BUF 4300: Global Sourcing & International Retail Trade

This course provides a detailed economic perspective on textile products, their production processes, and global sourcing, with a focus on the U.S. fashion industry. It is designed to be writing-intensive and aims to explore the intricate ways in which historical events, economic policies, and political decisions shape and transform the apparel industry within the broader context of globalization. Students have the opportunity to delve into various retailing models across both industrialized and developing countries, enhancing their learning experience through extensive readings, comprehensive writing assignments, and engaging class discussions.

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BUF 1101: Intro to the Fashion Industry

This course serves as a foundational exploration of the essentials of fashion merchandising. It delves into the intricate workings of the industry, including the roles of textile mills, designers, manufacturers, auxiliary fashion industries, and retailers. With an emphasis on the pervasive influence of technology and the rapidly changing landscape of fashion retail in the digital age, the course provides a thorough understanding of the multi-faceted transformation of the fashion business into a dynamic and globalized industry. Students gain valuable insights into the interconnected web of processes and stakeholders that define the modern fashion landscape.

BUF 2203: Visual Merchandising

The course on visual merchandising provides a study of the techniques used in retail settings to present products effectively. It covers both the theoretical foundation and the practical applications of creating captivating in-store environments. This involves an in-depth analysis of how lighting, special effects, fixtures, and strategic product placement are utilized to convey compelling messages about fashion brands and ultimately shape consumer behavior. The key areas of focus encompass the intricate art of designing displays for specialty and department stores, developing impactful visual presentations for walls and windows, mastering professional presentation techniques, as well as gaining insights into the profound influence of color, music, and lighting on consumer decision-making processes.

BUF 2246: Introduction to Textiles

This course serves as an introduction to the intricacies of the dynamic fashion and textiles industry. It delves into both wholesale and retail environments, offering students a comprehensive understanding of the various textile types and their integral roles in fashion merchandising, buying, and retailing. Students delve into the foundational knowledge of fibers, yarns, fabric construction, finishes, and embellishments, ensuring they acquire the expertise needed to assess quality and make well-informed fabric choices.

BUF 2255: Merch Planning & Buying

This course serves as an introduction for students to the fundamental mathematical concepts, techniques, and analyses that are crucial for effective buying and planning processes in the retail industry. It provides a comprehensive overview of the various business functions involved in the procurement of goods from manufacturers and their subsequent distribution to end consumers. Through the use of mathematical problems and interactive learning methods, students gain a deep understanding of how retailers strategically plan their sales and manage inventory to optimize return on investment and boost profitability.

BUF 2400: Product Development in Fashion

This course serves as an in-depth exploration of the various stages of product development, providing an understanding of the journey, from the initial concept to the final consumer. Throughout the course, students gain insight into how thorough research within the fashion industry significantly impacts the design of garments. Additionally, the course demonstrates the intricate interplay between trend cycles, consumer behavior, and the multifaceted influences of social, political, and economic factors, all of which collectively shape and drive trend development within the fashion industry.

BUF 3100: Trend and Social Media

In this course, students gain an in-depth understanding of current color, fiber, and fashion trends and their influence on sales forecasting within the dynamic apparel industry. Through comprehensive research and analysis, students will develop the skills necessary to create precise and insightful fashion forecasts for specific seasons. This will involve examining market trends, consumer behavior, and evolving fashion preferences to make informed predictions that can drive successful business strategies.

BUF 4700: Contemporary Issues In Fashion

This course delves into the multifaceted and pressing issues that professionals and consumers encounter within the fashion industry. It thoroughly examines the impact of sustainability, globalization, and ethical considerations on design, merchandising, product development, and consumer behaviors. The course aims to stimulate in-depth dialogue and critical thinking around fashion practices that prioritize sustainable, ethical, and socially responsible manufacturing approaches, shaping a more conscientious and forward-thinking industry.

SBS 3201: Gender, Dress and Society

This comprehensive course delves into various theories and concepts related to appearance, clothing, and fashion. It highlights their significant influence on cultural identities, gender perceptions, and fashion consumption patterns. The course offers a detailed analysis of dress in the United States and globally. It emphasizes how dress serves as a form of communication that reflects individual identity and social status across interconnected systems such as kinship, economy, religion, and politics. Additionally, it examines the complex relationship between technological advancements and diverse dress styles in different societies, focusing on their behavioral implications regarding morality, hygiene, rituals, and shifting beauty standards.