Ceramics II Course Directive

CERAMICS II COURSE DIRECTIVES

Mr. Putnam

Room 554

Prerequisites: Design Fundamentals, Ceramics I

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Ceramics II is a course which emphasizes ceramic techniques, media and the application of the elements of art and principles of design. Students are given exposure to artists’ styles and techniques. Experimentation with various forming and decorating techniques, and firing methods is encouraged.

Student writing skills as they pertain to production, art history, criticism and aesthetics will be developed during Ceramics II class activities. These will improve communication skills for students in art areas as well as other parts of the students’ education. Students will learn new vocabulary appropriate to their Ceramics II experiences.

A specific text for use in Ceramics II class has not be adopted. Rather, supplemental educational information may be provided through magazine articles, slide examples, and/or videotape.

GRADING PROCEDURES

All graded materials will receive letter grades based on standard percentages.

Final grades will be determined from achievement on major projects and participation during class Grading for ceramics is based on both effort and finished product. Each assignment will be worth 130 points. Effort, failure, and resolving challenges presented by each assignment is expected. Up to 10 points per attempt (up to a total of 30 points) will be earned just for attempting, learning, and applying lessons learned in the process. Up to 100 points can be earned based on the success of the one best example of the assignment.

Due dates will be enforced with the student losing 10% per week that an assignment is late. Be aware that you may need to wait for another kiln to be ready to load, and if your piece was not ready when those of your classmates were, the 10% per week WILL apply to the wait time.

Journals make up another portion of your grade and are dealt with in a separate handout. They are due 4 times during the semester, are worth 30 points each and are not accepted late.

Major projects will be presented through lectures, demonstrations, handouts and class discussions. To complete the requirements of the class successfully, all work must be turned in. Although late work will be accepted, a loss of 10% per week will be figured into the grade beginning the day after the assignment is due. In most instances, a grade of C- or higher may be earned by finishing every assignment. It is hoped and assumed all students will set their expectations much higher. Written work will be monitored for spelling and legibility. Thoughts should be expressed in complete sentence form. Tests may be given to be certain terminology is known and procedures and techniques understood. Tests will occur as needed and may include mid-quarter and end-of-the-quarter exams. A final exam is given and is counted as a separate grade, usually equivalent in weight to a major project, but not more than 20% of the semester grade.

EVALUATION

As mentioned above, major projects, homework and tests will be used to determine progress.

Major projects: The department understands all students work at different paces. Usually, Ceramics II students are not penalized for this. However, it is the student’s responsibility to adjust his/her schedule to meet deadlines or adjusted time limits assigned by the teacher. Under no circumstances should work which is not completed by a due date be allowed to go unfinished. The student severely compromises his/her abilities and expectations when he/she rushes to finish several projects at the end of a quarter or semester. Consequently, this will not be allowed.

Tests: Tests may be given periodically with adequate warning. As with other written work, spelling and legibility are important. Should a student miss a test due to absence, he/she will be expected to take the test his/her first day back in class (unless other arrangements have been made in advance).

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS

It is important for students to be ready to work each day.

Class begins when the bell starts ringing. Starting with the second week, 8th hours will be assigned for tardiness. A student is considered tardy if he/she is not in his/her seat when the bell starts ringing. Students will be dismissed at the end of class after it is determined the sinks, desk tops and the floor are clean.

Along that line, once a week, on the last schoolday of the week, each class that uses this room will be responsible for a thorough cleaning. Participation is mandatory. Lack of participation will result in a double zero for that day.

All students are expected to work on Ceramics II activities during class time. Work being done for another class may result in the work being confiscated until after school that day.

Ceramics uses clay. Unfired clay that is too dry to use gets recycled on a regular basis. Students use clay. Students recycle. To reduce the amount of clay that has to be recycled, take only the amount that you will be using within a certain amount of time(i.e. 20 minutes) and make certain that the rest is covered.

Creativity must be expressed within the bounds of the student code of conduct.

Time may be available before or after school for students to work in the department or receive additional individual help. Students are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity.

The BVHS community fosters respect by promoting zero tolerance of bullying and harassment of any form

CLASS MATERIALS

Clay and finishes needed for completion of all clay assignments in Ceramics II will be provided. The student may be requested to bring in some odd item or another, but rarely anything of any monetary value. Students will be provided a sketch diary in which to keep their journal, but will be expected to have the standard pencil/pen required for any other class.

“Lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part.”