Fashion Merchandising

FA101 Principles of Retail Merchandising (3 credits)

This course examines the clothing industry from both the creative and business viewpoints. It provides the student with an understanding of fashion-relative decision-making principles including store layout and location, inventory, sales, controls, buying and selling, and the socioeconomic characteristics of various forms of retailing. American and international design markets will be discussed as well as marketing strategies for each arena.

FA103 Clothing and Society (3 credits)

This course is a study of the role of fashion in society and its impact on human behavior. The inter-relationships between clothing and culture, social events, economic status, and geographical location come together to create topics for discussion and investigation throughout the course. Students will learn to become more aware of their own dress habits, as well as those of others, through evaluation of clothing as symbols of adornment, social position, and as a form of communication.

FA205 History of Costume (3 credits)

This course is a general overview of fashion from primitive times to the early 20th century. Costume is viewed in relationship to other arts as it relates to a characteristic expression of the period. Emphasis is placed on the socioeconomic and political impact on costume and how these variables reflect individual status, taste, profession and culture. Attention will be given to the use of historic costume as inspiration for designers in creating and developing fashion in the past and present. PR: FA103.

FA207 Visual Merchandising (3 credits)

This course is designed to introduce the student to both the aesthetic and practical aspects of retail display techniques. Basic design principles will be examined as they relate to the large department stores as well as small independent boutiques. Topics include window displays, interior displays, graphics, store layout, lighting, and presentation vignettes. PR: FA205.

FA217 Textile Science (3 credits)

This course is an introductory study of the origin, production, and characteristic performance of natural and synthetic fibers. Topics to be covered will include the interrelationship among fibers, yarns, fabric structure, finishes, and coloring/printing processes. Emphasis will be on selection, end use, and care of fabrics from both the consumer's and the textile industry's viewpoint. PR: FA101.

FA305 Contemporary Fashion (3 credits)

This course examines how the technological and subsequent social and economic changes in the 20th century have affected the fashion industry. The resulting contemporary design trends will be identified and studied along with the innovative changes in the textile industry. PR: junior status.

FA415 Retail Promotion and The Media (3 credits)

This course examines the various types of retail promotion, including print, television and radio advertising, special events, media campaigns, promotional themes, and fashion shows. The students integrate this knowledge to create press kits, visual merchandising campaigns, print presentations, and scripts for television and radio advertisements. PR: FA207 or CO201 & junior status.

FA421 Fashion Show Production (3 credits)

This course builds upon the promotional skills gained in previous course work. The purpose of this class is to give the student a working knowledge of producing a fashion show. Each class will produce a professional show before the end of the semester. PR: FA415 & senior status.

FA495 Fashion Merchandising Seminar (3 credits)

This course will integrate previously studied topics in Fashion Merchandising courses through in-depth research and class discussions. Focus will be placed on current career alternatives, issues, and trends in Fashion Merchandising and related fields. PR: senior status.

FA498 Fashion Merchandising Bachelor Thesis (3 credits)

During the senior year, students may elect to write a research paper on an approved topic. The paper will focus on a current issue in the fashion industry and involve significant research. Students must submit a written report to the faculty mentor, who provides guidance throughout the project. PR: senior status & Dean's permission.

FA499 Fashion Merchandising Internship (3 credits)

This supervised internship allows the student an opportunity to apply the concepts learned in the classroom in a professional management environment. Students must complete a minimum of 150 hours with the placement, consult with the faculty coordinator at designated times throughout the internship, and complete a final written project. PR: senior status & approved Internship Petition.

PR = prerequisite(s)