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.