Description of Hybrid Course

Course Title and number:                                                                                                                                                                                                       Ceramics Hand building – Hybrid STA 340-02

Brief Description:
This is a hybrid ceramics class that focuses on hand building with a hybrid component that helps the students to develop concepts and skills in an online community format. There will be research associated with fundamental skills in ceramics as well as in historical and contemporary ceramics and ceramic artists.

Overall Course Goals:
Learn the basic skills necessary to create ceramic art using hand building techniques.
Gain an understanding of basic ceramic knowledge i.e.: loading kilns and making clay and glazes
Gain further knowledge in both historical and contemporary ceramics and ceramic artists
Utilize discussion boards, vlog posts, and online group assignments to improve skills and knowledge in an online group led format.

2-3 things I believe will be easy for me when creating this course:
Knowing what basic ceramic information can be translated into an online format
Creating online resources, the students can use for research

2-3 things I believe will be difficult for me when creating this course:
Getting used to using the new technology so that I can implement it in a purposeful way. I’m worried that it will feel like an addition I am trying to make fit.
Finding models of studio art classes that are hybrid already so that I can see what options are available, what works, and what does not.
Creating videos and screen sharing to help the students succeed when they are not in class
Creating a studio art class that is still studio art focusses and not too bogged down in “thinking about making art” instead of making art.

Other relevant information:
I think creating a studio art hybrid is going to receive a lot of push back from professors who are worried about changing their modus operandi, believing it will diminish the quality of a studio art class. I understand their concern. But, I believe a lot of the in-class studio time could be used more wisely if we pushed some of the basic information (non-hands-on) to an online setting.