Welcome

Introduction

The purpose of this course web site, FASHION THEORY, is to provide general course information, list the theoretical perspectives to be covered in the course with selected readings for each perspective; pose questions associated with each of the theoretical perspectives; provide links to other web sites related to fashion theories; and provide a forum for discussion regarding fashion.

Syllabus

Course Description

Examination of historical, sociological, psychological, marketing, and economic concepts, theories, and research that contribute to our current understanding of the fashion process.

Course Overview

As indicated in the description, this course is a multidisciplinary overview of theoretical perspectives used to explain and predict fashion and the fashion process. Participants in the course should have a general social science background (e.g., introductory psychology, introductory sociology) and a desire to explore the social phenomenon of fashion.

Learner Outcomes

Through a variety of learning activities, the intention is for you to demonstrate your ability to:

1. communicate the basic premises of the primary theoretical perspectives related to fashion and the fashion process
2. identify the primary theorists associated with each of the theoretical perspectives
3. provide examples for each of the theoretical perspectives
4. relate the theoretical perspectives to applied situations
5. analyze and synthesize research related to one of the theoretical perspectives in a more in-depth manner

How You Will Learn

You will learn in several ways:

1. Learning through reading: each learning unit includes several readings. These will include essays, theory papers, and research papers.
2. Learning through discussion: each learning unit includes several discussion questions. You will repond to the discussion questins using the Discussion Board on the Blackboard web site.
3. Learning through writing: writing will be incorporated inthos the course in three ways to facilitate your learning: 1) you will write two essay exams, 2) you will keep a written course journal throughout the term, 3) you will write a theory analysis paper.

Demonstrating What You Have Learned

Your grade in AIHM 577 will be based on the following:

Performance evaluation (30% of the grade)

Knowledge of assigned readings evaluated by means of two essay exams. Exams will be distributed via electronic mail approximately half way through the course and at the end of the course. Responses will be returned to the instructor via electronic mail (as a text file or as an attached Wordperfect or MSWord file). Students should spend no more than two hours writing the exam and may use readings, journals or discussion notes to respond to the questions. Students are placed on their honor that they will complete the exam themselves.

 

Course Journal (30% of the grade)

The course journal will be a combination of reading notes, responses to discussion questions posed by the instructor, observations, comments, and questions regarding the theoretical perspectives addressed in the course. The journal will be self-evaluated and instructor-evaluated on the following criteria (see Course Journal for a complete description of these criteria):

• commitment
  • entries written frequently and regularly
• ambition
  • questions posed; connections drawn
• engagement
  • entries reread and addressed

Participation and active involvement in the Discussion Board (20% of the grade)

Using the discussion questions posed by the instructor and students' journal entries as a basis for discussion, students will submit responses and comments to the instructor and the other class members using the Discussion Board. To keep us on track, we will focus on a specific area of discussion each week. The week will begin on Monday and continue through the following Sunday. Initial comments for the week's topic must be sent by Wednesday of that week. This will allow us four days for dialogue on a topic before going on to the next area. On Sunday of each week I will provide a "wrap-up" of the week's discussion.

 

Theory analysis paper (20% of the grade)

Because the course is an overview of a number of theoretical perspectives, the theory analysis paper allows students to explore in greater depth a theoretical perspective of their choice. The theory analysis paper may be turned in via electronic mail as an attached text file or as an attached Wordperfect or MSWord file.

The theory analysis paper will be graded on the following criteria (see Theory Analysis paper for a complete description of these criteria):

• overview of past research using the theory
• individual analysis of the basic premises and usefulness of the theory
• present and future use of the theory in guiding research
• organization and presentation of the paper

Learning Resources

• AIHM 577 Readings Packet Available at the OSU Bookstore
• AIHM 577 Website
• OSU Valley Library

Learner Expectations --To get the most out of this class:

1. Complete reading assignments by the date indicated. Ask questions about information for which you need further clarification.
2. Keep up with the Course Journal; use it as a way of thinking about the theories and their relationships with your current knowledge and experiences with the fashion phenomenon.
3. Participate fully in the Blackboard Discussions; engage yourself in the material; ask questions; have fun.
4. Complete written assignments on time.

Course Policies

1. You are expected to be honest and ethical in your academic work. Anything less will not be tolerated. Academic dishonesty is subject to the disciplinary process outlined in the Student Conduct Regulations. Academic dishonesty is defined as an intentioanl act of deception in one of the following areas:

• Cheating: use or attempted use of unauthorized materials, information or study aids
• Fabrication: falsification or invention of any information
• Assisting: helping another commit an act of academic dishonesty
• Tampering: altering or interfering with evaluation instruments or documents
• Plagiarism: representing the words or ideas of another person as one's own

When evidence of academic dishonesty comes to my attention, I will document the incident, permit the accused student to provide an explanation, advise the student of possible penalties, and take action (I may impose any academic penalty up to and including an "F" grade in the course after consulting with the dean and informing the student of the action).

2. Students with documented disabilities who may need accommodations or who have any emergency medical information the instructor should know of should talk with the instructor as early as possible, no later than the first week of the term.

3. I am dedicated to establishing a learning environment that promotes diversity or your races, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, learning styles, and physical disabilities. Anyone noticing discriminatory comments in this class, or if you feel discriminated against, please bring it to my attention. You are to treat each other with dignity and respect. Behaviors that are disruptive to the learning environment will not be tolerated, and will be referred to the Student Conduct and Mediation Program for disciplinary action. Behaviors that create a hostile, offensive or intimidating environment based on gender, race, ethnicity, color, religion, age, disability, marital status, or sexual orientaiton will be referred to the Affirmative Action Office.

Important Information

• University Information
• Academic Regulations
• Avoiding Academic Dishonesty
• Student Conduct
• Disabilities Services

Course Evaluation

In week 10, the opportunity to evaluate this course is provided with instructions. Please help our teaching staff improve the quality of this course by filling in the evaluation in the Online Student Services area of the OSU web site. Thank you.