MEST5040 Fashion and Society Course description

This course introduces the function of fashion in contemporary society through the exploration of fashion as both a cultural and economic system.  An investigation of the meanings and mechanisms of fashion production and consumption reveals the complexity of the environmental and ethical issues facing the fashion industry now and into the future.  Class activities examine emerging innovations in both theory and practice and develop your ability to critically analyse the evolution of fashion systems to meet the changing needs of society. Assessment tasks provide you with the opportunity to further pursue a topic of particular interest. 

Admission to the master program, study option fashion and society. 

Learning outcomes 

Knowledge 

The student has: 

• knowledge of the cultural and industrial production systems of fashion and how they are changing 

• knowledge of recent developments in fashion theory and practice 

• understanding of the complexity of the environmental and ethical issues within contemporary fashion  

• understanding of innovations within fashion systems, both technological and cultural 

Skills 

The student can: 

• analyse the complexity of the fashion industry in the light of different theoretical and practical approaches 

• critically reflect on ethical and environmental issues within systems of fashion production and consumption  

• identify and critically discuss issues relevant to contemporary fashion and society 

• identify, cite, analyse and synthesise information from a range of sources in support of a reasoned argument. 

General competence 

The student can: 

• undertake independent research activities in response to a set task 

• apply existing knowledge and skills to new areas of academic enquiry 

• communicate a critical perspective on current issues in fashion and society, verbally and in writing 

The teaching alternates between lectures, seminars and workshops where dialogue and reflection related to theory and practice are central. All teaching, assignments and seminars are compulsory. 

The following work requirements are mandatory and must be approved to apply for the exam:  

• at least 80% attendance at classes and seminars.  

• an individual, written assignment comprising a literature review and problem statement for an identified issue with the fashion industry. 2000-2500 words + bibliogrpahy.  

• individual presentation for fellow students and teachers in R&D seminar 

Individual written home exam over five days.  Scope: 3000-4500 words + bibliography 

All.

Graded scale A-F 

Two examiners. External examiner is used regularly. 

Jo Cramer