MEST5041 Fashion, Design and Consumption 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.

Language of instruction: English and Norwegian

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:

• an individual, written assignment. 2000-2500 words + bibliography.
• individual presentation for fellow students and teachers in R&D seminar

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

The exam grade can be appealed.

Use of AI-tools: AI tools may be used for brainstorming, text refinement, and citation formatting, but must not be used to produce fully AI-generated content (text, images, or other creative work) for inclusion in coursework or exams. AI-assisted creative work is permitted if it has been approved by the course coordinator prior to submission. All AI use must be documented in the submission and comply with OsloMet’s guidelines: AI-policy og veiledning for bruk av AI i studentoppgaver.

All other aids are permitted as long as rules for citing sources are followed.

Graded scale A-F

One internal examiner and a co-examiner evaluates a selection of the exam papers. External sensor is used regularly.

Jo Cramer

15 stp mot MEST4241