3000 Level Ceramics Course Descriptions

CER 3000
Intermediate and Advanced Throwing
This wheel throwing course is for intermediate and advanced students who have already been introduced to ideas and materials for wheel technique. Prerequisite: CER 1000, CER 2000, and CER 2001

CER 3015
Nontraditional Approaches to Clay
The characteristics and implications of clay in all its states (dry, plastic, readymade, and so on) are explored in an advanced conceptual context. This course examines the subjective role of materiality, as well as the contextual issues of site and orientation to the overall content of the work. Expanding the language of clay, and the approaches to it via nonconventional methods of manufacture, installation, and the involvement of time-based and intermedia expression will be the intent of the class. Prerequisite: CER 1000

CER 3021
The Figure in Ceramics
This studio class addresses the evolution of the figurative object as a consistently potent vehicle in the art continuum. Emphasis is placed on students’ personal investigations of the human form as a subject in contemporary ceramics beyond the study of anatomy. Historical and contemporary concepts and artists related to ceramics and the figurative object in general will be included. An examination of a variety of ceramic construction strategies and techniques are explored through demonstrations and class projects concentrating on hand building without armature. Firing and post-firing processes, surface treatments, and the incorporation of other media with clay will be covered. The figure in architecture, its relationship to vessels, and the three-dimensional figure will be examined. Prerequisite: CER 1000

CER 3040
Sculpture: Whiteware and Casting
A comprehensive investigation of the production and use of plaster molds to construct both vessel and non-vessel structures. Press molds, multiple section drain-cast and core-cast slip molds, in conjunction with other hand-building techniques, are used to produce both high-fire and low-fire work. Slip formulation and deflocculation theories are introduced. Critical discussions on the nature of multiples and duplicates as a unique conceptual option in contemporary ceramics are emphasized. Mold-making and slip-casting technology are stressed as a tool for personal expression. Prerequisite: CER 1000

CER 3060
Technical Studies: Kilns
This studio course fosters a professional development of ideas and concepts concerning technical information on kiln building and firing processes. Prerequisite: CER 1000

CER 3061
Technical Studies: Glaze
This studio course fosters a professional development of ideas and concepts concerning technical information on glazes. Prerequisite: CER 1000