Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2012

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Current global consumer trends demand that fashion practitioners be critically aware of sustainablility issues to more responsibly select the materials and methods they use within their practice. For the fashion industry, textiles are a key issue for design realisation and designers require informed decisions about the impact of textiles upon the world. In addition to understanding textile identification, characteristics, possible dyes and finishes, garment care, and implications on product lifecycles, it is imperative to compare design and production methods to assess their sustainability. By developing a foundation of knowledge in sustainable practices, the unit aims to introduce a new paradigm for design, business models and consumption - a shift from 'cradle-to-grave' to 'cradle-to-cradle' practices for the fashion industry.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to provide you with a foundational knowledge of the environmental and social impact of different design and production methods used in the fashion industry and to develop the skills and mindset to apply more sustainable practices.

Objectives

By the end of this unit you should be able to:
1. Compare design, production methods and materials exploring their impact on society and the environment.
2. Identify methods for developing more sustainable products and practices.
3. Analyse contemporary sustainability issues pertinent to textiles and the fashion industry.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of contemporary sustainability issues through written communication and the synthesis of an argument.
5. Apply written, oral and visual communication skills in the presentation of an analysis and evaluation of collaborative practice.

Content

The unit addresses content such as:
- Textiles, sustainability and the product lifecycle
- Contemporary sustainable practice
- Fabric characteristics, types and identification, including sustainable textiles
- Origins and properties of textiles
- Consumer trends and environmental impact
- Social and environmental impact of product manufacture
- The fashion cycle: slow and fast fashion
- Collaborative practice

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Lectures, workshops, guest speakers, analysis and reporting of results and collaborative team based learning. An important dimension of the teaching and learning approach in this unit is the development of your capabilities to work in a collaborative environment, where your skills, experiences and understandings will enrich the learning environment.

Assessment

LATE ASSIGNMENTS
An assignment submitted after the due date without an approved extension will not be marked. If you are unable to complete your assignment on time, you should submit on time whatever work you have done.

Faculty Assessment Information
To access the Creative Industries Faculty Assessment Information see the Blackboard site for this unit.FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Description: You will receive formative feedback on your progress in this unit during discussion sessions at key points in the semester.

Assessment name: Research Paper
Description: (Summative and Formative) You are required to research contemporary sustainable issues pertinent to textiles and the fashion industry and identify methods for developing more sustainable practices for the industry.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid Semester

Assessment name: Project (research)
Description: (Summative and Formative) As a team you are required to work in collaboration to develop a project designed to engage the community or business in contemporary themes and topics relevant to sustainable practices for fashion and textiles. As a team you will present the project and your supporting research to the class as well as a hard copy of the presentation.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: End Semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

There is no set text for this unit.

Recommended References

Recommended references (formal texts, online sources and journal articles) will be available on the Blackboard site for the unit.

Risk assessment statement

There are no undue risks associated with the delivery of this unit.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 25-May-2012