Syllabus

LEARNING OUTCOMES

After successfully completing the course, the students are able to:

1. Increase their artistic expression, design skills, and conceptual thinking in the field of ceramics design;
2. Execute independent studio work in model, mold, and prototype-making;
3. Compare and evaluate the aesthetics and physical qualities of the material.

Credits: 9

Schedule: 25.02.2025 - 16.04.2025

Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Nathalie Lautenbacher

Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):

CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period):

Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):

Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content

• valid for whole curriculum period:

  The course is studio-based and includes the practical realization of an experimental art or design project in ceramics. The theme and standpoint changes yearly: from artifacts to surface design, from material research to exploring one´s artistic expression, and others. The assessment starts with gathering research material in pairs. The final brief is processed individually. It starts by sketching and presenting the concept ideas, proceeding to studio work, and resulting in the making of prototypes or material experiments from ceramics. The concept development, designing, readings, and evaluation are processed theoretically in project seminars, where ideas, working methods as well as chosen solutions are discussed. The module ends up with a small exhibition presenting the results. Students write a learning log referring to the readings and lectures and reflecting those to their creative learning process.

Assessment Methods and Criteria

• valid for whole curriculum period:

  To pass the course, the student must participate in lectures and group activities (80%) and present the final artifact.

  Evaluation criteria: activity during the course, reflection on theory through the learning log, the quality and finalization of the final artifact/project and the content of the final presentation, covering the artistic process. 

Workload

• valid for whole curriculum period:

  Total workload 9 credits = 243 h. 80% attendance is required.

  • 54 h Contact teaching: lectures, seminars, tutoring, excursions, and evaluation
  • 140 h Independent work: studio work, learning log
  • 48 h Personal reflection
  • 1 h Course evaluation

DETAILS

Study Material

• valid for whole curriculum period:

  Ceramic Handbook (aalto.fi) 

  Pallasmaa, Juhani 2009. The Thinking Hand Existential and Embodied Wisdom in Architecture. John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Ponti Tipocolor, Italy P. 47-69 

  Yanagi, Soetsu 1972. Adapted by Leach, Bernard. The Unknown Craftsman A Japanese Insight into Beauty. Kodansha USA, Dai Nippon Printing Co. Ltd, South Korea P.109-112 

  These and other readings related to the yearly subject will be handed out at the beginning of the course. 

Substitutes for Courses

• valid for whole curriculum period:

  Substitutes for Courses

Prerequisites

• valid for whole curriculum period:

  Prerequisites

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further Information

• valid for whole curriculum period:

  Teaching Language: English

  Teaching Period: 2024-2025 Spring IV
  2025-2026 Spring IV

  Registration:

  Registration in Sisu. Minimum number of students 8, maximum 16.

  Priority order to courses is according to the order of priority decided by the Academic committee for School of Arts, Design and Architecture, https//www.aalto.fi/en/services/registering-to-courses-and-the-order-of-priority-at-aalto-arts  

Description