Apparel Design & Merchandising
Courses

150    APPAREL STRUCTURE AND DESIGN I (3)
Fundamentals of apparel assembly with emphasis on construction techniques, fit, and quality analysis of the finished product. Introduction to apparel terminology.

151    APPAREL STRUCTURE AND DESIGN II (3)
In-depth study of the process and product of creative design in clothing, application of advanced techniques of apparel assembly, and development of basic slopers.
    Prerequisite: Apparel design and Merchandising 150 or consent of the instructor

170    INTRODUCTION TO THE FASHION WORLD (3)
Overview of the fashion business structure. Topics include the origin of apparel design through manu¬facturing, marketing, merchandising, and retailing process. Career opportunities are highlighted.
    $35 course fee.

200    CULTURAL PERSPECTIVES IN DRESS (3)
Analysis of dress as an expression of beliefs and values, material artifact, and normative behavior in selected world cultures with emphasis on case studies focused on non-Western traditions, aesthetics, politics, religions, and ritual usage of clothing and textiles.
With an intensification option, this course will contribute to the Black World Studies major.
    Prerequisite: Sophomore standing
    This course will satisfy the multicultural core area requirement.

207    SURFACE DESIGN OF FABRICS I (3)
Survey of topics and hands-on processes for fabric coloration, manipulation, and embellishment, with emphasis on application to apparel design. Various techniques considered within cultural context.     Prerequisite: Apparel design major or consent of instructor
    $50 course fee.
    This course will satisfy the fine arts core area requirement.

209    SURFACE DESIGN OF FABRICS II (3)

In-depth study of selected topics and hands-on processes for fabric coloration, manipulation, and embellishment, with emphasis on learning specific techniques from historical garments and within cultural context.
    Prerequisite: Apparel design major or consent of instructor
    $50 course fee
    This course will satisfy the fine arts core area requirement.

211    MARATHON SURFACE DESIGN (3)

Intensive hands-on study of specific coloration and embellishment of fabric.
    Prerequisite: Sophomore standing
    $50 course fee.

256    TEXTILE SCIENCE (3)

Survey of textile fibers, fabrics, and finishes with appli¬cation to appearance, performance, and maintenance of apparel products.

271    RETAIL PROMOTION AND VISUAL MERCHANDISING (3)

Promotional strategies used in merchandising. Topics include identifying target markets and interpreting consumer demand, visual merchandising and store design, and advertising strategies for retail. Students receive experience in merchandising windows at the university and area retailers.
    Prerequisite: Apparel Design and Merchandising 170 or consent of the instructor

281    MULTICHANNEL RETAILING (3)
Exploring the underlying principles of multichannel retailing and their relationship with brick-and-mortar stores, electronic retailing, and direct marketing methods. Emphasis on understanding consumer needs and implementing appropriate technologies.

290    SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY OF DRESS (3)
This course explores selected topics from the cross-disciplinary literature on dress (defined as presentation of self), including controversial questions about body image and apparel choices across diverse populations of women and men.
    Prerequisite: Sophomore standing

320    FLAT PATTERN DESIGN AND DRAPING (3)

Theory and fundamentals of flat pattern drafting and draping.
    Prerequisite: Apparel Design and Merchandising 151

322    APPAREL DESIGN I (3)
Utilization of the creative process and knowledge of pattern making and clothing construction to develop original clothing designs. Emphasis on concept development, fabrication, and aesthetics.
    Prerequisite: Apparel Design and Merchandising 320

360    HISTORY OF DRESS I (3)
Survey of European and North American dress from ancient civilizations through the 17th century, with emphasis on dress as an expression of social, cultural, economic, aesthetic, religious, and technological change in the Western world.
    With an intensification option, this course will con¬tribute to the Certificate in Medieval and Renaissance Studies.
    This course will satisfy the fine arts core area requirement.

361    HISTORY OF DRESS II (3)

Survey of European and North American dress from the 18th century to the present, with emphasis on dress as an expression of social, cultural, economic, aesthetic, religious, and technological change in the Western world. Includes work of major fashion designers.
    This course will satisfy the fine arts core area requirement.

362    DRESS AS MATERIAL CULTURE (3)

Survey of historical dress from 18th century to the present, with emphasis on object-based analysis of period textiles, garments, and other primary sources used to interpret dress from a cultural perspective within the Western world. Includes hands-on work with conservation of historical garments.
    This course will satisfy the fine arts core area requirement.

365    FASHION ILLUSTRATION (3)

Problems and exercises intended to stimulate design perception and creativity in sketching and rendering used by the fashion designer.
    Prerequisite: Art 201, 202, or 203 or consent of the instructor

366    COUTURE TAILORING (3)
The principles and application of advanced techniques used in couture custom tailoring.
    Prerequisite: Apparel Design and Merchandising 151 or consent of the instructor

368    ADVANCED APPAREL DESIGN (3)
Advanced study of apparel design using flat pattern and draping techniques; investigation into patterning and designing for knitwear. Emphasis on problem solving and industry standards.
    Prerequisite: Apparel Design and Merchandising 322

370    ANALYSIS OF READY-TO-WEAR APPAREL (3)
An examination of the product development process and the interrelationship of allied industries, with perspectives on consumer, manufacturer, retailer, and the international market. Emphasis on understanding the industry through global social responsibility.
    Prerequisite: Apparel Design and Merchandising 170

371    RETAIL BUYING (3)
Application of effective strategies in retail buying; includes budgeting, merchandise planning, and inven¬tory management. Computerized spreadsheets are used to perform related merchandising math operations.
    Prerequisite: Mathematics 130 or above

380    COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN (3)
Design of apparel through the use of computer using PAD Systems technology, with emphasis on pattern¬making, grading, marking, and 3-D applications.
    Prerequisite: Apparel Design and Merchandising 320

440    SPECIALTY MARKETS (3)

Research of social, economic, and demographic aspects of target market instrumental in the develop¬ment of a consumer line. This project-based class encompasses the design and construction of a specialty market line including (but not limited to) lingerie, menswear, children’s wear, petite, and plus-sized clothing.
    Prerequisites: Apparel Design and Merchandising 320 and junior standing

442    FASHION MARKETS (3)

Research of social, economic, and demographic aspects of target market instrumental in the development of a retail outlet. This project-based class includes creating and planning a retail store from concept to implementation. By the end of this course, the student will have written a complete business plan.
    Prerequisites: Apparel Design and Merchandising 371 or consent of instructor, and junior standing

445    SENIOR COLLECTION (3)
Fashion forecasting; development of a cohesive collec¬tion of original designs.
    Prerequisites: Apparel Design and Merchandising 322 and senior standing

446    APPAREL DESIGN AND MERCHANDISING SEMINAR (3)
Developing the major production of the department; study of professional practices and management in the business of apparel design and merchandising; prepa¬ration and presentation of comprehensive portfolio.
    Prerequisite: Senior standing

450    INDEPENDENT STUDY (1-4)
Content and credit tailored to the individual needs of the student.

455    INTERNSHIP (2-8)

Training in a business establishment for a designated number of hours a week under the supervision of faculty member and the manager of the business establishment.
    Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing

INDEPENDENT RESEARCH OR CREATIVE INVESTIGATION (1-3)

Introductory, Intermediate, Advanced, Senior Thesis Independent Research or Creative Investigation is a course in which students collaborate with faculty mentors on an ongoing faculty research project or conduct an independent project under the guidance of a faculty member. This directed undergraduate research or creative investigation culminates in a conference presentation, journal article, or other creative/scholarly project.
    Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.