Not all classes in all disciplines are offered every semester. See the Class Schedule or contact the Ceramics department for offerings in the current semester.

NOTE For up-to-date course descriptions, please refer to the current GCC catalog.

CERAMICS CERTIFICATE OF PROFICIENCY

186
CERAMICS I
3.0 Units
ART 186 is an introductory study in the field of ceramics. Students learn various forming techniques, with an emphasis on wheel throwing and the production of functional pottery forms. Surface design techniques, such as stamping, carving, slip and oxide decoration, wax resist and glaze application methods are covered. Introductory clay and glaze composition are covered as well as basic kiln design.

Lecture 2.5 hours/Laboratory 1.5 hours.

Prerequisite: None.

Course Typically Offered: Winter/Spring/ Summer/Fall.

Transfer Credit: CSU, UC, USC. (Ceramics Family)

187
CERAMICS II
3.0 Units
ART 187 is a continued study in the fundamentals of the ceramic process that focuses on wheel throwing techniques. These skills are sharpened by concentrated exercises to increase the student’s ability to produce work of greater quality, size, and range of form. Students research, formulate, and test a glaze of their own choice. Various methods of firing ceramic vessels are explored.

Lecture 2.5 hours/Laboratory 1.5 hours.

Prerequisite: ART 186 or equivalent.

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring.

Transfer Credit: CSU, UC, USC. (Ceramics Family)

188
ADVANCED CERAMICS I
3.0 Units
ART 188 is an advanced course involving work on the potter’s wheel requiring consistency and accuracy of results. Students learn how to create ceramic vessels of matching sizes and shapes by designing and forming multiples and sets of objects. Awareness of three-dimensional form and surface design are heightened by individual and group critiques. The students work towards a more individual statement by further experimentation with a variety of clay bodies, glazes, and firing techniques. Under supervision the students assist in a loading and firing of kilns.

Lecture 2.5 hours/Laboratory 1.5 hours.

Prerequisite: ART 187 or equivalent.

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring.

Transfer Credit: CSU, UC, USC. (Ceramics Family)

189
ADVANCED CERAMICS II
3.0 Units
ART 189 is a course designed for the advanced student who wishes to pursue an individual direction in depth. Students propose a semester research project, concentrating on specific techniques, materials, and firing procedures. Upon instructor approval of the proposal, students are expected to work semi-independently, formulating personal clay bodies, glazes, and firing techniques. Reading and research assignments are made where applicable. A written analysis of a current ceramic exhibition is required.

Lecture 2.5 hours/Laboratory 1.5 hours.

Prerequisite: ART 188 or equivalent.

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring.

Transfer Credit: CSU, UC, USC. (Ceramics Family)

190
CERAMIC HANDBUILDING
3.0 Units
ART 190 is an introduction to basic ceramic hand-building techniques and processes. Traditional methods of forming, joinery, and construction are introduced. Students learn to design and analyze functional and nonfunctional objects. The class explores traditional hand-built pottery as well as contemporary, expressive, hand-built forms.

Lecture 2.5 hours/Laboratory 1.5 hours.

Prerequisite: None.

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring.

Transfer Credit: CSU, UC, USC. (Ceramics Hand Building Family)

191
ADVANCED CERAMIC HANDBUILDING
3.0 Units
ART 191 allows the students to explore complex problems of design and construction. They work with the ceramic medium in conjunction with other materials while exploring possibilities of designing for architecture. In-depth studies of surface design and decorative techniques are included.

Lecture 2.5 hours/Laboratory 1.5 hours.

Prerequisite: ART 190 or equivalent.

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring.

Transfer Credit: CSU, UC, USC. (Ceramics Hand Building Family)

192
EARTHENWARE
3.0 Units
ART 192 is an intermediate course in ceramics, dealing specifically with earthenware, or low-fired ceramics. A variety of forming techniques are studied, including slab and wheel. Students experiment with earthenware clay bodies, glazes, underglazes, and slips. Specific projects include glaze formulation and testing, underglazing, majolica (in-glaze painting), and overglazing (lusters, China paints, and decals).

Lecture 2.5 hours/Laboratory 1.5 hours.

Prerequisite: ART 186 or 190 or equivalent.

Recommended Preparation: ART 130.

Transfer Credit: CSU, UC, USC. (Ceramics Hand Building Family)

193
RAKU
3.0 Units
ART 193 is an introductory course in ceramics dealing exclusively with the raku firing process. Projects are drawn from a variety of forming methods including coil, slab, pinch and wheel, which will be fired by the Japanese raku process. Students prepare Raku clays and glazes to use in the execution of their projects.

Lecture 2.5 hours/Laboratory 1.5 hours.

Prerequisite: ART 186 or 190 or equivalent.

Recommended Preparation: ART 130.

Course Typically Offered: Fall.

Transfer Credit: CSU, UC, USC.

194
ADVANCED RAKU
3.0 Units
ART 194 is an advanced course in ceramics dealing exclusively with the raku firing process. Students propose and execute an advanced research project in Raku forming and firing techniques. Students develop and select Raku clays, glazes, and firing techniques to use in the execution of their research project. Advanced firing procedures are emphasized.

Lecture 2.5 hours/Laboratory 1.5 hours.

Prerequisite: ART 193 or equivalent.

Transfer Credit: CSU, UC, USC

195
GLAZE CALCULATION
3.0 Units
ART 195 is an introduction to basic glaze and clay calculations. The students learn to calculate molecular weights, molecular glaze formulas, and batch recipes. Students use general glaze theory with calculating procedures to analyze and substitute (or create from the beginning) glazes and clay bodies. The course involves simple arithmetical computations and includes certain ceramic laboratory skills and safety precautions for handling chemicals. This course prepares the student for employment in the ceramic industry.

Lecture 2.5 hours/Laboratory 1.5 hours.

Prerequisite: ART 187 or 191 or equivalent.

Transfer Credit: CSU.

196
ADVANCED EARTHENWARE
3.0 Units
ART 196 is an advanced course in ceramics, dealing specifically with earthenware, or low-fired ceramics. Students experiment with earthenware clay bodies, glazes, underglazes, and slips. Students propose an individual research project to study a specific earthenware technique in depth. Students may choose to focus on glaze formulation and testing, underglazing, majolica (in-glaze painting), or overglazing (lusters, China paints, and decals). Students learn technique specific loading and firing techniques for the electric kiln. Oxidation firing effects will be explored.

Lecture 2 hours/Studio 2 hours.

Prerequisite: ART 192 or equivalent.

Transfer Credit: CSU, UC, USC.

111
HISTORY OF WORLD CERAMICS
3.0 Units
ART 111 is a survey of the most important and influential periods of pre-historic, Mediterranean, European, Middle Eastern, PreColumbian, and Asian ceramic art.

Lecture 3 hours.

Prerequisite: None.

Course Typically Offered: Fall.

Transfer Credit: CSU, UC, USC.