Course Outline

FSH100 Introduction to Key Concepts of Fashion

Course Coordinator:Deborah Fisher (dfisher@usc.edu.au) School:School of Business and Creative Industries

2024Semester 1

UniSC Sunshine Coast

Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Online

Online You can do this course without coming onto campus.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

This course introduces key concepts of the diverse ideas and systems within the fashion industry. You will engage with critical fashion theory through the lens of popular, material, consumer and visual culture; become familiar with trend forecasting, consumerism, and identity construction; along with understanding our complex relationship with clothing. You will explore some of the challenges facing a global industry where a focus on sustainability is forcing major disruption to traditional processes while engaging with practical applications of SDG's 3,4 5,6,8,9 and 12.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – (Asynchronous) Learning Materials 1hr Week 1 12 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Workshop 2hrs Week 1 10 times
Seminar 2hrs Not applicable 2 times
Online
Learning materials – Asynchronous learning materials 1hr Week 1 12 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Online workshop 2hrs Week 1 10 times
Seminar 2hrs Not applicable 2 times

Course Topics

Material Culture: 

  • Our Relationship with Objects
  • Cultures, Subcultures and Identity
  • Gender and Performativity

Consumer Culture: 

  • Globalisation & The Australian Fashion Industry
  • Sustainability and Ethical Practice in TCF 
  • How do we engage with fashion?

Visual Culture: 

  • Curating Fashion
  • The Places and Spaces of Fashion
  • Fashion on Display

What level is this course?

100 Level (Introductory)

Engaging with discipline knowledge and skills at foundational level, broad application of knowledge and skills in familiar contexts and with support. Limited or no prerequisites. Normally, associated with the first full-time study year of an undergraduate program.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming...
1 Investigate current fashion trends and predict fashion challenges in the future Creative and critical thinker
2 Use research to examine fashion concepts from historical and contemporary perspectives Creative and critical thinker
3 Examine and reflect on how clothing and adornment demonstrate aspects of identity Creative and critical thinker
4 Reflect upon simple principles of consumerism and its effect on global fashion industries. Sustainability-focussed
5 Apply a material culture approach to analyse the link between clothing and the wearer Empowered
6 Use written, oral and visual modes to communicate in academic and creative ways Empowered

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

Not applicable

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

You will receive formative feedback on your work during the Week 3 workshop by the lecturer and by peer feedback activities.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Artefact - Creative, and Written Piece Individual 30%
Poster & 500 words rationale
Week 4 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 2 Oral and Written Piece Individual 40%
4-5 minute oral visual presentation
Week 7 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 3 Essay Individual 30%
1500 words with minimum 5 images
Week 13 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All - Assessment Task 1:Cool-Hunting Poster and Rationale
Goal:
The goal of this task is to analyse fashion at a "street" level and identify and present an upcoming trend visually.
Product: Artefact - Creative, and Written Piece
Format:
You are to observe people in a local setting and determine some aspects of their dress, which indicates an emerging trend. The inspiration for this might be a friend or group of friends, or someone else you regard as a style icon. You could observe a group of strangers, although you would need their permission for photographs.

You will use a trend forecasting service such as Vogue.com or WGSN to determine the validity of the trend. Find at least three different instances of the trend.

In 500 words, you will name and describe the trend. You will discuss why you think it is an upcoming trend, and how you determined that. Consider how this trend might be influenced by or influence, popular culture. Your written rational will include come visual evidence of the trend such as photos or sketches.

You will create an A3 cool hunting poster demonstrating your visual prediction of the upcoming trend.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Identification and justification of the emerging fashion trend.
1 2 3
2
Application of research from a variety of sources.
1 2 3 4
3
Communication of emerging fashion trend.
1 2 4
All - Assessment Task 2:Oral-Visual Presentation
Goal:
The goal of this task is to research a group, culture or subculture within society and report on the links between identity and fashion
Product: Oral and Written Piece
Format:
In this task, you will research a significant group of people who use dress to display aspects of their identity. The group may be significant for one or several reasons; religious, political, cultural or anti-fashion. Some starting points might be "Punk" for political causes or "the Amish" for religious identity for example. You should examine and describe the aesthetic characteristics of the items of dress, appearance or body modification of the group, using a material culture approach. This means you will discuss the relationship between the object or item of clothing and the wearer. Using fashion history research as the starting point, describe how the group has evolved to its current form and the relevance of their appearance in contemporary society. 

You should strive to demonstrate how the items of clothing are used to "make meaning" or show a message. Consider the visual communication of the items identified and describe how this is applied. 

Prepare an informative and engaging 6-8 minute oral/visual presentation (script and slides to be submitted) to inform your classmates about the clothing of the group of people selected and the reasons behind their clothing choices. Provide your ideas on how this particular group might have changed or developed twenty years from now. Be prepared for questions.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Application of research from a variety of sources.
1 2
2
Analysis of the links between clothing and material culture.
2 3
3
Identification of the key aspects of the group aesthetics .
2 3 4 5
4
Discussion of e how clothing is used to communicate identity.
2 3 4 5 6
5
Reflection of personal views of the chosen groups fashion.
3
6
Communication.
6
All - Assessment Task 3:Visual Essay - A Fashionable Future
Goal:
The goal of this task is to investigate an aspect of fashion as consumer culture through a visual essay to understand some of the challenges facing the fashion industry in the future.
Product: Essay
Format:
You will write a 1500 word essay with a minimum of 5 peer-reviewed academic sources and 5 images. To successfully complete this assessment task, you will investigate an aspect of the fashion industry and how it might approach a particular future challenge such as fast-fashion, changing modes of fashion presentation, collaborations and co-design opportunities for example. It is important to identify, analyse and understand the influences that will shape the fashion industry in the future. You will then develop an essay that includes illustrations to support your research. Sources must be reliable and referenced. Topics provided will be aligned with key readings from the course and provided in Canvas.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Investigation of current fashion trends.
1 2
2
Identification and analysis of a potential challenge for the fashion industry in the future.
1 2 4
3
Application of research from a variety of sources.
1 2 5 6
4
Communication.
6

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

There are no required/recommended resources for this course.

Specific requirements

There are no special requirements but a mobile digital device may prove helpful.

How are risks managed in this course?

Risk assessments have been performed for all studio and laboratory classes and a low level of health and safety risk exists. Some risk concerns may include equipment, instruments, and tools; as well as manual handling items within the laboratory. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:

The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%
The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale
You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct.

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submission of assessment tasks may be penalised at the following maximum rate: 
- 5% (of the assessment task's identified value) per day for the first two days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- 10% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the third day - 20% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the fourth day and subsequent days up to and including seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- A result of zero is awarded for an assessment task submitted after seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. Weekdays and weekends are included in the calculation of days late. To request an extension you must contact your course coordinator to negotiate an outcome.

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

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