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Instructor: Mrs. Patricia L. Leeson
CERAMICS and SCULPTURE ACCELERATED
Course Curriculum and Expectations
Ceramics(Accelerated)9119
Grades 9, 10, 11, 121 credit
Prerequisite: Drawing &Design I recommended
Mrs. Leeson’s Email:
Mrs. Leeson’s Website:
Nicolet High School Website:
This course is designed to teach students several methods of hand-building pottery, as well as throwing on the potter’s wheel. Students will also learn about various sculptural techniques and have the opportunity to create sculptures in clay. In addition, a variety of clay bodies and surface treatments will be utilized. Students will study types of glazes, methods of application, as well as techniques of firing, so that they are able to choose glazes and firing methods that will enhance the design of their works. Ceramics and sculpture from many art periods will be studied through digital presentations, class discussion and student research. In addition to a $50.00 lab fee (which covers the cost of clay and other consumable materials), students will be required to pay for glaze or other patinas used to finish the surface of their works (as these materials vary in price).
The Accelerated Level will involve assignments, which require additional reading, research and presentations in regard to techniques, artists and exhibitions. This additional work is designed to extend the student’s knowledge of art history, theory, criticism and aesthetics. Students are expected to consistently use higher level thinking skills to solve problems as well as higher level technical skills to execute the solutions. They are also expected to produce a greater quantity of work, which exhibits the use of more abstract concepts.
Main Course Objectives:
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, wheel throwing, sculptural, and finishing techniques and process while working with clay and other sculptural media.
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 with regard to the areas of aesthetics, art heritage and art making.
9. Students will begin to develop a sense of their own personality/self and how to express and communicate that self through their artwork.
-Social-
1. Students will be able to work in a cooperative and collaborative manner with other students.
2. Students will develop an appreciation of the work of others and a respect for the workspace of others.
3. Students will learn to maintain an efficient and organized studio.
4. Students will be able to work as team members on group project/s.
5. Students will be able to demonstrate the personal traits of Patience, Perseverance, Passion, Resilience, Responsibility, Respect and Kindness, as they are key to individual and group success in the classroom.
Point Values and Grade Equivalents
Grading in this class is point based. That means that you should be most concerned with your overall point totals as opposed to grade equivalents or percentages. However, students want to see a grade equivalent, so I have included them here. Percentage equivalents are automatically printed as part of the grade program used here at Nicolet, but these do not reflect as accurate a picture of the student’s progress as the points total.
1 Day Activities2 Day Activities3 Day Activities
4 points = A8 points = A12 points= A+
3.5 points= B7.5 points = A-11.5 points= A
3 points = C7 points = B+11 points= A-
2.5= D6.5 points= B-10.5 points = B+
2 or lower = F6 points = C10 points = B-
5.5 points = D+9.5 points= C+
5 points= D-9 points= C
4.5 or lower = F8.5 points = C-
8 points= D
7.5 points= D-
1 Week Activities
20 points = A+17.5 points = B+15.5 points = C+13.5 points = D+
19 points = A17 points = B15 points = C13 points = D
18 points = A-16 points = B-14 points = C-12 points = D-
2 Week Activities
40 points possible
Take your score from the 20-point rubric and X2
3 Week Activities
60 points possible
Take your score from the 20-point rubric and X3
1 Quarter = (# of points per quarter and semester may vary based on calendar and length of time spent on assignments)
10 Weeks (9 weeks of class time + homework) x 20 points each week = 200 points
1 Semester = (approximately)
AcceleratedQuarter 1 = 250 points possible Quarter 2 = 250 points possible
HonorsQuarter 1 = 400+ points possible Quarter 2 = 400+ points possible
Points from each quarter are added together.
The total points of both quarters represent 6/7. Points for exams are calculated to represent approximately 1/7 of the final semester grade.
Grading Scale
Beginning this fall semester, all Nicolet faculty members will be using a common grading scale for all student work. My grading scale is point based, however the grade program does make a point to percentage conversion. The following are the lowest scores possible for each particular grade level:
A+ / A / A- / B+ / B / B- / C+ / C / C- / D+ / D / D- / F97 / 93 / 90 / 87 / 83 / 80 / 77 / 73 / 70 / 67 / 63 / 60 / 0
Letter Grades – (“+” and “-” are also attached when appropriate to further delineate student performance)
AExcellent
BAbove Average
CAverage
DBelow Average
FFailure
GEffort
HConditional
IIncomplete
PPass
Students will be required to use the SKYWARD system to keep updated on grade changes, as well as using the teacher web pages to check on homework assignments.
Students are encouraged to inform parents of their progress, but parents may view their child’s SKYWARD account as well.
