ARTH 1204: 20th Century Dress and Culture

It is essential to understand the interrelationship of fashion and culture, and its development over time. This course examines how historical periods affect the style and construction of clothing from the end of the 19th century to the present. Students are introduced to analytic techniques that evaluate how culture, economics, politics, and religion influence and shape the style of the time. Each student is assigned or selects specific items of clothing to trace the development of style, trends, and fashion. This course also introduces important terminology integral to the fashion industry and crucial to discuss all facets of its history. Issues affecting the fashion industry are explored through readings, videos, discussions, and links to local industry are made through (virtual) field trips and guest speakers. This course is taught entirely online via Zoom and Blackboard. Zoom is an easy-to-use web conferencing platform – to join the class session, simply click on the link provided, enter thepasscode, and you will be directed to the meeting. Weekly office hours will also be conductedvia Zoom using a different link (see information above). Detailed information on how to effectively use Blackboard and Zoom can be found on Blackboard. Links to directly connect to the Zoom classroom and virtual office hours are also available on Blackboard.