Fashion Design, A.A. - Curriculum

Students learn the proportions and techniques for sketching the nine-head figure.

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.

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.

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

Students develop an understanding of how to use the basic block in constructing muslin samples. Includes a three (3) hour lab.

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

Students create flat patterns from sketches and produce completed garments with an emphasis on fit. Includes a three (3) hour lab. Prerequisite: DESN 1760

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

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

In this introduction to the fundamentals of pattern drafting techniques using Gerber Technology, students reinforce skills developed in previous manual pattern drafting classes and apply their knowledge to producing patterns using the computer. Additional pattern drafting techniques are explored. Students also produce markers. Lab. Prerequisites: DESN 2160, MFTG 2330

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

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

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

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

In this advanced course in developing patterns using Gerber Technology, students further develop their skills in creating patterns from sketches as well as from finished garments. Students also produce markers on the computer. Prerequisite: DESN 2540

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

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.

This course provides an overview of costume history in Western culture from ancient civilizations to the present. Students examine cultural, social, and historical events and analyze their effect on the history of costume and apparel, including the influence of historical costume on fashion today. Students develop a broad fashion vocabulary and become familiar with period costume terminology.

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.

This course explores financial and consumer math, the geometry of flat and 3-dimensional spaces, and the basics of statistical analysis. Integrating mathematical equations and concepts in the context of problem solving and discovery, students complete projects and assignments demonstrating the effective use of quantitative tools to support their conclusions.

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.

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 research skills essential to the examination of demanding social, moral, political, and personal issues.

This course facilitates a comprehensive understanding of the tools and techniques necessary to effectively navigate the complexities of the job market. Students explore critical components of employment in order to prepare for their job search; the ultimate result is placement in their desired career. Students learn how to build a meaningful resume, navigate career sites, including FIDM Career Network and LinkedIn, effectively research desired industry and organizations, and perfect interviewing techniques and skills. This is a Pass/Fail class necessary for FIDM graduation. In addition to nine (9) hours of class workcomprised of three consecutive classes, three (3) hours eachstudents should be prepared for an additional three (3) hours of homework for each of the three weeks.

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.

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 artist's role in society and the effect of society on art.

This course examines the subtle and overt ways in which society marginalizes and discriminates against groups of people including, but not limited to, racial, cultural and ethnic groups, religious groups, women, the elderly, persons with disabilities (including physical and mental challenges), gender fluidity and LGBTQIA+. Students will not only study the historical realities, institutions, and a legal system that have enabled discrimination to continue, they will delve into the roots of hatred, fear and bias, the very foundations of prejudice and discrimination, in order to become conscious of and active in their own contributions to a more just and inclusive society.

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.

This course introduces students to the principles of pattern grading, including manual techniques of chart and stack grading. The course uses Gerber Technologys computerized digitizing, grading, and marker-making system. Industry spreading and cutting techniques are demonstrated. Prerequisite: MFTG 1400 (For Fashion Design Majors)

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.

This course is an introduction to design techniques, naming conventions, and digital asset management within Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Students gain basic knowledge of digital design components such as vector and raster graphics, tools, and key menu items, which they use to complete work in their major areas of study. These concepts support use of industry-standard computer aided design tools and facilitate communication between designers, clients, and manufacturers.

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.

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