LATE WORK or REWORKED ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL THE END OF EACH QUARTER- in most cases for a reduced point value. **If a question regarding a grade arises, the student is expected to approach the teacher in a calm and respectful manner to discuss the situation. Grades will most often be discussed at a later scheduled time when the student and teacher can meet privately, so as not to interfere with the educational time for all students.
The following pages include an example of the units that will be covered during the course. The instructor will make changes as appropriate to accommodate a particular class group’s needs and interests, calendar issues and changes in curriculum in order to stay current with cutting edge technology and/or techniques. Students are always notified of changes in curriculum plan and due dates.
Ceramics Course Sample Syllabus Semester 1
Activity # of Days
1Introduction to the Course1
2Student Introductions/peer collaboration1
3Universal problem solving skills are acquired from creating 3-dimensional forms.
The creation of art + benefits of universal skills to all areas of society and related careers.
Design Elements and Principles1
4Identification and Distribution of Tools, Assignment of Locker and
Storage Spaces. Safety rules
Parent signature forms due. Supplies due.
Quiz on the Design Elements and Principles and Tool ID 4
5The 5 Stages of Clay, Clay Bodies and the Technique of Wedging
Quiz on 5 Stages of Clay, Clay Bodies and the Technique of Wedging 3
6 Hand building - PinchPots Sgraffito inspired by patterns10
Changing Planes-integrating positive and negative spaces
- Optional outdoor smoke firing
7Historical Traditions merge with Contemporary Ideas –
Smoke Firing and Raku -Artist in Residence –Jeff Shawhan12
8Hand building – Coil Construction15
9Article Summary and Application 2
10Hand building – Slab Construction15
11Hand building – Critique, review and test 3
12Firing- Bisque and Glaze Firing, Kilns and Related Equipment 3
13Glazing – Composition and Types of Glazes, Methods of Application
Other Patinas, Choosing appropriate type and method10
Test: Firing and Glazing 1
15End of Semester Clean Up and Critique2+Final Exam
84
Ceramics Course Sample Syllabus Semester 2
Activity # of Days
1.Wheel Throwing – Types of Wheels, Creating a cylinder and other wheel
Throwing techniques. Quiz – Wheel throwing
**Any remaining assignments for the year may involve wheel throwing
should the student choose this method of construction15
2.Article Summary and Application for Figurative Sculpture 2
3. Presentation Figurative Sculpture– Additive and Subtractive Sculptural Methods 2
Student Photos from multiple views for Sculpture
Figurative Sculpture Construction1 Representational or Abstract10
4.Critique: Sculpture 3
5.Teapot – combined techniques20
6.Final Exam Assignment – Series Piece10
7.Studio organization days, Return of Clay Tools 2
8.Glazing and final Raku firing15
9.End of Semester – Final clean up 2
10.Final Exam – Critique 2 Final Exam
Total83
CERAMICS A
In your selection of this course at Nicolet High School, you have elected ONE of the many courses offered in the Art Department in which you are encouraged to express your creativity within the bounds of good craftsmanship and discipline. It is imperative that the following regulations, rules, and procedures be followed to allow everyone to work at their best and to allow the instructor adequate time with each student.
I.CLASS POLICIES
A.Course Content
The course goals, objectives and content are covered in the course curriculum. Copies of this document are included in this packet of information and will be discussed in class.
B. Fees and Required Materials
Ceramics supplies are expensive. A course fee payment is made during registration. It helps pay for some course materials provided the student (pencil, eraser, cardboard, clay, clay slip and some firing materials) and maintenance of tools & equipment. Some of these supplies, such as pencils, and erasers can last past the duration of the course. When the fee is paid, it is important to keep your receipt for your records. If you have not already paid this fee, please pay the fee immediately. Students who are delinquent in paying fees will have their grades withheld at grading periods. In addition to the course fee the student may purchase other items to complete sculptures, for example lamp kits, mirrors and other materials that are determined based on individual student interest and selection. These materials are available to the student in class or may be purchased by the student independently. Prices charged usually reflect the school's cost, tax-free and discounted. They are lower in most cases than what the student would pay if purchased retail.
Each student has a "materials purchased" record kept by the teacher for the purchase of additional supplies. Bills can be paid at the end of each semester in the student office. Cash is not normally handled in class.
Numbered tool sets: Students are spared the expense of having to purchase some materials (art history books, Exacto knives, etc.) by having class sets provided. These class sets are numbered and assigned to the student for their use during the class period. Each student assumes the responsibility for using his/her assigned item at the beginning of the period and returning it to the storage rack at end of the period. In addition, each student is provided a set of ceramic tools to be used for the duration of the course. The sets are checked out to students and need to be maintained in good condition upon return at the end of the course or students will be charged for damaged or missing tools. If the student finds his book or set damaged or missing, this should be reported to the teacher immediately in order that the student not be held liable.
