This course introduces basic ceramic processes and materials and provides the opportunity for students to develop familiarity with ceramic media and studio skills. While primarily practical in nature, the course seeks to place the acquisition of skills within the broader context of ceramic art/design/craft history, theory and contemporary practice. Lectures, demonstrations and studio practice introduce a range of approaches which may include handbuilding, techniques, throwing, low impact processes, clay and glaze technology and firing. Appropriate health and safety procedures associated with the studio are demonstrated, discussed and applied in the production of students' work.