Course Title: Raku-Special Topics
Course Number: ART 266 - CRN 20072
Course Date: 2 April 2004 – 14 May 2004
Course Location: Pence 24
Instructor: Peter Meyer, Pence 3, ext 2119, pmeyer@cocc.edu
Course Description: Short course focusing on the raku firing process. Prerequisites: ART 154, ART 155. Usually offered spring term.
Outcomes:
- To understand and articulate the raku ceramic technique and how it differs from stoneware ceramic technique.
- To know the basic components of a raku glaze and how they are affected by the raku firing process.
- Understand the basic chemical reaction that gives a raku glaze its particular qualities.
- Understand the components and characteristics of raku clay and why the clay needs these characteristics.
- Be able to manipulate a quantity of clay using pinch, slab, coil, and wheel techniques into a vessel or shape that can successfully be fired using the raku technique.
- To know and take all the necessary steps to prepare a safe environment for raku firing.
- To safely glaze and fire a vessel or shape using the raku technique.
- To be able to articulate the differences of technique and attitude between traditional Japanese/Korean raku and contemporary/American raku.
- To understand the functional limitations of finished raku ware.
Instructional methods: Concepts will be conveyed through lectures, demonstrations, activities, class discussions, slides/videos, and most importantly, hands on effort and work. It is assumed students will enter the class with the ability to use clay to express imaginative ideas. Three/3 hr. classes will be devoted to in-class work and two all-day classes designated for firing. Students are expected to produce work outside of the three/3 hr. classes.
Text: No text will be required for this class, however excerpts from some texts will be issued as handouts and students will be encouraged to seek information from ceramic and art history textbooks available in the library.
Topics and Assignments: Assignment topics will be presented sequentially and are structured to address desired outcomes.
Assessment: Student’s progress will be assessed on completed projects, technical improvement, and originality of projects, in-class critiques, exercises, papers and quizzes/exams. Final projects should show an understanding of all material covered during the term. Each student will be expected to load and fire two or more pieces of their own work by the end of the class.
Policies:
Shop protocol: All pieces to be fired must be labeled with your name, initials, or graphic mark, your locker #, and the current term; Fall 2003 or F03. All pieces must be placed on the proper shelves in the middle room to be fired. Any pieces not properly labeled or of dubious construction will be placed on the lower ‘questionable’ shelf. These pieces can be fired when the problems are corrected.
Late work: Projects are expected to be completed on the due date unless previous arrangements are made. An in-class critique is considered as part of a ‘completed project’. No credit will be given to projects completed one week after the due date.
Absences: You are allowed one un-excused absence, for any absences after that please call my voice mail before class or it will be considered an un-excused absence.
Extra Credit: Projects and papers done in addition to required assignments will be considered extra credit and may contribute to your final grade.
Cheating/Plagiarism: Inspiration from art history and contemporary art is part of the approach to learning in this class. Freely acknowledge the source of your inspiration, don’t call it your own idea.
ADA Statement: Students with documented disabilities who may need accommodations, who have any emergency medical information the instructor should know of, or who need special arrangements in the event of evacuation, should make an appointment with the instructor as early as possible, no later than the first week of the term. Students may also wish to contact the COCC Disability Services Office in BEC, ext 7583.