Course Title: Cultural Explorations in Fashion

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Cultural Explorations in Fashion

Credit Points: 12

Course Code	Campus	Career	School	Learning Mode	Teaching Period(s)
HUSO2124	City Campus	Undergraduate	315H Architecture & Design	Face-to-Face	Sem 2 2006, Sem 1 2008

Course Coordinator: Peter Allan

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925-1914

Course Coordinator Email:peter.allan@rmit.edu.au

Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None

Course Description

Cultural Explorations in Fashion will provide you with a platform upon which to discuss cultural and related issues to fashion and identity. On completion, you should have a knowledge and understanding of the significance of personal identity, adornment and clothing within a social and cultural context.

Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

On completion of the course you should be:

• Able to critically analyse and evaluate information, particularly the elements and attributes of clothing as they relate to gender, status, politics, cultural diversity, global issues and individuality.
• Able to apply your understanding of fashion and its cultural relationships in ways, which enable you to be active and responsible in your interactions with others.
• Able to undertake individual and group research into topical subject areas related to fashion and cultural analysis and be able to communicate outcomes in a comprehensible manner.
• Able to develop and complete research strategies using a variety of information sources to gain relevant information on fashion and its cultural relevance.

Overview of Learning Activities

Cultural Explorations in Fashion will provide you with a diverse range of learning experiences. These experiences will combine self-directed research, analysis, reflection, peer interaction and discussion with staff-led presentations. Lectures and tutorials provide the platform for information sharing, analysis and evaluation of concepts.

Lectures will be based on topical subjects, utilising experts and guest lecturers to disseminate knowledge and ideas.

Within the tutorial environment you will partake in interactive activities, class exercises and discussion to further enhance your understanding of the subject area.

Through the combination of individual research, analysis and group interactive activities you will select topics of specific interest to your own career and/or life interests. You are encouraged to present ideas in a professional and comprehensible manner. You are expected to critically evaluate issues whilst taking into account an appropriate variety of relevant factors.

Overview of Learning Resources

Recommended references:

Ash, J, Wilson, E, (eds), 1992, CHIC THRILLS: A Fashion Reader, Pandora, UK.
Brydon, A, Niessen, S, 1998, Consuming Fashion, Adorning the Transnational Body, Berg Publishing, London.
Craik, J, 1994. The Face of Fashion, Routledge, London & New York .
Steele, Valerie (Ed.) Fashion Theory: The Journal of Dress, Body & Culture, Berg Publishing, London & New York.
Roach-Higgins, M, Eicher, J, Johnson, K, (eds), 1995, Dress & Identity, Fairchild, New York.
Warwick, A, Cavallaro, D, 1998, Fashioning the Frame, Berg Publishing, London.
Wilson, E, 1985, Fashion & Modernity, Virago Press, UK.

D.R. The Fashion Business - Thomson Publishing London
FW - London
Womens Wear Daily - Fairchild Publications New York
Viewpoint - UK

Other references to be advised.

Overview of Assessment

There are three assessment projects for this course.

Research Paper 50%
Each student will select a topic from the syllabus core issues and research and present a written report of approximately 3,000 words. Research may be from either primary or secondary sources and all substantiating material must be included i.e. bibliography, sample questionnaires, observation reports etc. You must clearly demonstrate an adequate understanding of the topic, show an ability to critically evaluate relevant issues within a wider context, and explore the implications of their research for their own future interests.

Interactive Activities 25% 
You will work in teams (within the tutorial environment) on a variety of research topics, which will part of interactive class activities. Peer involvement is an important component of the course, It is expected that all students will participate in discussions and peer evaluation of the topics presented. Each week you will be required to fulfill class exercises that form the basis for analysis and further discussion in future tutorials

Assessment of the interactive activities is based on the components of: content analysis, research, evaluation and class participation.

Reflective Journal 25% 
You will be required to keep a journal/visual diary in which you will record personal responses, associated reference materials and critical evaluations (written or visual) of the topics. This will be used as a reference source for class participation and will be submitted for assessment.