Level 1: Ceramics/Pottery 1 (0102300)
This course explores the 4 aspects of Visual Art: Production, Aesthetics, History/Culture and Criticism. Students will learn how people have used ceramics in their lives, culture and current events for centuries and how the ideals of this search have changed over time. We will explore the work of others with an aesthetic, historical and critical eye. During this course students will focus on three handbuilding techniques, pinch methods, coil processes, and slab methods. Students will create functional and decorative clay pieces while learning various ways to form and manipulate clay. A variety of glazing and decoration techniques will be introduced as well. Student artists use an art criticism process to evaluate, explain, and measure artistic growth in personal or group works. They will also create a digital portfolio to document artistic growth and understandings of the elements and principles of art and design.
Level 2: Ceramics/Pottery 2 (0102310)
Ceramics II is a continuation of Ceramics 1 with additional emphasis placed on mastering their skills in hand-building techniques and experience other forms of working with clay - potter’s wheel, sculpture, etc. Students will learn additional decorating techniques for their artwork, including underglaze painting, sgraffito, special effect glazing, etc. Students are encouraged to develop creative thinking and personal expression as well as skills, techniques and understanding needed to create quality work. Craftsmanship and quality are expected in the surface and structural qualities of the completed art forms. Students in the ceramics art studio focus on use of safety procedures for working with clay. Student artists use an art criticism process to evaluate, explain, and measure artistic growth in personal or group works.
Level 3: Ceramics/Pottery 3 Honors (0102320)
Ceramics 3 is a continuation of Ceramics 2 with emphasis on student skills, individual styles, and experimentation. Students will be able to independently create pieces... beginning with a sketched idea, and culminating in a finished product. Students will explore spatial relationships through the use of non objective, abstract, or representational forms, products, or structures. Emphasis is placed on individual idea development and inventive use of material. As in other art courses, studio work will develop and reinforce student understandings of the elements and principles of art and design, which is an integral part of a strong portfolio. There is an emphasis on developing creative thinking and personal expression as well as skills, techniques and understanding needed to create quality work. Craftsmanship and quality are reflected in the surface and structural qualities of the completed art forms. Students in the ceramics art studio focus on use of safety procedures for processes, medium, and techniques. Student artists use an art criticism process to evaluate, explain, and measure artistic growth in personal or group works.
Level 4: AP 3-D Art & Design Portfolio (0109360)
The AP Art and Design course framework is composed of course skills, big ideas, essential questions and enduring understandings, learning objectives, and essential knowledge. AP Art and Design skill categories delineate overarching understandings central to the study and practice of art and design. Each of the three skill categories consists of skills that encompass foundational to advanced learning over the span of the course. Students need to develop, practice, and apply these skills in a variety of contexts.
(Students will sit for the AP exam at the end of the course)
At the end of the course, you’ll submit a portfolio that demonstrates your knowledge of art skills using three-dimensional materials.
