Ceramics - Certificate of Achievement

This program map only provides one possible pathway for degree and/or certificate obtainment and is for reference only. Please schedule an appointment with a counselor to develop your individualized Student Education Plan.

The Ceramics Certificate of Achievement program provides an introduction to a wide range of contemporary thought and technical ceramics experimentation. The courses help students understand glazes, wheel-throwing, hand-building, slip-casting, decorative techniques, and basic digital fabrication. Students also understand their work in the context of broader contemporary art, as well as historical traditions from around the world. Ceramics courses encourage critical thinking, collaboration, and cultural exchange that tie the appreciation of art/ceramics to cultural and aesthetic diversity.

The pathway below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this pathway. It is always recommended that you meet with an academic counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.

Demonstrate a wide range of contemporary thought and technical ceramics experimentation.

Understand their own creations in the context of broader contemporary art and historical traditions from around the world.

Engage in critical thinking, collaboration, and cultural exchange that tie the appreciation of art/ceramics to cultural and aesthetic diversity.

Program Map

Requirement
GE General Education
E Elective

Fall Year 1

9 units
ART 110
Design 1
An introduction to the visual elements and principles of design. This is a lecture/lab experience requiring specific materials.
      1. C1 - Arts (Art, Dance, Music, Theater)
          ART 160
          Ceramics 1

          Introduction to ceramics materials, concepts, and processes including basic design principles, creative development, various forming methods, glaze techniques, firing and ceramics terminology. The course covers aesthetics and creative development of clay objects examining historical, contemporary, and personal modes of expression across cultures.

            1. 3A - Arts
            1. C1 - Arts (Art, Dance, Music, Theater)
            1. Category 3: Humanities
              ART 164
              Sculpture 1

              Introduction to three-dimensional sculptural principles, techniques, and concepts utilizing a wide range of materials and practices. Various sculpture methods are practiced with attention to creative self-expression and historical context. 

                1. 3A - Arts
                1. C1 - Arts (Art, Dance, Music, Theater)
                1. Category 3: Humanities

                  Spring Year 1

                  8 units
                  ART 366
                  Working the Potter's Wheel
                  A lecture/lab course introducing students to using the potter's wheel as a tool for shaping clay. This course provides all necessary information for students new to the use of the potter's wheel. Students will need to purchase clay and tools for their own use.
                            ART 113
                            Three Dimensional Design

                            Introduction to the concepts, applications, and historical references related to three-dimensional design and spatial composition, including the study of the elements and organizing principles of design as they apply to three-dimensional space and form.  Development of a visual vocabulary for creative expression through lecture presentations and use of appropriate materials for non-representational three-dimensional studio projects. Students will investigate a series of spatial design problems as they might apply to professional fields, including architecture, interior design, display, and sculpture.

                            1. Prerequisite: ART 110
                            2. Prerequisite: ART 108
                            3. Prerequisite: GRPH 108
                                    ART 161
                                    Ceramics 2

                                    A continuation of Ceramics 1 materials, concepts and processes, including basic design principles, creative development, various forming methods, glaze techniques, firing and ceramics terminology.  This course will explore low-fire clay and glaze processes, using the potter's wheel, extruder, making and using molds, graphic design with low-fire colored glazes.  Student will further their own aesthetic and creative development of clay objects by examining historical, contemporary, and personal modes of expression across cultures.  Because this is a lecture/lab course, students are expected to work 4 hours/week outside of class time.  

                                     

                                    1. Advisories: ART 160
                                      1. C1 - Arts (Art, Dance, Music, Theater)
                                      1. Category 3: Arts and Humanities
                                      1. 3A - Arts