Textile Design

Curriculum

The following are the required courses for this major. Students meet with the Education Department to create a personalized academic plan. Transfer credits, placement tests, changes in curriculum, and other factors help determine which courses must be taken prior to graduation.

Click on the green tab to see curriculum for each degree. Click on a course title to expand and read the course description.

  • Associate of Arts (A.A.)
  • Associate of Arts Professional Designation (A.A.)
  • GNST 1040
    English Composition
    Units: 3
    In this process-oriented course, students combine deep, disciplined research with careful writing and revision to produce a thoughtful, creative, and personally meaningful research essay. They learn to formulate focused research questions, identify and investigate credible sources, and synthesize expert opinion with their own insight in support of a clearly defined, complex thesis. The emphasis is on curiosity, exploration, and discovery. As part of the process, students also gain confidence and competency in two primary areas of written expression: organization and mechanics.
    GNST 1230
    Color & Design Theory
    Units: 3
    An introductory study of the principles and elements of color and design theory. Students critique aspects of a visual representation by analyzing the components of design and the use of color by the artist.
    GNST 1420
    Historic Textiles
    Units: 3
    A survey of textiles from pre-Columbian, Coptic, Sassanian, Persian, Egyptian, and Peruvian through 20th century Art Deco. Emphasis is placed on the ability to analyze pattern development, materials, and constructions from historic periods. Students research how political, social, and environmental factors influence textile patterns.
    GNST 1440
    Textile Science
    Units: 3
    A practical analysis of the basic components of textiles and their relationship to performance. Students examine the characteristics of fibers, yarns, methods of fabric construction, such as weaving and knitting, and survey dyes, prints, and finishes. Emphasis is placed on performance and the determination of fabric suitability in the apparel design industry.
    GNST 1600
    Effective Speaking
    Units: 3
    A course in oral communication designed to give students poise, speaking confidence, and the ability to develop and produce a focused, well-organized speech that holds the audiences attention through effective delivery methods. Presentational skills and audience-centered communication are emphasized.
    GNST 1650
    Critical Thinking
    Units: 3
    Designed to foster independent thinking, this course strengthens students capacity to reason clearly, critically, and creatively, including the ability (1) to analyze the arguments of others, (2) to synthesize effective arguments of their own, and (3) to solve problems skillfully. Students also gain experience in reading closely and conducting purposeful, imaginative researchskills essential to the examination of demanding social, moral, political, and personal issues. Prerequisite: GNST 1040
    GNST 2020
    Survey of Western Art I
    Units: 3
    A survey of art, architecture, and design from the Prehistoric Period through the Middle Ages. Included are the social, economic, cultural, political, and religious influences which have prompted or affected the art of each period. Students examine works of art and their iconography, stylistic techniques, and different media, with the goal of being able to recognize, understand, and discuss various art forms in their broader contexts.
    GNST 2420
    Survey of Western Art II
    Units: 3
    A survey of art, architecture, and design from the Renaissance through the 20th century. Art movements such as Realism, Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Fauvism, Cubism, Abstraction, and Surrealism are studied. Particular emphasis is placed on the artists role in society and the effect of society on art.
    GNST 2960
    American Political & Economic History
    Units: 3
    A survey of American history from 1930-2000. Emphasis is on the political and economic features, both domestic and foreign, that contributed to the emergence of the welfare state and the nations rise to global leadership after World War II. The course provides an understanding of the Great Depression, the Second World War, the Cold War, Americas eventual emergence as the worlds only superpower, and the interrelation of all these factors.
    GNST 2980
    Professional Practices
    Units: 3
    To become more self-reliant and enterprising in the job search, students investigate career opportunities and the career path, personal traits, job responsibilities, and qualifications necessary to be competitive and promotable. Students build research tools that enable them to develop a plan of action, conduct informational interviews, practice interviewing skills, and produce a digitized professional resume, biographical statement, and cover letter for immediate submission to prospective employers.
