2000 Level Ceramics Course Descriptions

CER 2000
Throwing: High Fire
Students are introduced to ideas and materials for wheel technique in order to acquire a clear and critical understanding of containers and their functions. Students taking this course on the intermediate and advanced level continue individual development in all areas of high fire ceramics (cone 9–10), including investigations of firing clay and glaze possibilities. Course discussion focuses on using the functional vessel as a point of departure. Students are expected to involve themselves in stoneware, salt-glazing, and porcelain. Prerequisite: CER 1000

CER 2001
Throwing: Low Fire
An introduction to ideas and materials for wheel technique to acquire a clear and critical understanding of containers and their functions. Lower firing temperatures offer the advanced student many options in color, glazes, and construction methods. Raku, slip-casting, mold-making, and nontraditional and post-firing approaches to the idea of a vessel are topics included in the aesthetic dialogue of the course. Prerequisite: CER 1000

CER 2010
Vessel Construction
This course investigates off-wheel construction techniques, including various hand methods (extrusions, coil, slab, drape, slump, and press mold) to produce interpretations of the vessel in contemporary society. The vessel as an enclosure of space is the departure point for discussions that include historical references in a contemporary context, the personal metaphor, and the generation of conceptual and aesthetic development beyond the utilitarian format. Prerequisite: CER 1000

CER 2020
Solutions to Clay Surfaces
As much as ceramics is concerned with three dimensions, the surface of clay warrants critical attention. This course provides a variety of approaches to surface techniques including relief, drawing, printing, photo image, silkscreening, and slip painting. The execution of surface information learned in this course provides the student a more sophisticated avenue for expression in future courses. Prerequisite: CER 1000

CER 2051
Ceramic Sculpture
This course introduces students to sculptural ideas executed in various ceramic hand construction techniques including slab, coil, press mold, etc. Students will explore how the unique physical characteristics of clay can contribute to the content of the work. Construction strategies will be examined in a conceptual context, investigating issues of space, technology, and architectural implication to build a dimensional perspective of personal and societal relevance. Emphasis will be on process, exploration, and discussion. Prerequisite: CER 1000