Outline

Overview

This unit of study provides a studio-based approach to the production of creative work in ceramics. You will be introduced to concepts, methodologies and technologies integral to contemporary ceramics. You will also be introduced to historical and contemporary frameworks that underpin the processes and paradigms of ceramics today and provide the foundations of a 3D vocabulary. Thematic approaches accompany technical introductions to handbuilding, wheelwork, surface treatments and kiln firing to encourage exploration with ceramics methodologies. The unit develops and enhances critical skills through group and individual tutorials and critiques. This unit is suitable for those who have no or limited experience with the ceramic material and its technologies.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Sydney College of the Arts
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	12 credit points at 1000 level in Visual Arts or 12 credit points at 1000 level in Studio Foundation
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Jan Guy, jan.guy@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Creative work	Final works oral exam with final studio work present	60%	Formal exam period Due date: 19 Jun 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 03 Jul 2026	10 minutes (oral)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Early Feedback Quiz Early Feedback Task	0%	Week 03 Due date: 14 Mar 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 14 Mar 2026	1 hour, 10 questions	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Experimental process folio Portfolio of studio experiments	20%	Week 07 Due date: 18 Apr 2026 at 23:59	500 words plus images of experiments	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Experimental design	Proposal for final work Written research proposal for final work	20%	Week 09 Due date: 02 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 16 May 2026	1000 words plus annotated images	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Except for the Early Feedback Quiz, all other assessment tasks will lose 5% of total marks for each day of lateness

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	1.WHS Studio Induction 2. Introduction to unit of Study on CANVAS 3. Tutor's Presentation: survey of contemporary wheelthrown ceramics 4. Discussion and demonstration Project B: Wheelthrowing Induction. 5.Homework for Week 3 Preparatory Reading: see Modules Week 1	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 02	1. Introduction Project A - Contemporary Figurative 2. Tutor's Presentation : survey of contemporary figurative ceramics 3. Demo and guided student application of miniature head/portrait. Preparatory reading see module week 2. Homework for Week 4 Preparatory Reading: See Modules Week 2	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	1. Demonstrations - varieties of bowl shapes and turning a bowl with footring 2. Discussion of homework reading 3, Studio guided practice of bowls. Preparatory Reading: See Modules Week 3 Homework for Week 5	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 04	1.Tutor demonstration and group discussion of full figure construction. 2. Tutor demonstration and student application of colour using oxides and underglazes. Preparatory reading see Module week 4 Homework for Week 7	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 05	1. Making and Applying Slip 2. individual studio development of bowl samples for assignment Homework for Week 9	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 07	1.Applying and using coloured Earthenware Glazes. 2. Applying a clear glaze to an underglaze surface.	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 08	1.Individual Tutorials - final figurative project. 2. Students begin construction of final project. Preparation: See Module Week 8 Homework for Week 10	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 09	1.Individual Tutorials -wheelthrowing project. 2. Students begin construction of Final Project. 3. Demonstrations - variety of surface treatments Preparatory Reading: See Module Week 9 Homework for Week 11	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 10	1. Group critique of figurative works in progress. 2. Guided progress of individual figurative to completion. Preparation - see Module Week 10. Homework for Week 12	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 11	1.Demonstration - loading and firing a Bisque Fire 2. Tutor Support of Development of wheelthrown project. Preparatory reading see Module Week 11 Homework for Week 13	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 12	1. Complete forms and initial surface treatments of figurative project ready for bisque firing. 2. Problem solving discussion - cracks, warping, breakages. 3. Planning your final surface. Preparation - see Module Week 12 Homework for Week 13	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 13	1. Unloading and Loading of Final Bisque 2. Applying a glaze and loading a Stoneware Glaze firing 3.Summary of Assessment Preparation Preparatory reading: see Module Week 13	Workshop (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Preparation: Students should commit to spend approximately three hours’ preparation and research time (reading, studying, homework, independent studio time.) for every hour of scheduled instruction.

Additional requirements by the Sydney College of the Arts

Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of timetabled activities for this unit of study, unless granted exemption by the unit coordinator or relevant delegate.
All assignments are compulsory and must be attempted. You must attend scheduled assessments to be eligible to pass.
Non-attendance at assessment on any grounds insufficient to claim special consideration will result in forfeiture or marks associated with the assessment

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through Canvas.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. confidently access and use research materials relevant to the field of contemporary ceramics practice
LO2. critically and creatively articulate their understanding of contemporary ceramic practices through practical, written and oral forms
LO3. demonstrate rigorous and independent thinking
LO4. effectively apply technical and individual conceptual knowledge to project-based studio work
LO5. effectively apply Work Health and Safety consideration in the ceramics studio.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Changes to schedule and the content of projects have been made since this class was last offered.

Additional information

Additional costs

There is a studio fee that supplies some materials. If you require materials beyond this, you will need to purchase them independently..

Work, health and safety

Students must wear steel capped boots in the studio. There are some available to borrow while in the studio, but there is no guarantee of size. They are available for purchase in Kmart.

You will be inducted into the studio in Week 1

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

CAEL2048: Investigating Clay

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links