Visual Arts and New Media: Ceramics, B.F.A. Sample Degree Map
The Ceramics, B.F.A. degree is structured to train and expose students to both traditional and contemporary methods of creative expression with clay. Extensive hand-building techniques and skill on the potter’s wheel are developed. Emphasis is placed on craftsmanship and an understanding of all the inherent working characteristics of the ceramic media. Natural gas, electric, and wood fired kilns are available for use at various temperature ranges. Oxidation, reduction stoneware, salt and raku firing techniques are utilized. Hands-on studio experience is supported by abundant visual exposure to global, historical, and contemporary clay art works. The overall educational objective is to foster a love of clay, facilitate individual idea development among student artist/artisan and to prepare individuals for a life-long vocational or avocational involvement in ceramics.
Sample Degree Plan
First Year
Fall Semester
Course | Credits | |
ART 100 | Visual Concepts | 3 |
ARTS 102 | Foundations in 2D Form and Content | 3 |
ARTS 105 | Foundations in Drawing | 3 |
FF | Course | 3 |
FF | Course | 3 |
ART 120 | Visiting Artist Program | 1 |
TOTAL | 16 |
Spring Semester
Course | Credits | |
ARTS 221, 222 or 225 | 3 | |
ARTS 270 | Foundations in Clay | 3 |
ARTH 101 | Art in Culture From Prehistory to 1400 | 3 |
FF | Course | 3 |
FF | Course | 3 |
ART 120 | Visiting Artist Program | 1 |
TOTAL | 16 |
Second Year
Fall Semester
Course | Credits | |
ARTS 240 | Foundations in 3D Form and Content | 3 |
ARTH 102 | Art in Culture From 1400 to the Present | 3 |
ARTS 271 | Pottery on the Wheel | 3 |
FF | Course | 3 |
FF | Course | 3 |
ART 120 | Visiting Artist Program | 1 |
TOTAL | 16 |
Spring Semester
Course | Credits | |
ARTS 156 | Intro to Digital Photography | 3 |
ARTS 241 | Figure Modeling | 3 |
ARTH xxx | Art History Elective | 3 |
FF | Course | 3 |
FF | Course | 3 |
ART 120 | Visiting Artist Program | 1 |
TOTAL | 16 |
Third Year
Fall Semester
Course | Credits | |
ARTS 370 | Intermediate Ceramics | 3 |
ARTS 341 | Figure Modeling II | 3 |
ARTS 321 | Installation Art | 3 |
FF | Course | 3 |
General Elective | 3 | |
ART 120 | Visiting Artist Program | 1 |
TOTAL | 16 |
Spring Semester
Course | Credits | |
ARTS 470 | Advanced Ceramics | 3 |
ARTH xxx | Art History Elective | 3 |
ARTS Studio Elective | 3 | |
General Elective | 3 | |
ART 120 | Visiting Artist Program | 1 |
TOTAL | 13 |
Fourth Year
Fall Semester
Course | Credits | |
ARTS 494 | Directed Studio Ceramics | 3 |
ARTS Studio Elective | 3 | |
ARTS Studio Elective | 3 | |
General Elective | 3 | |
ART 120 | Visiting Artist Program | 1 |
TOTAL | 13 |
Spring Semester
Course | Credits | |
ARTS 495 | Independent Study Ceramics | 3 |
ARTS 490 | Learning Assistant | 3 |
ARTS Studio Elective | 3 | |
General Elective | 3 | |
ARTS 400 | Senior Seminar | 1 |
ART 120 | Visiting Artist Program | 1 |
TOTAL | 14 |