Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Fashion Design and Marketing with a Specialization in Fashion Design

In this course, students focus on developing writing skills through practice and revision of a variety of different types of essays. Students are also given instruction in library and online research and methods of documentation.

In this course, students focus on research and developing writing skills through writing the ''argument'' essay. Students are also given instruction in library and online research and methods of documentation.

In Historical and Contextual Studies you will be introduced to studying fashion from a historical and contextual viewpoint. The course will introduce fashion as a cultural phenomenon that will enable you to develop an analytical approach to contemporary fashion. Fashion is understood as object, image and idea and will be explored as such through the analysis of designs, images and ideas. The course will explore the links between clothing and other mediums and will be thematic as well as historically chronological in approach. You will be introduced to methods of enquiry and terminology which you will be able to use in your own marketing and/or design practice.

This course is an introduction to the basic concepts in the study of contemporary human cultures. It focuses on similarities and differences in cultural patterns in the economic, social, religious, familial and political arenas. The impact of globalization and cultural change is also analyzed.

An introductory course designed to develop critical thinking, problem solving, and quantitative reasoning skills through the use of standard mathematical operations and techniques as well as analysis of visual data. Students will be expected to identify, analyze, and solve problems in a variety of applied contexts for transfer toward academic, personal, and professional success.

This course will introduce students to the concepts, theory, and method of sociology. In the context of this course, students can develop a better understanding of society, culture, social institutions, social behavior, and other general social processes that operate in the social world.

This is a course for students who are new to university-level learning. Topics will include the theory and application of setting goals, managing time and money, developing self-awareness, and adhering to the rigorous standards of academic and professional writing. Additionally, students will be prepared to work autonomously and collaboratively in academic and professional settings.

Design Process teaches you how to pinpoint a source of inspiration from a current or topical exhibition. Working to a set brief you will be introduced to research development and gain an understanding of how to apply a creative working process from inspiration, to design, to product. You will gain an understanding of how to apply the selection process to your work and how to pull information from various aspects to culminate in final range planning and capsule collections. With a strong understanding of ''idea development'', and developing a ''concept'' you will experiment with different media to find solutions for communicating these ideas in a creative visual format.

This course is a foundation class in principles relating to all areas of visual design. In this course, students can develop an awareness of the basic elements of visual language, aesthetics sensitivity, and the ability to think and act as a designer. Students explore methods for evoking intuitive responses through color, shape, texture, rhythm, line, and other compositional elements. The class consists of both practical studio-based assignments and contextual studies areas.

In Marketing for Fashion you will begin to gain knowledge of the concept of fashion marketing, the marketing environment and market segmentation. In this, your first introduction to fashion marketing, it is important for you to learn to apply basic marketing research skills, tools and methodologies, which will enable you to start to research contemporary fashion companies, their products and consumers and how they operate within the wider marketplace. Through exercises and group projects you will develop an understanding of effective team working.

In The Fashion Cycle you will gain a broad understanding of the fashion industry and the different contexts in which it sits. You will gain a good understanding of the structure of the industry and the way that fashion works. This will provide you with a good foundation on which to build deeper specialist knowledge as you move through your fashion program. You will learn how to explore the business of fashion through investigation, observation and gathering of materials. You will learn to question, discuss, and argue about current fashion business issues and to put forward ideas and information in presentations and written work. You will learn how to know what is happening at the forefront of fashion, and to think about the future for fashion.

Fashion Portfolio I introduces you, as potential fashion designers, to the concepts, techniques and uses of various media that will enable you to communicate your ideas. This will be achieved through drawing live models using line and color, representing texture and movement. This will develop your perception and visual interpretation of garments and how they relate to the human form.

In Sewing Techniques you will be introduced, under close supervision, to the use of basic manufacturing processes, construction techniques and the study skills that are integral to the design process. You will keep a technical and sample file, showing your learning through this course. Using knowledge gained in manufacturing and construction, you will make a garment in response to a given brief, incorporating the sewing techniques learned. You will keep a journal to document your learning and to review and reflect on your progress.

Creative Drape builds upon the cutting skills you gained in previous courses and introduces how to apply drape and volume to garments. You will discover and develop the techniques of manipulating paper drafts and draping directly onto the stand and to judge which method would be most suitable. There is a set design brief enabling you to work with greater autonomy as you develop the visual and verbal language with which to communicate the techniques, technologies and materials with skill and imagination. This will enable you to demonstrate good working practice in response to critical assessment.

In Fashion Trends you will look at how they arise by considering macro business environmental drivers as well as social and cultural influences. You will consider trend identification, market assessment and competitive response strategies. This will be appropriate preparation for fashion product development, range planning and the exploitation of market opportunities.

In Womenswear I you will build, expand on and apply technical, theoretical and design skills and knowledge from 3D Form I to III (also Textiles for Fashion and Creative Drape for Fashion Design students). This course will enable you to explore and generate creative design concepts through research and interpretation of a given project brief and will give you the opportunity to demonstrate your skills through range building and planning, use of fabrication, color, selection and styling of a range of male or female garments. Working with increased independence and autonomy, you will complete a sketchbook, design boards and finished outfit.

3D Form III extends your knowledge of pattern cutting and introduces the skills required to cut and make trousers. You will continue to develop your pattern production techniques, use of tools required for drafting trousers and employ an extended use of appropriate construction terminology. You will work to a design brief requiring you to demonstrate how you developed initial research and design ideas for both the mens and womenswear market.

Computer Design Applications for Fashion enables you to develop industry-relevant skills in the use of computer software (Adobe) as applied to fashion projects which relate closely to industry practice.

