Curriculum
The following are the required courses for this major. Students who attend Orientation and meet with the Education Department can obtain personalized academic counseling to complete the program. Transfer credits, changes in curriculum, and other factors may affect the academic plan for individual students. The FIDM Education Department can provide additional information.
Associate of Arts, Professional Designation (A.A.)
DESN 1150
Fashion Sketching for Design I
UNITS: 3
Students learn the proportions and techniques for sketching the nine-head figure.
DESN 1250
Industry Sewing
UNITS: 3
This course introduces students to industry sewing techniques with an emphasis on operating the power sewing machine. Students produce a completed garment by applying all of the techniques taught in the course.
DESN 1420
Applied Draping Techniques (6 hours) *
UNITS: 3
Students apply draping techniques and industry procedures which include the understanding of proportion, balance, construction and fit. They explore the use of muslin and various fabrics to create original designs. Includes a three (3) hour lab.
DESN 1550
Fashion Sketching for Design II
UNITS: 3
This course emphasizes the perfection of fashion figure poses, the accurate illustration of garments, and the development of the students own sketching style. Students learn to render, using colored pencil, markers, and pen.
Prerequisite: DESN 1150
DESN 1760
Pattern Drafting I (6 hours)*
UNITS: 3
Students develop an understanding of how to use the basic block in constructing muslin samples. Includes a three (3) hour lab.
DESN 1850
The Business of Fashion
UNITS: 3
In surveying the major business components of the textile and fashion apparel industries, this course defines the role of materials, designers, producers, and retailers in the creative and business cycles.
Prerequisite: TSCI 1800
DESN 2160
Pattern Drafting II (6 hours)*
UNITS: 3
Students create flat patterns from sketches and produce completed garments with an emphasis on fit. Includes a three (3) hour lab.
Prerequisite: DESN 1760
DESN 2280
Creative Design Applications
UNITS: 3
Students apply basic elements of design and expand their creativity by examining social, artistic, and historical influences as they relate to the development of a group and/or collection.
Prerequisites: DESN 1550, MPDV 2200, TSCI 1800
DESN 2530
Computer-Aided Fashion Design I
UNITS: 3
Introduction to Adobe Illustrator and its use as a tool for drawing technical flat sketches with accurate proportions and garment details. Instruction in the use of Adobe Illustrator tools and workspace to create effectively organized and editable digital files. Prerequisite: MPDV 1800
DESN 2560
Pattern Drafting III (6 hours)*
UNITS: 3
An advanced pattern drafting class emphasizing comprehensive use of acquired pattern making skills as well as advanced techniques. Includes a three (3) hour lab.
Prerequisite: DESN 2160
DESN 2680
Creative Design Analysis & Collection Development
UNITS: 3
After analyzing and researching the components necessary to create a fashion collection, students in this course engage in the challenge of designing and developing collections for specific customers, including major manufacturers.
Prerequisites: DESN 2280
DESN 2700
Collection Development (6 hours)*
UNITS: 3
This class emphasizes the comprehensive use of acquired pattern making and design skills. A complete design look is selected from each student collection. Patterns and garments are developed according to industry requirements. Cohesive design development includes; pattern drafting, garment construction, pattern cards, cost sheets, and style books. Includes a three (3) hour lab.
Prerequisite: DESN 2560
DESN 2830
Computer-Aided Fashion Design II
UNITS: 3
Students apply skills previously learned in Computer-Aided Fashion Design I to digital file development using Adobe Photoshop software. Course projects focus on the rendering of stylized flat sketches and fashion illustrations as well as the development of fabric prints and graphics with emphasis on the elements and principles of design. Prerequisite: DESN 2530
DESN 2980
Portfolio Preparation & Presentation
UNITS: 3
Students prepare, develop, and expand a professional portfolio of work while exploring creative and practical techniques to enhance the marketability and appeal of their portfolio. They also analyze and practice interviewing skills to communicate with prospective employers.
Prerequisite: DESN 2680
MFTG 2560
Computer Pattern Drafting, Grading & Marking
UNITS: 3
This course introduces students to computer pattern drafting, grading and marker making. Students will learn to digitize patterns, make computer markers and develop patterns using the Gerber system.
Prerequisite: DESN 2160 or MFTG 1400
MPDV 1800
Fundamentals of Sketching
UNITS: 3
A flat sketching course for line development, line sheets, and specification sheets. Students learn basic drawing skills for garment illustration and the correct terminology used for identifying design details on garments.
TSCI 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.
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, and finish. Prerequisite: TSCI 1440
Total Units of Credit: 54
* Three (3)-hour lab included in 6 hours
