CUPS: Mold Making and Slip Casting
Course Description
Summary
This is an introductory course of basic mold making and slip casting techniques for producing components to create a series of functional ware. This course focuses on the development of design concepts through exploration of slip casting methods, application of alteration and assemblage techniques and experimentation of prototype makings to produce ceramic multiples (cups).
This course primarily puts emphasis on the acquisition of sufficient skills for ceramic (mass-)production for utilitarian purposes. Basic preparation of the material, glaze application and firing techniques will be introduced. In order to develop a conceptual framework and design thinking, several diverse assignments, including drawing projects and performative work, will be incorporated into the class structure. Students are expected to conceive one final project based on a research assignment utilizing books in the collection of Crossett Library and materialize the idea into production.
To successfully complete this course, students are required to register for a co-requisite 2 cr. course, CUPS: Slip Casting Production Lab, to focus on technical skill development and production of work. Students should participate in one of the following weekly lab hours throughout the term: Wednesdays 7 - 8:50 pm or Thursdays 7 - 8:50 pm (*hours are to be confirmed at the beginning of the Fall 25 term and may be subject to change).
Learning Outcomes
- To develop knowledge and skills that demonstrate the students’ capacity to be able to sufficiently work in the professional environment of ceramic production.
- Competency to apply fundamental techniques and positively incorporate failures.
- Enable critical thinking to broaden design concepts and approaches to produce work in imaginative or unconventional ways.
- Ability to develop innovative and effective solutions to complex design problems.
- Ability to engage in experimentations, risk taking and research processes.
- Understanding of collective values of the creative environment in Ceramic classroom, studios and labs through peer critiques, collaboration, and sharing ideas and resources.
Corequisites
CER 2207: CUPS: Mold Making and Slip Casting Production Lab (2 credits)
When you register for this course online, the Registrar's Office will automatically register you in the co-requisite course (CER 2207) on Thursday, May 15.
Cross List
- Design