Introduction to Clay Bodies with Studio Access

Fall 2025
Dates: September 8 - November 24, 2025 (12 classes with 13 weeks of studio access)
Day/Time: Mondays, 6:30pm - 9:30pm
Level: Intermediate - Advanced
Instructor: Matt Katz

Introduction to Clay Bodies is an intensive 12-week online lecture-based study, combined with 13 weeks of access to the Ceramics Program Materials Room, led by instructor Matthew Katz of the world-renowned Ceramic Materials Workshop. Internally, the class is facilitated by Ceramics Program staff member Casey Zeng. Introduction to Clay Bodies focuses on the science behind clay bodies, providing information and insights to help everyone utilize these materials effectively. This knowledge enables individuals to take control of their materials and optimize their studios for optimal performance.

This course aims to develop a basic understanding of the following: origins, chemical composition, properties, and function of clay types including earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain, the processing and usage of clay formulas, clay formulas: analysis and performance, applications of clay formulas: throwing, construction and casting and the tenets of heat and temperature and clay flaws: identification and correction.

Topics will include: Geology; Studio Performance – Clay Mineralogy/Clay Types; Chemistry – Fluxes/Fillers/Material selection; Types of Clay; Rheology; Drying and Shrinkage; Fluxes and flint – Thermal Properties/Quartz; Working with Clays – Mixing; Casting Slip; Firing/Heat Work; Clay Flaws – Physical properties/Defects; Dispersants, Density and Calculators – Alternative Bodies/Processes; Low Temperature Bodies.

The class provides students with information in an audio-visual setting. Using a video-based PowerPoint lecture format in the classroom, in addition to this, the online environment allows for flexibility in discussion topics, triggered by student-generated questions and interaction through email, message boards, and live video discussions with the faculty. Recorded lectures are complemented by live online meetings with the instructor and fellow classmates, and 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 who 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.

Note: If you do not intend to utilize the Ceramics Program and are interested in the lectures, instead, you can sign up for the online course with the Ceramics Materials Workshop.

The registration lottery for Fall 2025 Ceramics Courses will be open from July 21 through July 24. Visit our Registration Policies page for complete dates and instructions on how to register.

Materials List

if you are mixing at the Ceramics Program:

32 oz. clear container with lid (available for purchase at Ceramics Program)
Scale
Mask N95 or the equivalent for particulates

All registered students will receive an email confirmation with the class syllabus one week before the start date.

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 at jikim@fas.harvard.edu.

Cost:

Course Fees: $150 for Harvard College Undergraduate Students; $555 for Harvard Graduate Students; $1,135 for Adult Community Members; Harvard Employee TAP Regular and Long Service - follow the instructions in the online registration system for pricing.
Your course fee covers all clays (terra cotta, midrange, and high fire stoneware, sculpture body, porcelain, and midrange casting slip), bisque firing, glazes, and glaze firing up to 8,000 cubic inches of kiln space, as well as 7-day access to the Ceramics Program and its equipment from the start date of your class through December 5, 2025.

User types:

Adult Community: 18+; General Public; Harvard alumni, fellows, Extension School students, and faculty/staff who are not TAP-eligible; 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.

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 Director, Kathy King while Instructional Operations Coordinator Mary Cale Wilson is on leave.