ART 2631 - Introduction to Ceramics
Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section 02, CRN 41945,
Credit hours: 3
Course Meeting Times
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Instructor
Amanda Spinosa
Email: alspinosa@ysu.edu
Course Description
2631. Introduction to Ceramics. A broad introduction to the basic ceramic building methods, a variety of surfacing techniques, glaze and the electric firing. Class projects will allow students to practice processes and building techniques while developing their personal aesthetic within the realm of ceramic art. Prereq.: ART 1503 or permission of instructor. 3 s.h.
Course Readings
| Group | Title | Author | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | The Ceramics Bible (Original or Revised Edition), The Complete Guide to Materials and Techniques | Louisa Taylor | |
| Optional | International Ceramic Arts Networks. ICAN Silver Membership |
The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.
Assignments/Assessments
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Intro Ceramics Class Schdule (Tentative)
| Week of | Proposed Topic | Due/To Prepare for Class |
|---|---|---|
| 8/24 | Syllabus, Introductions, Saftey & Studio Policies, Project 1 Lecture, Demos, Activity | Discussion due on Blackboard |
| 8/31 | Lecture, Demos, Project 1 Worktime | Signed Saftey Orientation Form. Proj.1 Sketches. Supplies |
| 9/7 | Project 1 Worktime. Clay Mixing 1 | |
| 9/14 | In-progress critique, Project 1 Worktime. Introduce Project 2 & Research Assignment. | |
| 9/21 | Lecture/Demos, Project 1 Worktime, In-progress critique. Worktime Project 2. | Project 1 Due Leather Hard |
| 9/28 | Worktime Project 2, Clay Mixing 2 | Bisque Fire Proj. 1, load kilns Project 2 Sketches Due |
| 10/5 | Lecture/Demos, Project 2 Worktime. In-progress Critique | Glaze Fire Proj. 1, Project 1 Due, Critique, Documentation |
| 10/12 | Project 2 Worktime, pre-glazing, Midterm Clean up. Introduce Project 3 | Project 2 Due Leather Hard. |
| 10/19 | Begin Project 3, Lecture/Demos, Assignment: Cylinders, Clay Mixing 3 | Project 2 Due Bone Dry Bisque Fire Project 2 |
| 10/26 | Lecture/Demos, Project 3 Worktime | Glaze Fire Project 2 |
| 11/2 | Worktime Project 3 , Clay Mixing 4. | Cylinders Due, Proj. 2 Due, Critique, Documentation |
| 11/9 | Lecture/Demos, Project 3 Worktime, In-progress critique | Final Day to Work in Wet Clay |
| 11/16 | Worktime Project 3 | Work Due dry/complete Bisque Fire Project 3 |
| 11/23 | Lecture/Demos, Glaze Project 3 | Load kilns/Glaze Fire Project 3 |
| 11/30 | Finalize work, Critique and Documentation Due. Final Studio Clean up. Take home all work | Project 3 Due, Critique, Documentation |
| 12/7 | Final Examination, Dec. 11th Friday 10:30-12:30pm. |
The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.