    TEXT 1350
    Studio Techniques I
    Units: 6
    In this studio class, students paint with gouache in a flat opaque technique, color mixing and matching. Students are introduced to concepts of layout and repeat, color pitching, and are encouraged to develop color combinations for use in printed textiles.
    TEXT 1500
    Natural Forms
    Units: 3
    This course develops students drawing and design skills through the observation of nature. Students apply the principles and elements of design by stylizing representational motifs inspired from nature into original drawings.
    TEXT 1550
    Studio Techniques II
    Units: 6
    A continuation of the Studio Techniques course, which introduces new painting techniques along with the additional focus on commercially designed textiles for specific markets. Prerequisite: TEXT 1350
    TEXT 1750
    Creating Fabric Structures (6 hours)*
    Units: 3
    In this introduction to the fundamentals of fabric structures, students learn to knit, crochet, felt, and weave with a focus on understanding the unique design possibilities of each medium. Includes a three (3) hour lab.
    TEXT 1850
    Surface Design for Interior Applications
    Units: 3
    This studio course specializes in the principles of textile design as they relate to home furnishing fabrication, wall coverings, and other interior related products. Prerequisites: TEXT 1350, TEXT 1550
    TEXT 2220
    Introduction to Photoshop
    Units: 3
    An introduction to Photoshop as it relates to textile design, this course teaches students to identify and use tools, menu items, layers, and filters and to make essential color adjustments and simple artwork modifications.
    TEXT 2240
    Introduction to Illustrator
    Units: 3
    This course provides an introduction to Illustrator in which the students learn to identify and use the program tools and menu items, emphasizing drawing skills for textile, placement prints, and flat sketching.
    TEXT 2350
    Print & Dye
    Units: 6
    This studio course introduces students to the fundamentals of the screen printing process as used in textiles. Students use techniques demonstrated in the classroom by designing and printing repeat patterns, including establishing correct registration for printing yardage. Prerequisites: TEXT 2220, TEXT 2550
    TEXT 2550
    Computer-Aided Surface Design I
    Units: 6
    This CAD studio course builds on the foundation from the Introduction to Photoshop course. Students expand their knowledge of tools, menus, and functions of Adobe Photoshop in the development and manipulation of printed textiles in repeating patterns and layouts. Prerequisite: TEXT 2220
    TEXT 2600
    Design for Form & Function
    Units: 3
    This course introduces students to the basic pattern blocks and manufacturing procedures in the fashion industry. Students explore the process of textile design and its relationship to the function of the finished product.
    TEXT 2750
    Computer-Aided Surface Design II
    Units: 6
    This continuation of Computer-Aided Surface Design utilizes the computer as a design tool. Students expand their experience developing print designs, drawing attention specifically to formulating color ways, learning to prepare designs for engraving. Prerequisite: TEXT 2550
    TEXT 3150
    Trend Analysis
    Units: 3
    Students examine the fashion forecasting process, with an emphasis on textile development and color trends in the global and domestic markets.
    TEXT 4650
    Line Development
    Units: 3
    Through this study of the color and design strategies used in merchandising textile print designs, students gain an appreciation of the designers role in responding to the market. A line of textile print concepts is developed based on research of markets, trends, and color. Prerequisite: TEXT 3150
    TEXT 4950
    Portfolio Development
    Units: 3
    Students learn to market their skills and pursue careers in the textile industry. Through comprehensive portfolio analysis, students designs are critically evaluated and prepared for presentation to prospective employers and clients. Additional attention to contracts, copyright, trademark, and licensing are introduced. Prerequisite: TEXT 46500
    TSCI 1800
    Fabric Identification
    Units: 3
    This course demonstrates knowledge of textiles and the application of these skills in the product development process. Emphasis is placed on the compatibility of fabrics to meet performance criteria and market acceptance. Students identify fabrics, weights, construction, and finish. Prerequisite: GNST 1440
    Total Units of Credit: 90
  • GNST 1420
    Historic Textiles
    Units: 3
