Course Objectives

The intention of the study programme is to provide the student with a fundamental understanding of the fashion industry, with an emphasis on leadership and organization. By focusing on important structural concepts, students will be given the opportunity to acquire a solid foundation for further studies in fashion management, marketing and product development.

Course Description

The course provides an introduction to the general principles of the fashion industry, and places them in a historical perspective from the 1950s to the present. Students will receive an introduction to the various stages in product development and the retail sales chain, viewed from a market-oriented perspective. They will also discuss globalization and the environmental concerns which have affected the industry recently. The course reading list consists of two basic textbooks together with an article collection. In addition to the texts on the mandatory reading list, students are also encouraged to familiarize themselves with the course’s recommended literature on the subject. This consists of secondary literature and literary texts that will provide students with a more rounded view of the subject area. The instruction employs examples from the recommended literature as well as real-life cases. In studying the course texts students will develop a system of concepts and directly applicable knowledge which they may use in this field.

Learning Methods

Lectures, seminars, case assignments and study trips. The lectures and seminars will provide students with relevant background and an overview of general principles of the field of study, while the case assignments and study trips will focus on activating students’ knowledge and providing students with examples taken from real life. As part of the continuous assessment, students will submit group written assignments and hold group oral presentations; there should not be more than three students in each group.

Assessment Methods

A written group project and oral presentation count for 40% of the course grade. The final individual written exam counts 60%. Students must receive passing marks on both the written group project and oral presentation (40%), and the final individual written examination (60%), in order to be given a final passing mark for the course.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean