module specification

Examining a comprehensive range of trajectories taken, and practices followed, by the commercial structures and creative individuals that together comprise the global apparel market, this module provides students on the BA Fashion Marketing & Business Management programme with an overview addressing the contemporary fashion paradigm. Specifically, it aims to raise awareness and understandings regarding (i) creative processes from inspiration to expiration, (ii) fabrication activities from hand techniques to technological innovation, (iii) displays of fashion from representation to re-presentation and (iv) drivers of consumption from affluence to influence. As learners on this module, you will develop abilities in academic reading and writing, analytical thinking, problem-solving, visual/textual communication and self-directed research, mobilising these key, transferable skills in assignments predicated on demonstrating the achievement of constructively aligned learning outcomes. The assessment process features both individual and group-work tasks, and involves a basic level of numeracy Overall, the module provides a motivational context for the co-creation of knowledge through your communication and collaboration with both peers and members of the teaching team. The learning experience on offer is aimed at complementing that provided in the other subject -specific modules and is designed to engage learners across the Level 5 cohort together with international Study Abroad students.

None
Available for Study Abroad? YES
 

The syllabus is organised thematically with topics addressed according to their situation within one of three overarching categories: Thus, Downstream Issues & Practices covers Gender & Agendas, Bodies & Embodiment, Fashion Activism, Inclusivity & Exclusivity (LO1, LO2. LO3). Upstream Issues & Practices engages with the topics of Entrepreneurship, Sartorial Homage, Appropriation vs. Appreciation, Craftsmanship (LO1, LO2, LO3). Midstream issues & Practices addresses the topics of Advertising, Celebrity Culture, Fashion Journalism, the Fashion Event (LO1, LO2, LO3).

The scheduled teaching activity is delivered over a 12-week block, using a combination of workshops, lecture/seminars or other activities, totalling three hours of face-to-face contact time per week. Presentations are generally followed by seminar sessions that feature debates on topics negotiated with the cohort, or in-depth analysis of selected texts made available in advance. The method of delivery method may include the pedagogical tactic of ‘flip-learning’ in order to stimulate debate and provide variety. The majority of the learning journey involves independent learning, with students encouraged to engage with external resources relevant to their course/career ambitions, and to take advantage of learning opportunities that may arise through inter-action peers, or through participation in events organised by other members of the teaching team. An ‘enhancement week’ in the schedule provides opportunities to invite guest speakers to give master classes, or to discuss various job opportunities available in the industry. Employability is embedded throughout the module, with consideration given as to how the skills/knowledge acquired meet the sector’s expectations of graduate job-seekers

A blended learning strategy is underpinned by the virtual environment created on WebLearn, which enables students to access lecture recordings, articles featuring added comprehension questions and other recommended texts. In addition advance sight of upcoming presentations allows those students who require extra support to prepare for particular sessions. The site features coursework briefs, assessment guidelines, examples of good practice in assignments and links to internal sources of academic support. ‘Feed-forward’ commentary regarding the extent to which the module’s learning outcomes have been achieved in assessment tasks is available, with positive suggestions that would enable improvement in future performance. A reflective approach to learning is encouraged, with students advised to keep a record of their experiences in the form of a journal or personal development plan that may be particularly helpful when choosing optional modules or deciding on dissertation topics as they progress through the programme.

On completion of the module, students displaying full engagement will be able to:

LO1. Mobilise visual and textual materials to articulate a specific challenge facing the fashion industry

LO2. Demonstrate awareness of both practical and theoretical approaches taken to issues arising from the operation of a fashion system

LO3. Critique and evaluate selected fashion-related articles published in academic journals

Reading List Link: https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/DE55E2AE-31ED-F830-D839-AF168C501EC6.html

Core Text:
Aspers, P. (2010), Orderly Fashion: A Sociology of Markets, Princeton University Press

Additional Readings:
Dickson, M., Loker, S. & Eckman M. (2009), Social Responsibility in the Global Apparel Industry, Fairchild Books
Garner, M. & Grace, I. (2006), Going Global: The Textile & Apparel Industry, Fairchild Books
Gwilt, A & Rissanen, T. (2011), Shaping Sustainable Fashion, Earthscan
Hancock, J. (2016), Brand/Story: Cases & Explorations in Fashion Branding, Fairchild Books
Paulins, V. & Hillery J. (2009), Ethics in the Fashion Industry, Fairchild Books
Raymond, M. (2010), The Trend Forecaster’s Handbook, Laurence King Publishing

Journals:
Fashion Theory: The Journal of Dress, Body and Culture
Fashion Practice: The Journal of Design, Creative Process & the Fashion Industry

Websites:
http://www.wgsn.com, http://www.trendwatching.com, http://www.coolhunting.com
http://www.ecouterre.com, http://www.treehugger.com

Reading List Link: https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/DE55E2AE-31ED-F830-D839-AF168C501EC6.html