Ceramic Arts, M.A.

Program Director: Chaz Martinsen; martinsen@hood.edu; 301-696-3526

The Master of Arts in Ceramic Arts program offers academic training in the aesthetics, science, technology and management of a career in the ceramic arts. Lectures and critiques provide students with an understanding of the history of ceramics and the issues and ideas that underpin contemporary work in all aspects of the medium, as well as a firm grounding in the science of glaze formation, clay development and firing theory. Practical application of the science and technology of the ceramic arts will combine with skill building and individual exploration to develop exhibition-quality work demonstrating personal aesthetic expression. The M.A. requires an exhibition of original ceramic art work and culminates in a comprehensive exam. With full time study, the Master of Arts in Ceramic Arts may be accomplished in two calendar years; part time study allows up to seven years for completion.

Objectives:

  • The student will gain a broad knowledge base of a variety of studio art media, develop technical skills, gain an awareness of historical movements and comprehend universal aesthetic concepts.;
  • The student will develop the ability to observe, cultivating analytical and creative thinking skills.
  • The student will develop a process for articulating aesthetic ideas and the ability to communicate their personal aesthetic intentions visually in their art work, verbally and in written form.

Application Requirements

Candidates for the M.A. program must have obtained a prior baccalaureate degree, BA. or BFA as a studio arts major or equivalent training in ceramic arts.

To be considered for admission to the M.A. program, students must meet the admission requirements of the Hood College Graduate School. Interested parties must submit:

A completed application to the Hood College Graduate School as well as submitting official transcripts from all institutions attended. All applicants should submit a portfolio on CD of 20 images of personal work as 300 dpi digital images; a slide/image index with written objectives for the body of work; a résumé; an essay (no more than 500 words) discussing how the M.A. relates to previous experience, current direction, career and academic goals; and two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant’s recent work.

Program Requirements (36 Credits Required)

Core Courses - 17 Credits

ARTS 501Glaze Application

1.0

ARTS 502East Asian Wedged Coil Technique

1.0

ARTS 504Ceramic Decoration

3.0

ARTS 505Ceramic Wheel: Masters' Throwing Concepts

2.0

ARTS 508Ceramic Sculpture

3.0

ARTS 512Eastern & Western Tech in Trimming

1.0

ARTS 522Glaze Calculation, Theory & Practice

3.0

ARTS 525Electric Kilns

1.0

ARTS 530Kiln Technology & Firing Theory

2.0

Total Credit Hours:17.0

Art History, Aesthetics and Criticism Courses - 6 Credits

ART 504Iconography and Iconology

3.0

ARTS 543History of Ceramic Arts

3.0

ARTS 564Aesthetics and Criticism

3.0

ART 568/ART 468Contemporary Topics in Visual Art

3.0

Capstone Courses - 4 Credits

ARTS 569Survival Skills for Visual Artists

1.0

ARTS 570Seminar in Personal Studio Research

3.0

Practicum and Written Exam

Comprehensive Exam

Ceramic Art Electives - 9 Credits

Wheel

ARTS 506Ceramic Wheel: Masters' Throwing II

2.0

ARTS 507Plates and Platters

1.0

ARTS 509Throwing Large Forms

3.0

ARTS 517Dynamic and Asymmetrical Wheel

3.0

Handbuilding and Sculpture

ARTS 542Modeling the Figure

3.0

ARTS 545Large Scale and Composite Sculpture

3.0

ARTS 546Mold Making and Slip Casting

3.0

Kiln Technology

ARTS 531Wood Firing Theory

2.0

ARTS 532Firing Large Scale Wood Kiln

2.0

ARTS 533Soda Firing Theory and Practice

2.0

ARTS 540Clay/Glaze Chemistry Theory & Practice

3.0

Special Topics Courses

ARTS 520Photographing Ceramics

1.0

ARTS 547Creating with Porcelain

3.0

ARTS 564Aesthetics and Criticism

3.0

ARTS 574Advanced Studies in Ceramic Arts

3.0

ARTS 575Independent Study

1.0 - 3.0

ARTS 590Teaching Assistant in Ceramic Arts

1.0 - 4.0

ARTS 599Special Topics in Ceramic Arts

1.0 - 3.0