3DS !! 4550 contemporary ceramic history Burleson, Associate Professor !!Mark Spring Semester, 2014 (08 Jan 2014) mburleson@gsu.edu , phone: 404-413-5259 !!eMail: office hours: T/Th 10AM - 11AM, office location : 154 Loft
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Course Description This course is a multimedia investigation into American Ceramics and it’s influences from 1900 until the present day.
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About this Class Like most of you, I am primarily a visual artist. I am not an Art Historian. I developed this class to satisfy what I feel is a deficiency in the course offerings of this and most other academic institutions. Ceramics is too often overlooked as an art form, as a tool for learning about history, or science and instead relegated to being a craft medium and viewed only through the decorative arts lens of art historians. I believe that the study of ceramic art history, in both contemporary and historical terms , is deserving of it’s own place in the studies of art and history. The vibrant presence of clay in the world of contemporary art and the rich history of the medium the record that has been left behind in clay is a window through which to view the history of mankind. much of what we know about our history - particularly our early history was learned through the information that was left behind on shards or on the surfaces of ceramic objects. Clay continues to tell the stories of our lives in ways no other medium can to this day. I believe that it is a critical area of study and should be a part of any well rounded education in the fine arts.
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In this class, we will look at numerous periods of time and modes of thinking through the lens of clay. Each week I will provide a general over view of the main themes of the artists and art movements that we will cover in the hope that it might be a point of departure for more in-depth research you might conduct as students, both in the technical processes and cultural and historical significance. The subjects that we will cover are indeed the focus of many dissertations and though I wish I possessed a great depth of knowledge on each subject, my own research has been primarily directed toward that of a visual studio artist and so what
Course Title: Directed study CRN 17634 Tuesday / Thursday 9:30am until 10:45AM. Prerequisite: none multimedia survey of american ceramics and it’s influences from 1900 until the present. Lab Fees: $80.00. 4.000 Credit hours I hope to communicate through this class is a survey of the major themes of the art movements, periods, styles and artists associated with clay since 1900.
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I think of my role in this class as a curator of information. With the access to media of all types so readily available. I intend to allow experts in the field to speak directly to you through video and other media and will organize class lectures with the intent of providing as much first person commentary, expert opinion and visual stimulation as possible. I select the information an put it into a format that I hope makes it accessible, useful, interesting and visually stimulating. I hope to inform your knowledge of the amazing history of ceramic and inspire further research of both the studio and academic varieties. You will have the opportunity to present an in-depth research project on a subject of your choice
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Issuu: www.issuu.com/markburleson I make my notes visible as a framework in my presentations as a reference for your research and as a study guide for the necessary exams. which are necessary to measure your comprehension of the material. The site is accessible at www.issuu.com/ markburleson . I believe that students are better able to engage intellectually with course material if the focus is on thinking about the material and not simply transcribing notes. I invite you to engage in the material so relax, ask questions during lecture or express your thoughts and observations freely as we think and discuss the themes , the attitudes, the reasons, the reactions and the people who make ceramics such an enduring and engaging area of study.
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Research Projects There will be one research project during this course and two exams. A mid-term and a final as well as weekly readings and opportunities to respond to material that has been presented.
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POINTS
A+
98-100
QP FOR GPA
LETTER
Grading
DESCRIPTION SUPERIOR
4.3
A
93-97
EXCELLENT
4
A-
90-92
OUTSTANDING
3.7
B+
87-89
ABOVE AVERAGE WITH EXCEPTIONAL EFFORT
3.3
B
80-89
ABOVE AVERAGE
3
B-
80-82
GOOD
2.7
C+
77-79
AVERAGE W/EXCEPTIONAL EFFORT
2.3
AVERAGE. W/ FAIR EFFORT.
2
POOR.
1
UNACCEPTABLE. FAILURE.
0
C
70-6
D
60-69
F
0-59
!! Point Distribution GRADING IS ON A POINT SYSTEM 100 TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE.
