Fashion Theories

The student develops a profound insight upon fashion within its cultural context; gains knowledge of the appropriate theories, themes and authors and is able to apply, discuss, and argue the visions offered.

The student acquires an overview of mainstream, postmodern and contemporary views on marketing and consumption activity; knows how to combine theoretical insights with practical implications and reflects knowledge of these in writing.

The student will be able to use critical analysis, research and writing to translate insights into a paper of academic quality.​

The minor consists of the following elements:

1. Fashion and the Body (10 ECTS)
2. Theories of Fashion, Culture and Identity (10 ECTS)
3. Marketing Theories (10 ECTS)
4. Academic Skills

These subjects are comparable to a university BA level. Students must realise they will need to be able to study fashion in an academic manner, focusing on theory, analysis and academic writing.

Fashion and the Body focuses on the Civilizing Process as described by Norbert Elias, highlighting the periods that are essential for the study of dress as part of cultural history. During the second half of the course, notions of the body are examined, each in their specific, cultural context.

Theories of Fashion, Culture and Identity examines the functions and contexts of fashion as a cultural practice through theories from the field of Cultural Studies.Subsequently the focus shifts to moving beyond concepts of identity and representation and involves those key concepts coined by Gilles Deleuze & Felix Guattari that allow one to think about fashion in innovative manners.

Marketing Theories provides an overview of mainstream, postmodern and contemporary views on marketing and consumption activity. This course is particularly relevant for sectors/markets where symbolic and aesthetic values are the main differentiating attributes of company offerings.

Academic writing and analytical skills will support your research, acquiring of literature, referencing and analysis.

Exam: Three papers (one per subject) and occasional assignments and presentations to be submitted in week 17.Resit: Rewritten and corrected paper per subject to be submitted in week 19.

Admission:

Apart from having completed the foundation year successfully, the student must have obtained 60 ECTS from the main phase. The student needs to expound his or her motivation. The motivation must be endorsed by the student's mentor and at least two theory lecturers familiar with the student's qualities and skills.

Students must submit the following by e-mail to the coordinator, no later than 31 October 2016:

• letter of endorsement by mentor
• motivational letter by student
• proof of successfull completion (at least 7/10) of theoretical exams during year 2 (and if applicable year 3)

Students that meet the above requirements will be invited for an intake-talk in which the expectations and skills will be discussed and evaluated.