module specification

The module provides a motivational context for the co-creation of knowledge pertaining to the theoretical underpinnings of the discipline of fashion. The content addresses a range of models and frameworks for application to fashion artefact, image or idea. The pedagogical aims are to raise student awareness and understandings of the differentiated approaches to the disciple based on (i) sociological, (ii) mass media, (iii) material culture perspectives and (iv) to develop the intellectual abilities required to ‘think through’ fashion as an area of academic concern. The key skills of academic reading and writing, analytical thinking and self-directed research are mobilised in completing assessment tasks predicated on constructively aligned learning outcomes. The learning experience complements that provided in the other subject-specific modules and is designed to engage the whole of the Level 4 cohort together with international learners.

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Fashion Frameworks: identity poetics; fashion representation; sub-cultural style, celebrity culture; fashion in the museum; digital dressing and the cyber catwalk LO1

Fashion Models: traditional explanations (uniformity vs. conformity, trickle-down vs. bubble-up); post-modernism; feminism; performativity; the fashion gaze; embodiment; deconstruction LO2

The module is delivered during a 15-week semester via a combination of lectures, workshops, seminars and other activities totalling three hours contact time per week. Seminars feature group discussion/analysis of case studies and may utilise a tactic of ‘flip-learning’ to provide opportunities for peer interaction. The module supports independent study through a virtual learning environment hosted on WebLearn, where students can access lecture notes, additional readings, coursework briefs, assessment guidelines and feedback, in addition to finding links to external resources. The university’s feed-forward initiative supports these independent learning strategies. Learning materials are posted in advance as part of a blended learning approach that allows students to plan their contribution to particular sessions.

Reflective learning is incorporated into the module – students are advised to keep a journal of experiences and personal development that charts the effectiveness of their learning. Personal Development Plans can be customised through negotiation of topics of personal interest for assessment and take advantage of learning opportunities as these arise during the module. Students are encouraged to actively engage with the subject, their peers, and the tutors through the module's online forums. Guest speakers are invited to give master classes or discuss career opportunities with students; employability is embedded throughout the module through consideration of the various job roles within the fashion industry and reflection on how the skills and knowledge conveyed during the module coincide with professional expectations.

On completion of the module students will be able to:

LO1. Identify and articulate salient qualities inherent in a self-selected fashion ‘icon’.

LO2.  Present and critique theoretical explanations pertaining to the discipline of fashion

The assessment strategy consists of two components, each informed by reflection, professional practice and subject-specific scholarship.

Assessment component 1: provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate achievement of LO1 through production of an (illustrated) essay identifying the particular qualities of a self-selected fashion ‘icon’. As an individual assignment the task enables students to evidence research, analytical thought and academic writing skills developed throughout the module

Assessment component 2: provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate achievement of LO2 through presentation of a written dialogue/trialogue addressing theoretical explanations pertaining to the operation of a fashion system

Core Text:
Barnard, M. (2007), Fashion Theory: A Reader, Routledge

Recommended Texts:
Anderson, B (1991), Imagined Communities, Verso
Kawamura, Y. (2005), Fashion-ology: An introduction to Fashion Studies, Berg
Knox, K. (2012), Culture to Catwalk: How World Cultures Influence Fashion, A & C Black
Steele, V. (2010), The Berg Companion to Fashion, Berg

Journals:
Fashion Theory: The Journal of Dress, Body & Culture

Websites:
www.allwalks.org; www.fashion-era.com; www.just-style.com; www.londonfashionweek.com; www.trendunion.com; www.trendzine.co.uk; www.vogue.com; www.wgsn.com

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