Textiles and Clothing

200 | 300 | 400 | Graduate Courses

(Administered by the Department of Apparel, Educational Studies, and Hospitality Management)

Mary B. Gregoire, Chair of Department
University Professors (Emeritus): Farrell-Beck
Distinguished Professor (Emeritus): Winakor
Professors: Kadolph
Professors (Emeritus): Burnet, Danielson, Stone
Associate Professors: Campbell, Damhorst, Fiore
Associate Professors (Emeritus): Brackelsberg, Kundel, Kunz
Assistant Professors: Boorady, Niehm, Park, Parsons, Torntore
Assistant Professors (Adjunct): Glock
Instructors (Adjunct): Fratzke
Lecturere: Wise

Undergraduate Study

The program offers study for the degree of bachelor of science with a major in apparel merchandising, design, and production. The program offers students a broad understanding of textile and apparel products, merchandising and marketing strategies, technical and creative design and production processes, and business practices leading to a wide range of careers at state, national, and international levels in business and industry. Courses in the program provide scientific, technical, and humanistic knowledge about textiles, apparel, and related products basic to career preparation. Courses also provide knowledge applicable to the development and use of apparel and textile products by individuals, families, and institutions. The program provides a foundation for graduate study. Graduates understand the production, distribution, and use of textiles and apparel, with special attention to human concerns for protection and comfort, health and safety, aesthetic expression, and communication. They are prepared to plan, develop, and present textile and apparel products to meet the needs of consumers. They understand the issues involved in textile and apparel production and marketing, both nationally and internationally. Graduates appreciate the interdependence of nations and cultures as producers and consumers of textile products.

The major in apparel merchandising, design, and production (AMDP) provides a broad-based program of study with flexibility in creating an individualized program. To complete the program, a student combines general education, AMDP and FCS core classes, and structured clusters of courses to form an option in merchandising, creative design, technical design, or production.

An option in merchandising prepares students for the planning, development, and presentation of market-oriented product lines. Career opportunities are in product development, buying, promotion, and management in both manufacturing and retailing sectors of the textile and apparel industry.

An option in creative design is appropriate for those interested in the aesthetic and creative aspects of design, product or line development, or promotion of textiles and apparel. The option in technical design prepares students for careers in technical design, product development, and quality assurance. Students in both design options have a portfolio review after T C 225 and T C 278.

An option in production prepares students for positions related to apparel engineering, plant management, quality assurance, costing, product development, sourcing, and buying piece goods or trim for apparel manufacturing or retailing firms.

In addition, a student in merchandising or production selects a secondary option from business and entrepreneurship, consumer behavior/marketing, history/theatre costume, human relations/communications, international trade, or product development. The combinations of primary and secondary options allow students to individualize their programs.

The program offers a minor in apparel merchandising, design, and production. The minor can be earned by taking T C 131 or 165; 204; 225, 231, or 245; 6 credits at the 300-400 level; for a total of 15 to 17 credits.

Grade point requirement: All students majoring in apparel merchandising, design, and production are required to earn a C- or better in all TC courses applied toward the degree, including transfer credits.

Graduate Study

The program offers work for the master of science and doctor of philosophy with a major in textiles and clothing. The program also participates in the Master of Family and Consumer Sciences degree by offering a specialization within that program. For all programs the field of study is highly interdisciplinary; programs of study are tailored to students' background and interests.

Graduates understand how textiles and apparel are essential in meeting individual and societal needs and understand the interdependence of nations and cultures as producers and consumers. Graduates understand diverse philosophies of scholarship and apply multiple methods to research and teaching. Strong writing and oral communication skills help graduates disseminate scholarship and compete successfully for awards and grants.

Graduates accept positions relevant to their academic experience. All doctoral graduates have teaching experience. Masters and doctoral graduates have experience working in team-oriented and interactive environments. Graduates are prepared to adapt to future changes in their professions and to provide leadership in professional and public practice. They bring a strong sense of ethics to research, teaching, and business endeavors.

Program emphases for graduate study include consumer behavior; entrepreneurship; craft marketing; merchandising and marketing aspects of textiles and clothing; acquisition and use of textiles and apparel within cultures; U.S. dress and textiles of the 19th and 20th centuries; textiles; social/psychological aspects of dress; aesthetics and design; product quality and development; textile conservation; and computer-aided design.

The program participates in the interdepartmental gerontology minor.

Courses open for nonmajor graduate credit: 354.

Courses primarily for undergraduate students.

T C 101. Learning Community Seminar. (1-0) Cr. 1. F.S. Permission by application. May be repeated for credit. Academic preparation, personal development and professional opportunities for AMDP learning community freshman.

T C 121. Apparel Assembly Processes. (1-4) Cr. 3. F.S. Principles of garment assembly. Use of mass production equipment and methods to develop and assemble garments.