C.Attendance
Good attendance is important:
The teacher presents most information through presentations, explanations, and demonstrations. When the student is absent, this information is lost and cannot be regained easily because there is no textbook. The students will be given the course syllabus and appropriate handouts. Copies of most handouts are kept in a 3 ring binder as part of a class set for student reference in class. Students may request an extra “book” of handouts for personal use if they provide a binder. This course involves class critiques and presentations, which rely on group involvement; therefore the overall success of these activities is dependent upon everyone’s involvement.
Many class assignments require that students spend 10-15 class periods to successfully complete a project. Unlike drawing media, clay dries out when left unattended for several days. Therefore, students may loose weeks of work if they are absent for extended periods of time.
D. Absence and Tardiness
The nature of this course, which depends almost entirely on studio hours, makes it mandatory that you attend every day. Each class hour missed due to absence (including excused absences and field trips) should be made up in the art room in order to regain the working time missed and maintain the quality of work produced. Students wishing to make up absences or wanting special help should come to the art room during the resource period or after school from 2:30 - 3:30. Teachers are normally available at this time for the purpose of helping students make up work. Check the calendar posted in the room for teacher and room availability before planning to stay after school.
It is the absentee's responsibility to arrange with the teacher for make up of missed assignments promptly. School policy allows one day of make up time for each day of excused absence. Students may not be allowed make up time for unexcused absence. Class participation points are also deducted for each day a student is unexcused.
3 Strike Procedure for Student Tardiness
1st Unexcused Tardy - Student will receive a verbal notification.
2nd Unexcused Tardy -Student will receive a verbal notification.
3rd Unexcused Tardy - Student will receive a 30-minute Detention with the teacher and will be expected to help with a classroom duty. It is expected that this detention be served by the end of the offending week.
4th Unexcused Tardy - Student will be referred to the administration and will be assigned a Nicolet Student Office Detention.
A detention will be assigned for every tardy thereafter. This is a school policy.
E.Grading
Grading will be based on the completion of work demonstrating mastery of the standards and benchmarks set as the curriculum for the course. This includes completion of work exhibiting good craftsmanship and design. Personal attitude, effort, individual improvement, completion of written assignments, quiz and test scores, participation and studio clean up are also considered as these fulfill requirements of the educational benchmarks for the course and facilitate career readiness.
Assignments are graded/evaluated in the following 4 areas:
Idea/Composition – use of design elements and principles to create an aesthetically appealing arrangement
Craftsmanship – work demonstrates the use of tools and media to a refined degree
Effort – work exhibits daily class effort and an appropriate level of challenge chosen by the student
Understanding – work exhibits an understanding of the stated objectives of the assignment
All assigned work should be signed and dated on the bottom of the piece or another designated spot agreed upon by the artist and instructor. Each assignment must be signed and due-dated for the grade to be recorded.
Each assignment carries a point value in proportion to its importance or class time allotted.
The quarter grade is based on the sum total of points for all assignments. Work not completed or not turned in may not receive points.
Grading attempts to recognize improvement; because in art, skills are developed through practice. “Talent” is less important that hard work!
A good attitude is 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. Point values or assignments may vary slightly as the quarter progresses - students will be updated accordingly.
F.Special Activities
Teacher demonstrations, presentations, and possibly guest speakers and/or field trips will be scheduled. Students are expected to attend these sessions with enthusiasm and interest, as these are essential to a complete understanding of the field of ceramics.
Each year there are many contests, shows and opportunities to gain special recognition outside of school. Every student should aspire to achieve the quality
of craftsmanship and originality, which would
qualify him or her to enter such competitions.
II.EXPECTATIONS
A.Seating
Students may be assigned seats for several reasons, from taking attendance to involvement in cooperative learning experiences. Everyone is expected to be in his or her seat at the beginning bell. Everyone will return to his or her seat after clean up before the dismissal bell rings.
B.Help
After materials are dispensed and when an assignment is in progress, the teacher circulates to check the work of individual students. As it sometimes takes time to help a student work through a problem, students waiting for help should be patient if the teacher can’t see them immediately. Students should cooperate with the person sitting next to them when questions arise. Students that were not seen during the class period, and who are eager for help, are encouraged to see the teacher after school or wait until the following day. Behaving in a rude or impatient manner is inappropriate behavior for the classroom or in any public situation; therefore, those students exhibiting this kind of behavior will be attended to last or not at all.
C. Effort
Consistent effort is expected and required. Mistakes and failure are a natural and expected part of learning process. Most students have told me that their best work has been the evolution of a failed attempt. Thomas Edison made 10,000 light bulbs that did not work and one that did. Persistence and practice are keys to success.
Non-productive students have a negative effect 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, or if the student is chronically non-productive, the student will be given a productive cleaning assignment in the classroom or if they are non-compliant, asked to leave the room and report to the student office. Repeated referral to the student office may result in the student being dropped from the class.