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Unit outline_

CAEL3026: Advanced Ceramics: The Potter's Wheel

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This advanced unit in ceramic wheelthrowing is for students who already have some prior experience on the potter's wheel and would like to extend their knowledge. You will receive instruction in the creation of complex forms such as lidded vessels, platters and handled objects alongside their contemporary histories and philosophies of the handmade. Based on these initial activities, students will then design and create an individual project for a final body of work in consultation with their lecturer, which may be functional or sculptural in focus.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Sydney College of the Arts
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
(12 credit points from CAEL 2000 level units including CAEL2072) or (12 credit points from CAST 2000 level units and CAEL2072)
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Jan Guy, jan.guy@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Jan Guy, jan.guy@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Creative assessment / demonstration hurdle task Final Body of Work
Individual assessment of Final Body of Work in meeting with staff
50% Formal exam period
Due date: 18 Nov 2024 at 23:59
10 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Creative assessment / demonstration hurdle task Studio Investigations and Prototypes
Individual Student presentation of work (Group Critique and Feedback)
30% Week 06
Due date: 02 Sep 2024 at 23:59
12 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Creative assessment / demonstration hurdle task Project Design Proposal
Presentation to group of proposal for Final Body of Work
20% Week 07
Due date: 09 Sep 2024 at 23:59
10 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
hurdle task = hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

1. Studio Investigations and Prototypes - you will be required to create and present 12 investigative forms based on class activities in Weeks 1-6

2. Project Design Proposal - you will be required to present an outline and plan a proposal for your individual final body of work through independent textual and studio research using a set of questions given to you in Week 3.

3. Final Body of Work - you will be required to develop, resolve and present a body of artworks based on your proposal and in progressive consultation with tutor.

See detailed information on CANVAS.

Assessment criteria

Result Name Mark Range Description
High Distinction 85-100 Outstanding Level of Achievement -

Displays innovative and imaginative thinking. Artwork or written work demonstrates initiative and ingenuity in research and production, confident and proficient application of materials and critical skills throughout, and makes an insightful contribution to contemporary ceramics.

Distinction 75-84 Excellent Level of Achievement - 

Artwork or written work demonstrates initiative and resourcefulness in research and production, competent application of materials and critical skills throughout, receptiveness to critical feedback, and a willingness to explore new ideas.

Credit 65-74 Highly Competent Work -

Artwork or written work displays evidence of initiative in research and production, competent application of materials and critical skills in most areas, receptivity to critical feedback and a willingness to explore new ideas.

Pass 50-64 Satisfactory Level of Achievement - 

Artwork or written work contains evidence of a broad and reasonably accurate command of material and technical proficiency, responds to critical feedback in fairly direct translation. 

Fail 0-49 Work not of an Acceptable Standard -

Artwork or written work displays clear deficiencies in technical skills, little or no response to critical feedback, a lack of engagement with the unit of study, fails to demonstrate any understanding of conceptual ideas and practices. 

See CANVAS Rubric for further information.

See also https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.html

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 02 1.Induction and Introduction to Unit of Study 2. Mini- seminar: Contemporary Ceramics 3. Discipline throwing READING: See Canvas Studio (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 03 1. Throwing a plate (demo) 2. Mini-Seminar - plates and shapes 3. Individual Tutorials - Project ideas and Studio practice Studio (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 04 1. Lidded Vessels (demo) 2. Mini -Seminar: Entwining Form and Function 3. Individual tutorials (project ideas continued) READING: see Canvas Studio (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 05 1. Mini-Seminar: Surfaces and Narratives 2. Knobs, handles, lugs, protrusions, intrusions (demos) 3. 1. Individual tutorials (studio investigations) Studio (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 06 Group Critique - Individual Students will present Studio Investigations and prototypes to group in class and receive feedback. (Assessment 1: 30%) Presentation (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 07 1-4pm 1. Students to present Project Design Proposal for Final Artwork(s) to class using Pecha Kucha format and receive feedback from the group. (Assessment 2: 20%) 4-7pm1. Mini- Seminar Glaze Formulation (customisation) 2. Individual Tutorials (Final Project) 3. Instructions in Firing kilns - electric and gas Presentation (6 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 08 1.Mini-Seminar - Minerals Transforming Glazes 2. Individual Tutorials (work in progress) READING: See Canvas Studio (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 09 1. Group Critique (work in progress) Studio (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 10 NO CLASS - PUBLIC HOLIDAY (class added in Week 7) Independent study only Studio (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 11 1. Packing Kilns 2. Individual Tutorials (works in progress) 3. Special Surfaces Studio (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 12 1. Packing Kilns 2. Individual Tutorials (finalising projects) Studio (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 13 1. Packing Kilns 2. Summary, Assessment Instructions and Final Queries Studio (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Readings will appear in CANVAS.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. demonstrate independent thinking through conceptualising, developing and resolving individual studio projects
  • LO2. contextualise ideas with an understanding of contemporary ceramics and the broader field of contemporary art
  • LO3. manipulate forms, materials and technologies with skill, understanding and an awareness of individual project concerns
  • LO4. critically evaluate concepts and the material resolution of their work
  • LO5. apply WH&S to all aspects of studio practice

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This unit of study has been modified to improve students' individual studio workflow.

Additional costs

$100 for limited materials and equipment.

Work, health and safety

Please wear closed boots. Some are available to borrow, but you must bring your own socks.

Comply with any directives given to you by academic and technical staff regarding  Health and Safety issues. Failure to do so may see you banned from the studio.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.