T C 131. Introduction to Apparel Product Development. (2-2) Cr. 3. F.S. Concepts and issues in the development of apparel products for consumers. Basics of computer-aided design for product development.

T C 165. Appearance in Society. (3-0) Cr. 3. F. Social science approaches to understanding clothing and appearance in contemporary U.S. society. Examination of diversity among consumers and future trends in consumer behavior.

T C 204. Textile Science I. (3-3) Cr. 4. S.SS., WWW lectures. Prereq: 3 credits in Textiles and Clothing. Textile fibers, yarns, fabrication, coloration, and finishes. Quality and performance application to apparel, furnishing, and industrial textiles.

T C 225. Patternmaking I. (2-4) Cr. 4. F.S. Prereq: 121, 131, 204. Permission of instructor. Basic flat pattern and draping methods for women's, men's and children's wear. Patternmaking by computer.

T C 231. Apparel Manufacturing. (3-2) Cr. 4. F.S. Prereq: 204, 131. Analysis of apparel manufacturing processes, product development, sourcing, and production. Focus on specifications relative to quality, performance, and cost.

T C 245. Aesthetics of Apparel. (2-0) Cr. 2. F. Prereq: 131, 165. Elements and principles of design. Analysis of multisensory aesthetic aspects of apparel products and promotional settings affecting the consumer.

T C 245L. Aesthetics of Apparel Laboratory. (0-2) Cr. 1. F. Prereq: 131, 165, 245 or concurrent enrollment. Permission of instructor. Computer-aided design applied to analysis, development, and presentation of textile and apparel lines. Portfolio development.

T C 257. Museum Studies. (Same as Anthr 257.) (3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: Sophomore standing. Overview of museums in contemporary American society. Museum history, functions, philosophy. Collection and curatorial practices. Funding and governance issues. Object research and exhibition development.

T C 271. Fashion Show Production. (1-1) Cr. 1-2. S. Prereq: 3 credits in Textiles and Clothing. Permission of instructor. Course must be taken for 2 credits first time, can be repeated for 1 credit. Overview of fashion promotion process. Process of producing a fashion show through developing budgets, publicity and advertising, fundraising, presentation, choreography, music, staging and lighting. Projects required.

T C 278. Fashion Illustration. (0-6) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: 131, 245 or concurrent enrollment. Permission of instructor. Development of drawing skills, including line, shape, perspective and value. Introduction to drawing the fashion figure and apparel using a variety of media. Fashion presentation and introduction to portfolio development.

T C 305. Quality Assurance of Textiles and Apparel. (Dual-listed with 505.) (2-2) Cr. 3. F.,S. Prereq: 231, one course in natural science; Stat 101, 226, or 401. Permission of instructor. Principles of product and materials evaluation and quality assurance. Developing specifications and using standard practices for evaluating materials, product characteristics, performance, and quality.

T C 311. Seminar on Careers and Internships. (1-0) Cr. 1. F.S. Half-term. Prereq: Sophomore classification. Good academic standing. Internship and career planning, professional expectations and responsibilities. Resume development, cover letters, portfolio planning, interviewing techniques.

T C 315. Technical Design Processes. (2-2) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 225, 231, 278, portfolio review. Permission of instructor. Garment development and analysis: fit, performance, quality, cost. Explore alternative materials, construction methods, and grading; develop specifications.

T C 321. Computer Integrated Textile and Fashion Design. (0-6) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 245L; 278 or concurrent enrollment. Permission of instructor. Analysis and advanced use of industry specific software for textile and fashion design.

T C 325. Patternmaking II. (Dual-listed with 525.) (2-4) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: 204, 225; 278 or concurrent enrollment; portfolio review. Permission of instructor. Principles of advanced patternmaking by flat pattern and draping techniques. Interaction of fabric characteristics with style features. Analysis of fit; problem solving. Patternmaking by computer.

T C 326. Experimental Design and Presentation. (2-2) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 225, 278; 325 recommended, portfolio review. Permission of instructor. Exploration of the creative process and sources of inspiration with emphasis on fashion presentation and design development for a variety of markets. Continued development of fashion illustration techniques. Use of traditional, non-traditional, and recycled materials to create innovative garments.

T C 331. Apparel Production Management. (2-3) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 231; 3 credits in Math; Com S 103; T C 121 recommended. Procedures and experiences related to application and use of process controls: method analysis, work measurement, costing, and production planning. Resource management, technology applications, and quality assurance.

T C 342. Aesthetics of Everyday Experience. (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Design principles, aesthetic concepts, and philosophies applied to everyday living. Influence of individual differences and cultural patterns on aesthetic preferences.

T C 354. History of European and North American Dress. (3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 3 credits from Hist or Art H. Survey of history of dress from ancient times through present; focus on European and North American dress. Emphasis on connection of dress to the social, cultural, environmental, and technological contexts of the Western world. Nonmajor graduate credit.

