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General Information

Course ID (CB01A and CB01B)
ARTS D019H
Course Title (CB02)
Ceramics Raku
Course Credit Status
Credit - Degree Applicable
Effective Term
Fall 2021
Course Description
Historical development, firing techniques, glaze, kilns and clay-bodies, for the Raku ceramic process.
Faculty Requirements
Course Family
FD - Ceramic Surface

Course Justification

This course is UC and CSU transferable. It is part of the Liberal Arts: Arts and Letters Emphasis A.A. Degree. This course is beginning level study of Raku finishes.

Foothill Equivalency

Does the course have a Foothill equivalent?
No
Foothill Course ID

Course Philosophy

Formerly Statement

Course Development Options

Basic Skill Status (CB08)
Course is not a basic skills course.
Grade Options
  • Letter Grade
  • Pass/No Pass
Repeat Limit
0

Transferability & Gen. Ed. Options

Transferability
Transferable to both UC and CSU

Units and Hours

Summary

Minimum Credit Units
4.0
Maximum Credit Units
4.0

Weekly Student Hours

TypeIn ClassOut of Class
Lecture Hours3.06.0
Laboratory Hours3.00.0

Course Student Hours

Course Duration (Weeks)
12.0
Hours per unit divisor
36.0
Course In-Class (Contact) Hours
Lecture
36.0
Laboratory
36.0
Total
72.0
Course Out-of-Class Hours
Lecture
72.0
Laboratory
0.0
NA
0.0
Total
72.0

Prerequisite(s)

ARTS D018A

Corequisite(s)

Advisory(ies)

Limitation(s) on Enrollment

Entrance Skill(s)

General Course Statement(s)

Methods of Instruction

Lecture and visual aids

Discussion and problem solving performed in class

Field observation and field trips

Guest speakers

Collaborative learning and small group exercises

Laboratory experience which involves students in formal exercises of idea and skill development, within the study of ceramics

Laboratory safety demonstrations.

Assignments

  1. Readings: Assigned class readings and present oral report.
  2. Hands on projects: Construction of test tiles and fishing/glazing Raku of all works.

Methods of Evaluation

  1. Assess oral reports and classroom discussion. Evaluate student comprehension of assigned readings.
  2. Evaluation of the student’s surface projects based on class lab demonstrations, lectures, and readings. Evaluation of craftsmanship as demonstrated by the finishing techniques covered during the course. Evaluation of a completed ceramic portfolio as final project.

Essential Student Materials/Essential College Facilities

Essential Student Materials: 
  • Potters ribs and cut off needle
  • Clay
  • Fettling knife
  • Toggle clay cutter
  • Plastic wrap material
  • Ware storage boards
  • Various brushes
  • Surface decoration tools
  • Water bucket
Essential College Facilities:
  • Studio space with appropriate tables
  • Potters wheels
  • Wedging tables
  • Ware storage racks
  • Clay mixer
  • Pugmill
  • Glaze spray booth
  • Glaze storage containers (dry and wet)
  • Clay and glaze scales
  • Electric kilns
  • Gas fired kilns
  • Raku kiln
  • Sink with clay trap
  • Glaze disposal container

Examples of Primary Texts and References

AuthorTitlePublisherDate/EditionISBN
None.

Examples of Supporting Texts and References

AuthorTitlePublisher
Watkins, James and Wandless, Paul. "Alternative Kilns and Firing Techniques," New York: Lark Books., 2006
Lazo, Eduardo, "Naked Raku and Related Bare Clay Techniques." Westerville: American Ceramic Society, 2012
Poulton, Irene "Fired Up with Raku." Wiltshire: UK Crowood Press, 2007

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

Course Objectives

  • Develop an understanding of Raku clay work.
  • Appraise raku as a process.
  • Examine the nature and significance of raku.
  • Demonstrate the Raku process.

CSLOs

  • Demonstrate competency in contemporary raku firing technique; post firing smoking, patina development and development of surface refinement.

Outline

  1. Develop an understanding of Raku clay work.
    1. Clay bodies
    2. Glazes
      1. Post firing reduction or smoking
      2. Post firing patina application
    3. Firing techniques
      1. Wood fueled kilns
      2. Gas fueled kilns
  2. Appraise raku as a process.
    1. Planning,
    2. Project construction
    3. Firing
    4. Evaluation
  3. Examine the nature and significance of raku.
    1. Cultural
      1. Early history with Riku and Chohiro it's development in China and Korea
      2. Middle history, the refinement of Raku as the number one ceramic expression of work for the Japanese Tea Ceremony, Chado or Sado, "the way of tea"
    2. Examine ceramic work and compare world Raku pieces.
      1. 1960-1980
      2. 1980-2000
      3. 2000- present
  4. Demonstrate the Raku process.
    1. Paper pad smoke Raku.
    2. One-step naked Raku.
    3. Two-step naked Raku.
    4. Clear crackle Raku over colored terra sigillata.
    5. Ferric spray over clear crackle Raku glaze.
    6. Formulate, mix, and apply a unique Raku glaze.

Lab Topics

  1. Build a series of test pieces for Raku glaze finishes.
  2. Operate the Raku Kiln.
  3. Safety demonstrations.
  4. Practice a variety of Raku finishing techniques.
  5. Use the glaze lab to mix a unique Raku glaze.
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