Understanding Glazes with Studio Access
Dates: January 27 - April 14
January 27 - Studio Orientation
February 3 - April 14 (10 online lectures/5 instructor-led online classes/14 weeks of studio use)
Instructor-led, live online sessions: February 10, 24 March 10, 24, 31
Day/Time: Mondays, 6:30 - 9:30pm
Level: Intermediate - Advanced
Instructor: Matt Katz | Casey Zeng, On-site Facilitator
Course Description: Understanding Glazes is an intensive ten-week online lecture-based study combined with twelve weeks of access to the Ceramics Program Materials Room for in-person experiments focused on the science behind ceramic materials and glazes. Five live online class meetings will be held with the instructor to review projects and class information. The course will provide information and science to help each student effectively utilize glaze materials in ways that will enhance and improve their practice. Understanding Glazes is primarily an online lecture course with studio access for those looking to produce personal work outside of the class.
The Understanding Glazes class provides information to students in an audio and visual setting. Using a video over PowerPoint lecture format in the classroom, in addition to this the online environment allows for flexibility of discussion topics, triggered by student-generated questions and interaction over email, message board, and live video discussion with the faculty. Recorded lectures are complemented by live online meetings with the instructor and fellow classmates as well as reading and optional experiments. Students may use the recorded video format to rewind and review material at their leisure, allowing for a more comprehensive absorption of the course materials. Studio access is available to those that fall under the definition of Intermediate-Advanced and can work independently in the studio. Casey Zeng will act as a facilitator for the class and assist with weekly bisque firings.
Materials List:
Materials if you are mixing at the Ceramics Program:
16 oz. clear container with lid (available for purchase at Ceramics Program)
Scale
Mask N95 or the equivalent for particulates
Black Underglaze Pencil – Amaco or fine brush and black underglaze
Hand-held immersion blender (suggested)
Test Tiles (available at Ceramics Program)
Tool Purchases:
Here is the list of available tools and materials at the Ceramics Program. You may also consider ordering from a local supplier (Sheffield Pottery, Amherst Pottery Supply or Portland Pottery). If you have questions, please email Ji-Eun Kim directly at jikim@fas.harvard.edu.
Course Fees
$150 for Harvard College Undergraduate Students; $510 for Harvard Graduate Students; $1,095 for Adult Community; Harvard Employee TAP Regular and Long Service - follow instructions in online registration system for pricing.
Your course fee covers all clays (terra cotta, midrange, high fire stoneware, sculpture body, porcelain, and midrange casting slip), bisque firing, glazes, and glaze firing up to 8600 cu. inches of kiln space for 14 weeks, as well as 7-day access to the Ceramics Program and its equipment from the start date of your class through May 2nd. All are welcome to apply to participate in the Spring Show and Sale May 8 – 11th, 2025!
- Adult Community: 18+, General Public; Harvard alumni, fellows, faculty/staff, and post-docs who are not TAP-eligible; Harvard Extension School students; students from universities other than Harvard
- Harvard Employees eligible for the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP): TAP regular (employees worked less than 15 years) and TAP long service (employees who worked 15 or more years at Harvard).
- Harvard College Undergraduate Students: Currently enrolled students at Harvard College. This does not include Harvard Extension School Undergraduate Students. You must register with your Harvard email – we can arrange for an alternative email to be used for class after registration is complete.
- Harvard Graduate Students: Currently enrolled students in a Harvard University Graduate Program. This does not include Harvard Extension School Graduate Students.
Registration will begin on Wednesday, November 13th at 2pm.
All registered students will receive a confirmation with class syllabus one week prior to the start date.
Questions?
- For questions regarding course content, policies, staffing or facilities, please contact Director, Kathy King.
- For questions regarding registration, purchase of tools and materials, please contact Administrative Coordinator, Ji-Eun Kim.
- For questions regarding electric kiln certification, materials, studio equipment and safety policies, please contact Operations Coordinator, Mary Cale Wilson.