Course Title: CHM299H/ART360H: Getting Glazed – The Art & Science of Ceramics
Term: Spring
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The course will challenge students to see how science, particularly chemistry, plays a key role in ceramic processes. Students will develop an understanding of the chemical reactions and principles that govern the field of ceramics. In essence, students will be asked to apply concepts of chemical bonding, solid state chemistry and thermodynamics to the production of ceramic pieces. Additionally, students will gain exposure to the technical skills required for producing ceramic artwork and surface treatments. A final project will require students to use their knowledge of chemistry to design and make a ceramic piece with unique properties or function. This experience combines chemistry and art in a novel way.
This course will serve as an interdisciplinary honors course that satisfies the 299H requirement for students in the Nisbet Honors Program. Students may register for either chemistry or art to fulfill the 299H requirement. Additionally, CHM 299H will satisfy the natural science GEP requirement (non-lab), while ART 360H will serve as an elective course for art majors (but not GEP in visual arts)
COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
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Develop an understanding of different types of chemical bonding (ionic/covalent), solid-state chemistry, and crystal field theory for understanding the role that chemistry plays in ceramic technology.
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Establish an understanding of the raw materials used in ceramics (clays and glazes), how those materials interact when combined in a formula, and why such formulas result in a particular outcome. Students will also explore the variables that can impact the outcome.
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Gain familiarity with mixing glazes that correspond with the temperature range of a clay body as well as the form of the piece to be fired.
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Integrate chemical and artistic knowledge to develop a final project that utilizes the scientific method.
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES:
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Students will show an understanding of the different types of chemical bonding, solid-state chemistry, and crystal field theory and the role these concepts play in ceramic technology.
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Students will show an understanding of the raw materials used in ceramics, how these materials interact, and why such formulas result in a particular outcome.
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Students will mix glazes that correspond with the temperature range of multiple clay bodies as well as the form of the piece to be fired.
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Students will integrate chemical and artistic knowledge to develop a final project that utilizes the scientific method.
Problem Sets and Readings
Problem sets and readings will be assigned and are due as indicated by the instructors.
Their purpose is to help you understand and integrate chemical concepts with art terminology and techniques.
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ProblemSet001.pdf
ProblemSet002.pdf
ProblemSet003.pdf
Exams
There will be two exams in the course that cover information discussed in class.
Studio Work
Your work will be evaluated based upon the quality of completed projects and a demonstrated ability to work safely. This component may comprise both individual and group grades.
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Students began the semester by working in groups to create test tiles as a means to learn how to roll slabs.
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Next, students learned how to make bowls using slabs and a plastic bowl as a slump/hump mold. A midrange clay body was used for this project to allow students to see glaze results on a full-scale form prior to the reduction firing at the end of the semester.​
As another basic project to prepare students for creating basic forms in their final group projects, students learned to make cups/tumblers using a paper template and a slab. These pieces were made using high-fire clay body and were fired in the reduction firing at the end of the semester.
Project Glaze
Much like fashion, in the world of ceramics, one day you're in, and the next you're out! Groups of 3 will
compete in Project Glaze to design a ceramic piece that is inspired by the scientific method. You will develop a hypothesis, propose an experimental design, and attempt to create your ceramic piece ("experiment") using concepts and skills learned throughout the course. Your grade will be based upon planning, preparation, execution and a final presentation to a panel of judges. This project serves as an inquiry-based research experience. The winning group will be crowned the Season 2 winner of Project Glaze.
