university of wisconsin oshkosh
ceramics
Ceramics Courses:
Art 271: Ceramics I
prerequisite: core foundation classes including art 109 and 110.
The 200 level beginning students are introduced yo various hand building techniques through several concept-based projects addressing the vessel, the figure, the object, and sculpture using low fire red earthenware, slips and glazes. Students are introduced to the potter’s wheel. Initial exposure to historical and contemporary ceramics is gained through slide presentations introducing each project and through informal and formal conversations.
Art 371: Ceramics II
prerequisite: art 271
The 300 level intermediate students further develop technical skills on the wheel focusing on utilitarian pottery using high fire stoneware, slips, and glazes. Ideas about the ceramic vessel-making history, tradition and contemporary approaches are explored through presentations and assignments. Students learn about making clay, slips, glazes, and bisque firing their own work while working together as a community.
Art 471/671/771: Ceramics IV/V/VI
prerequisite: art 371
The 400 level advanced students gain new technical building skills with mold making, press molding, and slip casting. Students learn about clay and glaze materials and do glaze testing in addition to learning how to fire the gas kilns. New techniques exploring the surface are addressed with terra sigilatta, china paint, luster, and decals. Projects are designed to further encourage the development of individual ideas, concepts, and artistic vision.
Advanced students that choose to pursue 3d/ceramics as his or her emphasis are encouraged to develop individual technical experimentation and conceptual exploration with professor guidance. Students establish a coherent, personal body of work that is presented in a solo or group senior BFA exhibition. Artist statement and resume writing as well as visual documentation of the work is also addressed.
The goal is to provide a rigorous studio experience within a liberal arts university that prepares young artists for the complex, professional ceramic world.
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Degrees, Majors, Minors and 3D/Ceramics Emphasis
All BFA, BS, and BA art majors are required to take a Post-Foundation Portfolio Review which will take place after completion of the foundation courses:
Art 109: Art History Survey I
Art 110: Art History Survey II
Art 111: Drawing I
Art 112: 2D Design & Color
Art 114: 3D Design
Passing the portfolio review is required for entry into the BFA, BS, or BA programs.
BFA & Art Education majors must complete the following two core courses.
Art 234: Figure Drawing I
Art 242: Computers in the Visual Arts
BFA Degree with 3D/ceramics emphasis:
The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is the professional arts degree, with a focus on intensive studio work, supported by a program of general studies. The BFA major consists of a minimum of 82 studio credits.
BS Degree with a studio arts emphasis:
The Bachelor of Science degree is recommended for students who wish a non-professional degree in the arts and consists of a minimum of 42 studio credits.
Additional required courses for this degree are in math, humanities, science, speech communication, and social science.
BA Degree with a studio arts emphasis:
The Bachelor of Art degree is recommended for students who wish a non-professional degree in the arts and consists of a minimum of 42 studio credits.
Additional required courses for this degree are in humanities, social science, speech communication, and foreign language, demonstrating a proficiency in a single foreign language.
3D/Ceramics Minor:
Recommended for students who wish a basic background in the studio arts as a complement to another non-art major. The core foundation courses, passing the portfolio review, and taking a minimum of 6 credits from 3D/ceramics courses. A minimum of 24 credits is required.
Art History Minor:
Recommended for students who wish to undertake a more comprehensive and intensive course of study in Art History. A minimum of 24 credits is required including Art 109 and 110, 15 elective art history credits, and a capstone seminar course.
