mason

Rationale:
This course is designed to offer students additional course options in the Art Department that will fulfill the Integrative Studies Program Perspectives requirement beyond the 100-level. The study and creation of ceramic art is an ideal way in which to introduce students to the crucial role of material culture in the development of human societies. The history of ceramics is particularly broad in scope. For instance, it encourages consideration of social class and gender roles (utilitarian wares of non-elite groups, women as creators and consumers of an art form in a domestic context, etc.). The study of ceramics involves not only an understanding of three dimensional form, it’s materials and its history also requires knowledge of geology, chemistry, and physics in. Finally, it is one of the most alluring and tactile art forms, combining both two- and three-dimensional considerations of form and decoration.