Final Fashion Portfolio will give you the opportunity to consider your future and define your goals as you prepare to move from University into the fast moving world of fashion. The course will help you to research the career market, analyze your skills and strengths while developing your portfolio and building your confidence in preparation for professional practice.

3D Form One introduces you to the basic concept of working in 3 Dimensions in order to create a 2 Dimensional ''block'' or pattern for a selection of skirts of your own design. You will be introduced to the tools necessary for calculating specific body measurements, core terminology and cutting techniques enabling you to add seams, fullness, pleats, gathers and functional details. Working to a design brief you will be required to explore and collect research material to develop design ideas which will form the basis of your experimental garments.

3D Form II further develops your knowledge of basic pattern cutting skills focusing on the bodice. You will continue to develop your pattern production techniques and use of terminology. You will be working to a set brief requiring you to demonstrate development through initial research, design, experimentation and final garment.

In Promoting Fashion you will examine external and internal promotional activities of fashion companies including public relations, fashion styling, fashion shows, advertising, visual merchandising and the fashion media. To understand the way in which fashion promotions work to promote fashion products and brands to consumers it is important to consider fashion promotion in relation to society and cultures. You will start to explore fashion communication through engagement with the visual and written areas of fashion promotion and the production of a series of promotional assignments which communicate to the consumer using words and images.

In Targeting Customers you will study consumer buyer behavior, analyzing its relationship to how consumers purchase fashion products and brands. The course will focus on research into consumer attributes and trends that inspire and influence the purchase of fashion products. You will develop an understanding of how cultural, social, personal and psychological characteristics of consumers affect their buyer behavior. You will develop an understanding about how customer attributes including geo-demographics, social class, life cycle, reference groups, lifestyles, values and attributes affect the development and marketing of international fashion product and brands. You will learn how market researchers effectively communicate their findings to others, through statistical, biographical and visual formats.

In Fashion Product Development you will build on your earlier classes to relate current and future fashion trends to ''desirable'' fashion products. You will work in a team to respond to an identified fashion trend to plan and manage the design of a new product/range extension or the development of a marketing plan. This could involve repositioning an existing product range or developing a new product range for an existing or new market.

In Fashion Branding you will explore contemporary fashion brands and examine the strategies they use to create a unique personality, generate appeal and generally develop a ''desirability factor'' for potential consumers. This course will build directly on your skills and knowledge by deepening the understanding of the complexity of brands and branding, from conception and development, through to the management and marketing of the end products. The course will cover the development of values and ethics required to develop successful brands, as well as the creation of identity, revitalization and extension strategies. You will also explore the implications of changing environments for fashion consumers and fashion brands, and employ creative thinking, innovative problem solving and applied skills and methodologies to investigate and develop appropriate solutions to brand strategies.

In Media and PR you will learn how fashion communications are planned, written, managed and delivered. Through directed activities you will experience situations replicating the ''real-life'' of working in the fast paced roles of fashion public relations and journalism. These assignments will develop your knowledge and understanding of the dynamics and interplay between the key fashion promotion sectors, highlighting the methodologies required for building successful working relationships within these roles. During this course, you will be expected to work with a degree of autonomy, structuring your own time management and applied research to a professional level and developing your professional and communication skills to a higher level. You will also be required to utilize a range of new and emerging technologies and applications to the media and communication assignments.

Fashion Buying presents buying practices and techniques, with an examination of consumer buying power, major market resources, governmental regulations and merchandise analysis. Through a simulated experience, students will conduct research and plan a six-moth seasonal dollar merchandise plan. A final product book will include all stages of development of the seasonal merchandise plan including trend forecasting, vendor negotiation, and profitability analysis.

CAD for Fashion Marketing re-enforces the application of creative software (Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.), to advance student's skills with computer applications used to enhance fashion presentations including color rendering of drawings and drafting of flats. Students will design a collection, and all the appropriate accoutrements that sit alongside the collection. Students will then take this work and develop and present it in a professional manner using the CAD skills learned in this class.

This course introduces students to industry-specific software (such as Gerber and/or Lectra) used to create and manipulate fashion pattern. Note: The software used varies from campus to campus based upon need and resources.

As you prepare to move from University into the fast moving world of fashion, Professional Development will give you the opportunity to consider your future and to plan and prepare to achieve your goals. The course will help you to define your goals, analyze your skills, your strengths, and research the career market. It will enable you to develop your skills and to build your confidence in preparation for launching yourself into the fashion marketplace.

In Styling Fashion you will explore the skills required for this growing specialty in the fashion industry. The stylist creates the visual fashion story whether it is for art, photography, video, window display, advertising, promotions or fashion shows. You will have the opportunity, in groups, to spend time in a photographic studio and on location to develop an understanding of the role of stylist on fashion shoots and other scenarios.

Effective retail display and space are essential elements of a fashion company's brand image. In this course, students study the key principles and techniques used globally in the retail environment. Students develop a capstone project that incorporates all aspects of store planning and design (e.g. exterior signing, interior signing, walls, floors, lighting, sound, merchandise, fixtures, mannequins, window displays, and wall elevations). Visual merchandising in the e-tailing environment is also examined.

In Final Fashion Marketing Project I you have the opportunity to undertake a sustained period of self-directed research to employ all of your learning, to explore an area of interest to you. The area chosen needs to be related to your studies on fashion marketing. You will be expected to work autonomously and to use tutor guidance to inform your work. You will work on an individual project. Group tutorials will enable you to learn from each other and gain mutual support.