    A survey of textiles from pre-Columbian, Coptic, Sassanian, Persian, Egyptian, and Peruvian through 20th century Art Deco. Emphasis is placed on the ability to analyze pattern development, materials, and constructions from historic periods. Students research how political, social, and environmental factors influence textile patterns.
    GNST 1440
    Textile Science
    Units: 3
    A practical analysis of the basic components of textiles and their relationship to performance. Students examine the characteristics of fibers, yarns, methods of fabric construction, such as weaving and knitting, and survey dyes, prints, and finishes. Emphasis is placed on performance and the determination of fabric suitability in the apparel design industry.
    TEXT 1350
    Studio Techniques I
    Units: 6
    In this studio class, students paint with gouache in a flat opaque technique, color mixing and matching. Students are introduced to concepts of layout and repeat, color pitching, and are encouraged to develop color combinations for use in printed textiles.
    TEXT 1550
    Studio Techniques II
    Units: 6
    A continuation of the Studio Techniques course, which introduces new painting techniques along with the additional focus on commercially designed textiles for specific markets. Prerequisite: TEXT 1350
    TEXT 1750
    Creating Fabric Structures (6 hours)*
    Units: 3
    In this introduction to the fundamentals of fabric structures, students learn to knit, crochet, felt, and weave with a focus on understanding the unique design possibilities of each medium. Includes a three (3) hour lab.
    TEXT 1850
    Surface Design for Interior Applications
    Units: 3
    This studio course specializes in the principles of textile design as they relate to home furnishing fabrication, wall coverings, and other interior related products. Prerequisites: TEXT 1350, TEXT 1550
    TEXT 2220
    Introduction to Photoshop
    Units: 3
    An introduction to Photoshop as it relates to textile design, this course teaches students to identify and use tools, menu items, layers, and filters and to make essential color adjustments and simple artwork modifications.
    TEXT 2240
    Introduction to Illustrator
    Units: 3
    This course provides an introduction to Illustrator in which the students learn to identify and use the program tools and menu items, emphasizing drawing skills for textile, placement prints, and flat sketching.
    TEXT 2350
    Print & Dye
    Units: 6
    This studio course introduces students to the fundamentals of the screen printing process as used in textiles. Students use techniques demonstrated in the classroom by designing and printing repeat patterns, including establishing correct registration for printing yardage. Prerequisites: TEXT 2220, TEXT 2550
    TEXT 2550
    Computer-Aided Surface Design I
    Units: 6
    This CAD studio course builds on the foundation from the Introduction to Photoshop course. Students expand their knowledge of tools, menus, and functions of Adobe Photoshop in the development and manipulation of printed textiles in repeating patterns and layouts. Prerequisite: TEXT 2220
    TEXT 2600
    Design for Form & Function
    Units: 3
    This course introduces students to the basic pattern blocks and manufacturing procedures in the fashion industry. Students explore the process of textile design and its relationship to the function of the finished product.
    TEXT 2750
    Computer-Aided Surface Design II
    Units: 6
    This continuation of Computer-Aided Surface Design utilizes the computer as a design tool. Students expand their experience developing print designs, drawing attention specifically to formulating color ways, learning to prepare designs for engraving. Prerequisite: TEXT 2550
    TEXT 3150
    Trend Analysis
    Units: 3
    Students examine the fashion forecasting process, with an emphasis on textile development and color trends in the global and domestic markets.
    TEXT 4650
    Line Development
    Units: 3
    Through this study of the color and design strategies used in merchandising textile print designs, students gain an appreciation of the designers role in responding to the market. A line of textile print concepts is developed based on research of markets, trends, and color. Prerequisite: TEXT 3150
    TEXT 4950
    Portfolio Development
    Units: 3
    Students learn to market their skills and pursue careers in the textile industry. Through comprehensive portfolio analysis, students designs are critically evaluated and prepared for presentation to prospective employers and clients. Additional attention to contracts, copyright, trademark, and licensing are introduced. Prerequisite: TEXT 46500
    Total Units of Credit: 60

* Three (3)-hour lab included in 6 hours.

Some programs offered may require completion of a second year at the Los Angeles or San Francisco campus. Please contact the campus for details.


Featured Grad

Jimin Park Weatherly

Jimin is a Textile Designer at Quiksilver.
Read more about this grad

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