a hard, durable, glassy coating that seals the porous clay surface. In this course we deal with issues of practical function in throwing, but avoid thinking only in terms of function. Remember that every pot is an expressive, sculptural piece, which communicates a message through surface, form and function. Consider ergonomics - the way the pot feels and functions in an utilitarian sense. How does it fit the hand or the lip? How well does it serve its intended utilitarian purpose? Consider overall design - the interaction of shape, balance, color, contrast, pattern, and texture. . Consider gesture - the essential physical expression of the pot. In the past ceramics was often viewed only as functional craft, but today clay is also seen as a fine art form. Consider that everything you make in this course is a statement of your feelings and beliefs. You have the opportunity to do things that are unique and original, and with that in mind, remember that ceramic objects can survive into eternity. Course Curriculum: The curriculum is aligned with the performance objectives of the Arizona StatAcademic Standards. Ceramic Curriculum Map on school website. Course Objectives: student will achieve: 1. A basic working knowledge of ceramic hand building and decorating methods. 2. A basic awareness of historical / contemporary ceramics, and the ethnic and cultural diversity in ceramic form and process worldwide. 3. A solid working knowledge of basic wheel-throwing techniques. 4. An understanding of glaze materials, firing methods, and clay materials. Course Outline: First Semester* Ceramic 1 2 3 classes will complete 3-6 Unit projects a quarter. Glaze mixing and testing - loading and unloading kilns will be part of the class participation grade. Details listed on website. Final for the fall semester Second Semester* Ceramic 1 2 3 classes will complete 3-6 Unit projects a Quarter. Glaze mixing and testing- loading and unloading kilns will be part of the class participation grade.Details listed on website. Final for the spring semester Studio Procedures: All students will participate: 1. Working the full time allowed in the ceramic studio 2 Loading and unloading kilns. 3. Mixing glazes, engobes and reclaiming clay. 4. Clean up, this is an important issue. No one will be excused until clean up is finished. 5. Common respect for all classmates and teacher: language, proper conversations, no cell phones , no food, must have appropriate clothing (to work with clay). Extra Credit: will be given for doing independent work, plus assigned projects. Group Critiques: At midterms and finals we will schedule group reviews to evaluate your progress. Please keep finished work in a safe place for these reviews or critiques. Grade Scale: Letter Grade Percentage Proficiency Level A 100%-90% Highly Proficient B 89% - 80% Above Average C 79% -70% Average D 69% -60% Below Average F 59% - 0% Proficiency not demonstrate
50% of yourGrade for Assigned Projects: 1. Composition (how strong is the form) 25 2. Design Quality (the function of piece or pleasing) 25 3. Execution (method used to build piece) 25 4. Concept (is there an idea or theme to the pieces, is it easily identified) 25 Total points 100 50% of your Grade for Daily Grade for class effort, participation & attendance. Points deducted for not using full class time during a project. Points deducted for not completing the project on time. Points deducted for absences and tardiness. Grading by Semester: 50% of the Final has a written part that has to meet the AZed Writing standard https://www.azed.gov/assessment/resources/ Quarter 1: 40% Quarter 2: 40% Final Exam 20%
Due Dates: Please summit homework and projects on due dates assigned. Please turn in assignments by the end of class on that day. Incomplete work will be graded on the due date given. In the case of unexcused absence work may be turned in on the returning day. Student must meet with instructor to improve grade or receive additional time to complete assignment. It is the students responsibility to to discuss new due date for more credit. Materials Supplied: 1. Pottery wheels (throwing) 2. Slab roller (hand building) 3. Studio tools for daily use 4. Clay, engobes & glaze materials (for each project) 5. Kiln firings School Policies: All school policies regarding food, drink, electronic devices, plagiarism and other topics will be strictly enforced. Students are expected to read the NSAA Student Handbook and follow the school rules and expectations stated in that Document. Students and parents must sign and return the Social Contract attached. Note: Students will not be GOING TO THEIR CARS FOR HOMEWORK, PROJECTS, OR LUNCH we are closed campus for the safety of our students. BEHAVIOR ISSUES: 1. Teacher will warn student 2. Conference with student& teacher 3. Detention with teacher supervising If problem continues then: 4. Administration and Parent conference CELL PHONES USE: will not be used in the ceramic studio. There is a classroom computer to be used for images and research. Cell phones will be collected at the beginning of class and returned at the end of class. NO BATHROOM BREAKS WITH PHONES. NSSA Cell Phone Policy (2020-2021) please sign attached agreement for the school year. Accommodations are made for all students working in the ceramic studio. The studio is equipped with many tools, materials and safety tools to be used by all. All unit project will be completed for a grade and instructor will assist in many ways to accommodate students success. Attendance: Prompt daily attendance is expected. All students must be seated and prepared to learned when the class begins! Each tardy or unprepared class will cost the student academic points and negatively influence their grade. Additionally, if a student is aware of up-coming absence (s) and arrange make-up or alternative work. Any studentwho accumulates 3 or more tardies or unexcused absences in the same class in one month will be required to recover instructional minutes on the last Saturday of each month. Saturday attendance will be from each month. Failure to attend Saturday recovery hours may result in a schedule change. Benchmark and AZMerit Testing All students will take benchmark Tests in all NSAA courses: AZMerit Exam (with the exception of seniors)sometime in April 2021. Part of the Benchmark Exam is included in Semester Final Exam. Students must attend these days and will loose participation points for absences. Test data is instrumental in being able to refine course work and effectively plan for the future. This test data is often used for college entrance and scholarships; students should take the exams seriously and perform to their best ability. Remind We will be using the Remind App for text messages in this class. Both parents and students will receive reminders for homework, assignment due dates, and tests or quizzes. Students or parents who do not want to participate must sign a waiver that they will not be participating in the Remind program. The Remind App is free and only requires a cell phone number. The Remind App will replace the weekly emails reminders that we have used in prior years. (see top of syllabus for code)
All Visual Art students will attend Portfolio Day at Mesa Community College. 11pm. Seniors will have several assemblies over the school year discussing college preparation, Portfolio Day, professional artist panels, entrepreneurship panel. college tours guest artists, senior exhibit, and the graduation slide show. All seniors are required to participate in the Senior Showcase in May.
NSAA Cell Phone Policy NSAA will institute a school-wide cell phone policy for the 2020-2021 school year. All cell phones will be collected in a phone caddy or cell phone center at the beginning of each class. Students will have full access to their phones before and after school, at lunch, and during class passing periods. Phones will not be accessible during bathroom breaks. Limited cell phone usage in class will be allowed per teacher discretion for instructional purposes. Teachers and administrators will have complete discretion to deal with cell phone “emergencies” on a case by case basis. Please Initial below to indicate your understanding of this policy . _________ ___________ Parent/ Guardian Student
Please sign below Student and Guardian and return to Ceramics by 8- 14-19.
I __________________________ have read the Student Social Contract and
the Ceramic Syllabus. I understand what is expected of me to succeed in my ceramic work.
Student Name print ______________________ Date __________________
Student Name sign_____________________ Date___________________
Parent / Guardian name print ______________ Date_________________
Parent /Guardian sign _____________________ Date __________________