FA5013 - Fashion Thinking 2: Concepts and Theory

In this module you will learn through engaging in critical debate, reflecting on your understanding of historical fashion and contemporary fashion practice to encourage enquiry-based learning. You will learn to analytically evaluate problems and propose original solutions in your design practice, as well as through written and spoken expression, in response to feedback from peers and tutors. The School of Design operates an extended studio approach (X-Studio) that embraces our physical studios and making workshops as well as our virtual spaces to create a flexible and rich environment that is responsive to our learners’ needs. This dedicated approach has been developed over many years of continuous teaching innovation, research and industry collaboration. It has created a supportive extended studio culture that encourages our students to learn flexibly, dynamically blending their learning and University experience between physical and digital interactions both in real-time and online at their own pace. We believe that this extended studio culture not only helps our students to become more confident autonomous learners but also prepares them for a dynamic design industry in which an extended studio philosophy is current practice.

This module will be delivered by specialist staff through a community of practice approach to a blended lectures, seminars, workshops, and extended studio practice, through directed and independent learning. Virtual lectures will introduce theories and concepts in fashion studies, supported by reading and discussed in small seminar groups through a series of guided exercises to develop reflective and evaluative skills and debate. Lectures will also introduce skills necessary to prepare and write a prolonged piece of research. Bespoke small group seminars will provide individuals the opportunity to engage in discussion of particular concepts or theories relating to their fashion interests and consider in depth how to interpret this material for a major written piece of work. Studio based work will facilitate the development of advanced fashion thinking, practice, and image making. The community of practice approach to delivery, where your tutors share with you their research and practice methodologies, will challenge you to elevate your own approach to creative practice and skills. This will be supported by your Personal Development Plan (PDP)

This dual submission of written and design-based project work will enable you to develop verbal, written and visual presentation skills for varied audiences, and provide opportunities for formative assessment.

The project is introduced at a briefing session, where it is fully explained and explored by both staff and students.
• A named lead Module Tutor manages the module monitoring input from Fashion Historical and Critical studies lecturers from the Faculty of Art, Design and Social Sciences, arranging potential collaboration with industry partners and organising any visiting professionals.
• The lead Module Tutor and the academic teaching team direct the studio based practice through presentations and tutorials and are available to answer queries in relation to the module during timetabled studio sessions.
• Project based work offers you a range of blended teaching, learning and assessment opportunities, and the opportunity to explore self-determined projects.
• Studio tutorials provide feedback on your project work and your progression on the module and offer direction on how to develop your work further, including guidance for student-led independent learning. This is managed by the student in their PDP
• A mid-point formal formative feedback stage is included in the module, when you will receive academic feedback on your progress.
• In addition to academic support this module also has specialist technical support including digital demonstrations and exercises.
• Learning materials for this module are available on the university eLearning Portal, including the module documentation, announcements, presentations, reading list and timetable.
• Additional study skills materials and workshops, that are available through Skills Plus at http://nuweb2.northumbria.ac.uk/library/skillsplus/topics.html?l3-0.
• Support for Academic Language Skills (ALS) is available for international students.
• Students requiring additional support are advised to contact their Guidance Tutor for advice, who will be able to refer them to the relevant university services for specialist support regarding their personal circumstances.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

On successful completion of this module, you should be able

Knowledge & Understanding:
2. Demonstrate a critical awareness of historical, cultural and contemporary issues through the investigation of written Fashion Dissertation Proposal

10. Demonstrate your advanced understanding of conceptual design research, methods and ideas development, in response to the current zeitgeist. (Sketchbook)

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
1. Demonstrate critical analysis in the selection and evaluation of research evidence or source material in order to inform personal theoretical study.

8. Curate a personal, professional portfolio that communicates individual creative identity to an on-screen audience with distinguishable skill, application and professionalism. (Portfolio)

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
6. Show ability to effectively communicate through one or more of the following means; written, visual, oral.

Assessment will be conducted through:

Formative feedback received from tutors and peers during seminar, virtual studio and workshop engagement.

Component 1: Dissertation Proposal - This robust proposal will be developed following feedback from your initial plan, and independent research and insights gained from your bespoke seminar sessions. It allows you to research and think critically about a topic of particular interest to you, and which you would like to research and write on for your final year design research project.
The purpose of this plan is to assist you in articulating ideas and concerns, which may lead to a better understanding of where your practice is situated. (I500 words)


Component 2: Fashion Concept:
This project encourages you to research and visually explore a topic of particular interest, using the zeitgeist and contextual studies as the starting point. You will take an intellectual approach to experimental image making to communicate the concept for portfolio. The work will be submitted electronically. A critical justification of 500 words will form part of the project.


Formal formative feedback
Tutorials will be scheduled at key points of the learning programme, to provide feedback and informally record academic progress.

Summative assessment
By collecting a variety of evidence/outputs from the learner via multiple dimensions (coursework, observations, presentations, etc.) tutors will assess your overall performance holistically with a single grade from 2 components at the end of semester 2.

Student self-assessment
Students are encouraged to be reflective learners through scheduled self-assessment opportunities.

Verbal feedback will be provided from peers
and academic staff.

Assessment
There will be 2 parts to the assessment:

Component 1: Dissertation Proposal - 1500 words. KU02, IPSA01, PVA06

Component 2: Fashion Concept – Sketchbook (shared (shared with FA5014), screen-based Portfolio, Written justification (500 words). KU10, IPSA08 and PVA06


Other
Additional forms of assessment practice may take place within projects in the form of peer assessment/self-assessment which may contribute to the overall module outcomes.

N/A

FA5014 Fashion Design Project 2

In this module you will learn how to develop your theoretical fashion studies to prepare you for your dissertation at Level 6, and to apply this contextual knowledge to your fashion practice.

You will gain insight to key subjects, including historical and contemporary influences on fashion, and identify and communicate your ideas on potential future scenarios through verbal, written and visual expression.

You will be encouraged to debate contemporary design issues with your peers, and identify areas of personal interest for your Dissertation Proposal.

You will analyse your rich and diverse investigative research and translate your extended knowledge of the changing fashion landscape into an experimental Fashion Concept project. You will learn who you are as a designer through the exploration ofexplore your unique concept, ideation,s and personal brand development. You will develop this visually in sketchbook using through experimental visual communication techniques in illustration and photography, to construct innovative fashion imagery and hone your personal art direction. You will justify and reflect upon your creative decisions using verbal and written forms.

You will be guided by experienced specialist tutors with expertise in the relevant areas of study. You will have access to blended virtual and physical state of the artdesign studios and workshopss, and blended learning materials in the award-winning Design School and library.

Online platforms will be used for summative assessment submission of sketchbook, screen-based portfolio (from work generated in FA5014) and written justification.