TESORO HIGH SCHOOL

UC/CSU Approved Course

Ceramics 1 is an introductory, hands-on course that explores clay as a creative and expressive art medium. Students learn foundational techniques in hand-building and wheel throwing while developing an understanding of form, function, craftsmanship, and design.

Throughout the course, students experiment with a variety of surface decoration, glazing, and finishing techniques to create both functional and sculptural ceramic works. Students also develop an understanding of ceramics vocabulary, studio processes, historical and contemporary ceramic art, and careers connected to the field.

Emphasis is placed on creative problem-solving, craftsmanship, personal expression, and safe studio practices.

This course meets the UC/CSU “VPA” requirement.

 

Prerequisite: Ceramics 1

Ceramics 2 builds upon the skills and concepts introduced in Ceramics 1. Students develop more advanced hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques while strengthening their craftsmanship, technical control, and understanding of ceramic materials and processes.

Students explore more complex forms, surface design, glazing, and decorative techniques while creating both functional and sculptural work. Greater emphasis is placed on the artistic process, including planning, experimentation, problem-solving, revision, and reflection.

Students are encouraged to take greater creative risks and begin developing a more individual approach to their ceramic work.

This course meets the UC/CSU “College Prep Elective” requirement.

 

Prerequisite: Ceramics 2

Ceramics 3 is an advanced course designed for students who are ready to work with greater independence, technical skill, and artistic intention.

Building upon skills developed in Ceramics 1 and 2, students refine advanced hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques, investigate more sophisticated approaches to surface design and glazing, and explore increasingly complex functional and sculptural forms.

Emphasis is placed on independent project development and personal artistic voice. Students move through the creative process from research and planning to experimentation, revision, production, and reflection. Over the course of the year, students create increasingly cohesive work that demonstrates creativity, craftsmanship, technical proficiency, and conceptual thinking.

 

 

AP 3-D Art and Design is a rigorous, year-long, college-level studio art course designed for students who are seriously interested in developing their skills, ideas, and individual artistic voice through three-dimensional art and design.

Students investigate concept, form, construction, spatial relationships, materials, processes, and craftsmanship while developing increasingly sophisticated and personally meaningful works of art. Through experimentation and sustained studio practice, students work with a variety of materials, techniques, and approaches while strengthening their abilities in creative problem-solving, ideation, revision, and artistic decision-making.

Unlike many AP courses, AP Art and Design does not have a written exam. Instead, students develop and submit a digital portfolio to the College Board for evaluation in May.

Students should expect a significant commitment to studio work both in and outside of class. Successful AP 3-D Art and Design students demonstrate independence, perseverance, time management, willingness to experiment and revise, and a strong commitment to developing a cohesive body of original artwork.

The course emphasizes artistic growth, personal voice, experimentation, technical skill, craftsmanship, and the thoughtful development of ideas in preparation for submission of the AP 3-D Art and Design Portfolio.