This module is designed to provide you with a rigorous overview of key themes and issues in the historical development of fashion as a socio-cultural phenomenon. We will also explore a number of key theories that have been produced around the use of fashion (for example, its impact upon who we are as social actors, or how fashion can be said to be a political area of practice). You will be introduced to some key thinkers and perspectives that are relevant to contemporary debate and you should view this module as the start of the research-based approach you will need to adopt as you move through the programme as it will form your first opportunity to engage with theory and understand its link to practice within the field of fashion.

We will approach topics thematically, working within a chronological framework from the mid-19th Century to the present day, so that you are able to consider historical and contemporary examples of fashion in their wider social, cultural and political contexts and you will be expected to develop your own arguments on information that is shared in lectures, tutorial and that you find via undertaking your own research.

1. DEMONSTRATE AN UNDERSTANDING OF KEY ISSUES IN THE HISTORY OF FASHION.
[Knowledge and Understanding]

2. UNDERSTAND A RANGE OF SOCIO-CULTURAL PERSPECTIVES THAT INFORM CONTEMPORARY DEBATES IN FASHION THEORY.
[Knowledge and Understanding; Enquiry, working with others]

3. ARTICULATE A LINE OF ARGUMENT THAT ANALYSES THE DEVELOPMENT OF FASHION IN ITS HISTORICAL PROCESS.
[Analysis; Learning]

4. UNDERTAKE RESEARCH WITHIN THE FIELD OF HISTORICAL & CONTEMPORARY CULTURAL THEORY AROUND FASHION.
[Learning; Reflection; Application]

Scheduled Learning Activities will include a combination of the following:
Lectures
Seminar workshops
Group tutorials (Feedback)
Group critiques (Feedback)
Field work

Independent Learning Activities will include the following:
Independent Study
reading and research

Study Skills
University Library
Word-processing facilities
Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment will support this module where relevant.

BARNARD, M.(2014) Fashion Theory: An Introduction. London: Routledge
Bignell, J. (2002). Media Semiotics (2nd Revised Ed.). Manchester, United Kingdom: Manchester University Press.
Entwistle, J. (2015) The Fashioned Body: Fashion, dress and modern social theory. Cambridge, United Kingdom: Polity Press.
Hebdige, D. (1979). Subculture: The Meaning of Style (1st Ed.). Abingdon, United Kingdom: Routledge.
KAISER, S.B.(2012) Fashion and cultural studies. London: Berg.
Mendes, V. & de la Haye, A. (2010). Fashion Since 1900. London, United Kingdom: Thames & Hudson (World of Art).
SNODGRASS, M. E.(2015) World clothing and fashion: an encyclopedia of history, culture, and social influence. London: Routledge
Steele, V. (2010) The Berg Companion to Fashion. Oxford, United Kingdom: Berg.
Sturken, M. & Cartwright, L. (2009) Practices of Looking: An introduction to visual culture. (2nd Ed.). Oxford,
Woodward, K. (Ed.). (1997). Identity and Difference (1st edition). London, United Kingdom: SAGE Publications Ltd.
Journals:
- Critical Studies in Fashion and Beauty
- Fashion Theory: The Journal of Dress, Body & Culture
- Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management

Websites
Business of Fashion: https://www.businessoffashion.com/
Showstudio: www.showstudio.com

Students will also develop their own reading list as they generate targeted research and a range of additional reading will provided through lectures.

100% Coursework:

A 2000 Word Illustrated Report; Learning Outcomes 1-4 weighted at 90%.

6-8 minute Presentation weighted at 10%.