Ceramics Certificate

Program Coordinator/Contact
Michael (Tim) Steele, Department Head
Department of Visual Arts
Grove Hall 101, Box 2802
605-688-4103
E-mail: sdsu.artdept@sdstate.edu
www.sdstate.edu/art

Program Information
The certificate in ceramics may be taken by all SDSU students regardless of major and may be selected by Studio Art and Art Education majors as part of their degree. The program prepares students for life-long avocational pursuits in the arts.

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the certificate, students are able to demonstrate the following outcomes through studio projects:

• Understanding of basic design principles related to ceramics. This includes basic traditions, conventions and evolution of the discipline.
• Knowledge and skills in the use of basic tools, techniques and processes sufficient to produce work from concept to finished object including: knowledge of raw materials, technical procedures such as clays, glazes and firing.
• Preparation of clay bodies and glazes, kiln stacking procedures and firing processes and basic special firing methods such as raku.
• The preparation of ceramics using relevant techniques and technologies with opportunity to work at advanced level.

Academic Requirements
Visual Arts students must maintain at least a program GPA of 2.6 and an overall GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the duration of the program. A grade of “C” or better is required in all courses required for the certificate.

Course Delivery Format
Course content is delivered through hands-on studio work combined with lectures, demonstrations and critiques.