Welcome To Ceramics II

This course is designed to build upon students knowledge and understanding of content and techniques learned in
Ceramics I. Students will continue to explore various sculptural techniques and have the opportunity to create both
sculptural and functional objects in clay. Students in Ceramics II will continue working with low fire ceramic clay and
underglazes. We will learn about more advanced methods and applications so they are able to create more advanced and
aesthetically pleasing final pieces. Class presentations, topics and critiques are designed to give the students a better
understanding of aesthetics, history and will increase students life skills and problem solving abilities.
** All school rules, policies, and expectations as stated in your student handbook apply to this class**
The lab fee for this course is $20.00.

Main Course Objectives

Content
1. Students will understand why we make art and understand its meaning to the individual, its purpose in society, in
history and in the environment.
2. Students will understand that there are many aspects to the study of art, including aesthetics, art criticism, art heritage,
and art making.
3. Students will understand the definition and purpose of the elements and principles of design, and will be able to apply
this understanding to the design, creation and analysis/evaluation of three-dimensional forms.
4. Students will be able to identify the five stages of clay and will be able to understand how each stage affects the
development of their piece of art.
5. Students will be able to exhibit (through their work) a variety of hand building, sculptural, and glazing techniques and
processes.
6. Students will be able to identify, use and take care of a variety of tools, materials and equipment which are used in this
course.
7. Students will be able to use terminology related to course content.
8. Students will be able to analyze and evaluate their own work and the work of others in regard to the areas of art
heritage, aesthetics and art making

Absence
*The nature of this course, which depends almost entirely on studio hours, makes it mandatory that you attend every day.
Working with clay requires constant attention and care. Unfinished pieces left unattended dry, crack and get broken.
Unlike other subjects, there isnt much you can do at home. Therefore, TIME in the studio is VERY IMPORTANT!
*If a student has an excused absence, it is that individuals responsibility to obtain make-up assignments from the teacher
or from another student. Students will receive 1 day to make up assignments for each day of excused absence.
*Students will not receive make up time to complete assignments due to unexcused absences. Class participation points
are also deducted for each day a student is unexcused. Any work ruined (i.e. drying out or cracking to the point of being
unworkable) as a result of unexcused absences may not be given credit.

Effort
1. Consistent effort is expected and required. Non-productive students
have a negative impact on overall class productivity. Any student who is not working during a class period will be
reminded of the importance of utilizing class time as work time. If there is no effort by the student upon the third
reminder, the student will be asked to leave the room. All students will receive a daily participation grade of the
following:

+ Excellent
 Expected Effort

- Little/Low Effort ( non-productive students )

Earning 3 - in a semester will result in a dropped letter grade on the current project.

Grading:
Grading will be based on attitude, effort, individual improvement, completion of work demonstrating good craftsmanship
and design, completion of written assignments, test scores, participation in critiques, attendance, record of tardies and
studio clean up. A good attitude and cooperation are essential to being successful in this class and to achieving a passing
grade. Any student who wishes to spend additional time in the studio to work may do so with the permission of the
instructor.
** See universal project rubric**
Students who turn in late work will be deducted points for each day an assignment is late. However, students who turn in
work on time will always be provided the opportunity to revise and re-submit work after receiving my feedback.

Methods of Evaluation
*Teacher Evaluation of assigned art projects: exercises, drawings & hand-built pieces.
Idea/composition

Projects 60%
*Craftsmanship, Understanding of concept taught, criteria or requirements and overall quality of finished project.
Quizzes/Tests
*Objective quizzes and tests including questions addressing a variety
of thinking skills 10%
*Verbal and Written Critiques of student work, and Artist Reviews
*These are addressed both formally and informally and often involve all three facets
1) Student Peer Evaluation
2) Self Evaluation Student
3) Teacher Evaluation
Class work
Daily assignments such as written worksheets, vocabulary, 10%
technique, media, history and culture, sketchbook assignments
Homework
Regularly assigned homework assignments intended to strengthen student 10%
Understanding and reinforce classroom learning.
Behavior
Class Participation Grade based on Involvement, attentiveness, clean up, 10%
effort/behavior, and cooperation.

Feel free to email with questions, comments or ideas at any point during the year. I can be reached at
jonespearsonb@seekonkschools.org