TOTAL POINTS
EXAMS
50
RESEARCH PROJECT
20
ATTENDANCE
20
CLASS PARTICIPATION
10 TOTAL POINTS
!! CLASS POLICIES !Lab Fees
100
A lab fee of $80 has been added to your student account to cover all costs of glaze material, firing, equipment, kilns and kiln repair, and other studio expenses. etc. You must purchase your own clay, tools and special materials. You have the option of making your clay using studio materials Attendance
Class attendance is required. Each three (3) unexcused absences will result in the lowering of the final grade by one letter grade. Failure to come to class with adequate materials for producing work will result in a recorded absence for that day. Failure to arrive on time will be recorded as half an absence, so for example, arriving late to class twice during the term will be recorded as one absence. Similarly, leaving class early will be recorded as half an absence. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class. Information missed due to tardiness or absence will be the responsibility of the student. Absences may be excused due to illness, religious holidays or other extreme circumstances as defined by the University, but it is the student’s responsibility to notify the instructor and to give a written excuse as required by the University. Refer to the Undergraduate Catalog for other relevant information regarding absences. Disruptive Student Behavior Disruptive student behavior is student behavior in a classroom or other learning environment (to include both on and off-campus locations), which disrupts the educational process. Disruptive class* behavior for this purpose is defined by the instructor. Such behavior includes, but is not limited to, verbal or physical threats, repeated obscenities, unreasonable interference with class discussion, making/receiving personal phone calls, text messages or pages during class, excessive tardiness, leaving and entering class frequently in the absence of notice to instructor of illness or other extenuating circumstances, and persisting in disruptive personal conversations with other class members. For purposes of this policy, it may also be considered disruptive behavior for a student to exhibit threatening, intimidating, or other inappropriate behavior toward the instructor or classmates outside of class. See the following link for additional information on this policy in the Georgia State University Student Handbook: http:// www2.gsu.edu/~wwwdos/wordFilesEtc/ disruptive.pdf Security Georgia State University and the Welch School of Art and Design have installed punch code locks to make our buildings safer for students and faculty. You should treat any lab or studio under card lock as a secure space. As such, GSU and the Welch School of Art and Design ask that you abide by the following guidelines to help ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone: 1. Always have your GSU ID card with you when on campus.
2. Never allow anyone to use your card. If a student or member of the staff or faculty is authorized to be in the area, their cards will give them access. If anyone asks for your card, report the incident to campus police immediately. 3. Always report suspicious people or activity to the faculty or graduate student in charge of the studio or lab. If, for any reason, there is no faculty or graduate student supervision, report suspicious people or activity to campus police (404-413-2100) d. Never try to enter a studio or lab by ‘piggybacking’ on someone else. For example, if someone is entering the lab or studio before you, do not try to get through
!! the door while it is open. Wait for the door to close
and then punch in the code again to gain entry. Similarly, do not allow someone else to come through with you. It can be tempting to hold the door open for someone whose hands are full with equipment, etc. This practice, however, is not secure and can put everyone at risk. Wanting to help is good, but be smart about it. Academic Honesty and Integrity: Students are expected to act according to the highest ethical standards. Any and all cheating, including plagiarism, will not be tolerated and will result in an automatic grade of “F” for the course. Refer to http://www2.gsu.edu/~wwwfhb/ sec409.html as well as the Faculty Affairs Handbook at http://www2.gsu.edu/~wwwfhb/ sec409.html and the Undergraduate Catalog for specific regulations at http://www2.gsu.edu/ ~catalogs/2011-2012/undergraduate/ 1300/1380_academic_honesty.htm Accommodation of Disabilities: Students who wish to request accommodation for a disability may do so by registering with the Office of Disability Services. Visit http://www.gsu.edu/ disability/ for more information. Students may only
!be accommodated upon issuance by the Office of Disability Services of a signed Accommodation Plan and are responsible for providing a copy of that plan to instructors of all classes in which accommodations are sought. Retention of Work: The School of Art & Design has the right to retain any student project, whether it be for display, accreditation, documentation, or any other educational or legal purpose.
