The aim of the beginning course is to guide students through a progressive understanding of the complex nature of the ceramic medium. The course covers all basic techniques of forming and decorating clay through a series of practical demonstrations, slide shows, and short lectures covering the essential theoretic information on the nature of clay and glazes. Specific assignments are given for each new technique presented. Low-temperature earthenware materials are used in the studio, since these are the ones that have been used in the Mediterranean area for centuries. Raku, sawdust saggar, and pit firings are also undertaken. When possible, field trips are organized to introduce students to local traditions and to contemporary artists’ work.

The links below lead to recent course syllabi for the above course. On the first day of class of each term, the instructor normally distributes to students an updated syllabus.

The course is organized to stimulate students who already have a basic experience in ceramics towards increasing their technical abilities and towards creating their own personal vocabulary in clay. The course's aim is also to introduce students to the rich ceramic tradition of Italy and the Mediterranean area through the use of local clays and glazing materials. According to the number and level of students enrolled, the intermediate course is structured as a hand-building course or as a throwing course. The hand-building course addresses some of the main themes dealt with by contemporary ceramic artists. With each new theme, different hand-building techniques and materials are explored. The throwing course is structured to enable students who already have solid throwing experience to learn new and/or more advanced skills and to understand the essential concepts of design. Glazing techniques and firing processes are dealt with, and Raku, sawdust saggar, and pit firings are undertaken. When possible, field trips are organized to introduce students to local traditions and to contemporary artists’ work.

Credits – 3: Offered – Fall, Spring, Late Spring
Prerequisite – Intermediate Ceramics