Ceramics is designed for students who are interested in learning how to create ceramic artwork through an understanding of the Elements and Principles of Design. Students will create works of art in clay utilizing the process of hand building, molds, wheel throwing, slip and glaze techniques, and the firing processes. Students will engage in sequential learning experiences that encompass art history, art criticism, aesthetics, and production. Students search for meaning, significance, and direction in their work through an in-depth analysis of historical and contemporary ceramics from a variety of cultural groups. Students will critically examine the relationships between context, form, function and meaning in their own work and in historical and contemporary ceramic works. This class is one of the introductory classes required before selecting advanced art classes.