Student Evaluation: Your constructive assessment of this course plays an indispensable role in shaping education at Georgia State. Upon completing the course, please take time to fill out the online course evaluation. Hazardous Materials: Georgia State University is committed to providing a safe and healthful environment for its faculty, staff, students, and visitors and managing the University in an environmentally sensitive and responsible manner. There are procedures for responses and reporting of accidents, spills, etc. as defined within the Art and Design General Lab Safety Manual. Please know that by definition, most glues and paints are considered hazardous materials. Their use, for example, is restricted to areas well ventilated, and their disposal in only approved containers is mandated as well. For further information, refer to http://www.gsu.edu/ images/vp_research/2012-03-27Art_and_Design_General_Lab_Safety_Manual.pdf
!Studio Safety
An in depth look at health and safety in the ceramic studio will be a central focus of this class. Students are expected to observe model studio practices as the safe handling and use of ceramic materials is fundamental to all research into the science of ceramics and daily studio practice. The ceramic materials lab will be our central hub for this class and many hazardous materials are stored and used there. Hazardous materials may enter your body through the air through your respiratory system, through your bloodstream through cuts or scrapes on your skin, by being ingested in numerous ways. Specific Hazards and protective measures will be identified at the onset of the class through an in depth lecture and as we progress though our investigation into their properties.
!The materials lab must be maintained in pristine
condition at all times. Absolutely no deviations from this policy will be tolerated. A demonstration into appropriate measures will be presented and students are expected to follow the established guidelines precisely, without fail, and without question. Irresponsible behavior or use of materials or failure to follow cleaning guidelines will absolutely not be tolerated. Pay attention in class and take good notes. A single breech of materials safety policies will result in the lowering of your grade by a full letter and a second may result in your removal from the class. An appropriate amount of time to clean is required with each use. Please understand that I have a zero tolerance policy for
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lab safety. There are potentially life threatening materials in use and with some even exposure to tiny amounts without proper protection can be harmful. A single incident can contaminate the entire studio and expose everyone in the studio to harm. Most materials are hazardous only after repeated long term exposure so the cumulative effects should also be considered.
!Students are also required to use appropriate
safety equipment and practice safe operation procedures when equipment such as kilns, clay mixers and pugmills. The student should only use these
!materials and equipment after the instructor has given instruction on their the safe use and the student has been added to the list of approved users.
!The instructor has the right and responsibility to
suspend any art student from operating a piece of equipment if it is determined that the student is incapable of operating the equipment in a safe manner. This is done so as not to jeopardize the health and safety of the other members of the class. Health and safety practices are also given additional weight in the grading scale for this class.
!First Aid
A first aid kit is located in the main studio and clearly identified. The telephone number for the ceramics studio is 404.413.0513. Local and outgoing calls can be made by dialing 9 first. There is an emergency phone with a flashing blue light on the street outside the courtyard. GSU is located in an urban environment, so when working after hours, keep all doors locked and use caution concerning your personal safety. The combination to the door is 0490. It is important that this door is kept locked at all times for your personal safety, as well as to discourage theft.
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GRADING IS ON A POINT SYSTEM
105 TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE. • PROJECTS
TOTAL POINTS
60
• EACH PROJECT WILL BE EVALUATED AT THE FOLLOWING STAGES: • SKETCH/ CONCEPT • GREENWARE • BISQUE • GLAZE/ FINAL CRITIQUE STUDIO PRACTICE
20
• WORK ETHIC • GOOD SAMARA TIN • CLEANLINESS AND STUDIO MAINTENANCE • HELPFULNESS • MOTIVATION ATTENDANCE
10
• 3 ABSENCES CLASS PARTICIPATION
10
• GROUP DISCUSSIONS • PRESENTATIONS • CRITIQUES GOOD SAMARITAN BONUS
5
• GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND TO CONTRIBUTE TO CERAMICS COMMUNITY AND STUDIO • ATTEND SLIPS MEETINGS TOTAL POINTS
!Withdrawal From Class
105
Students desiring to withdraw from class must follow the procedure appropriate for the time in the semester. Official notification for withdrawal by a student must be made to the Office of the Registrar according to the guidelines listed in the current Schedule of Classes bulletin.