T C 355. History of Asian Costume. (Dual-listed with 555.) (3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: 3 credits from Hist or Art H; 204 recommended. Clothing and adornment of men, women, and children in selected countries of Asia, from prehistoric times through the 19th century.

T C 362. Cultural Perspectives in Dress. (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 165 or 3 credits in anthropology, psychology, or sociology. Analysis of multiple factors related to dress in selected societies, including technology, aesthetics, social organization, ritual, stability and change. Applications to apparel business.

T C 375. Merchandising. (3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: 131 or 165; 3 credits in Math; junior classification. Principles of merchandising as applied in retailing and manufacturing business organizations. Study of planning, development, and presentation of apparel and related product lines.

T C 376. Merchandise Planning and Control. (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 375. Theories and procedures in planning, sourcing, and controlling retail inventories for the profitable management and operation of apparel and related product lines. Computer applications in strategic retail management.

T C 377. Merchandise Presentation and Promotion. (2-2) Cr. 3. Alt. F., 2005; Alt. SS., 2006. Prereq: 245 and 375. Merchandise presentation and promotion at wholesale and retail levels as related to image, sales, and aesthetics. Group project presentations of apparel and related products to diverse markets.

T C 380. Field Study. Cr. 2. May be repeated. F.S.SS. Prereq: 9 credits in textiles and clothing, junior classification. Permission by application. Study of and tours to textile and apparel manufacturers, design studios, showrooms, markets, retailers, museums, testing laboratories, trade seminars and exhibitions and other areas of interest within the textile and apparel industry.

T C 381. International Field Study. Cr. var. May be repeated. Alt. S., offered 2006 and SS. Prereq: 9 credits in textiles and clothing, junior classification. Permission by application. Study of and tours to textile and apparel manufacturers, design studios, showrooms, markets, retailers, museums, testing laboratories, trade seminars and exhibitions, history and other textile and apparel areas of interest. Countries vary.

T C 398. Cooperative Education. Cr. R. F. S. SS. Prereq: Permission of department chair; junior classification. Required of all cooperative education students. Students must register for this course prior to commencing each work period.

T C 404. Textile Science II. (Dual-listed with 504.) (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 2006. Prereq: 204, 245; one natural science course. Theories and principles of textile science; emphasis on fiber chemistry, dyeing, and detergency. Examination of product failure, current research, and environmental impact.

T C 411. Seminar on Current Issues. Cr. 1 to 3. May be repeated. Prereq: Senior classification, 12 credits in textiles and clothing. Trends, issues, and scholarship in textiles and apparel.

T C 467. Consumer Behavior and Apparel. (2-2) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: Stat 101 or 226; T C 165 or 3 credits in marketing, psychology, or sociology. Application of concepts and theories from the social sciences to the study of consumer behavior related to apparel and adornment. Experience in conducting research.

T C 470. Supervised Experience. Cr. 2 to 6. May be repeated. F.S.SS. Prereq: 311 and minimum 2.0 GPA; permission by application; junior or senior classification. Supervised work experience with a cooperating firm or organization.
A. Textile Industry. Prereq: 305.
B. Historic Textiles and Clothing. Prereq: 6 credits from 257, 354, 355, or 362; 3 credits in anthropology or history recommended.
C. Textile and Apparel Design. Prereq: 225, 231, 245, 245L; 278 recommended.
E. Entrepreneurship. Prereq: 375, 474.
I. Merchandising. Prereq: 375.
J. Extension. Prereq: 6 credits in textiles and clothing.
M. Museum. Prereq: 257.
N. Apparel Production Management. Prereq: 331; I E 271 recommended.
O. Technical Design. Prereq: 231, 225; 305 and 331 recommended.
Q. Quality Assurance. Prereq: 305.
T. Public Relations. Prereq: T C 375 and Advrt 230.

T C 471. Fashion Show Management. (1-1) Cr. 1-2. S. Prereq: 3 credits in Textiles and Clothing. Permission of instructor. Course must be taken for 2 credits first time, can be repeated for 1 credit. Advanced management and production of an industry oriented fashion show. Provide leadership and communicate direction for budgets, publicity, fundraising, presentation, choreography, music, staging and lighting.

T C 472. Global Issues in Textiles and Apparel. (Dual-listed with 572.) (3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 375, Econ 101. Evaluation of key issues facing textiles and apparel businesses in global markets considering ethical, economic, political, social, and professional implications.

T C 474. Entrepreneurship in Family and Consumer Sciences. (Dual-listed with 574; same as HD FS 474, HRI 474.) (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 6 credits in T C at 300-level or above. Entrepreneurship in Family and Consumer Sciences related businesses; retail, service, hospitality, family, home-based, rural, women and minority-owned businesses. Market research, feasibility analysis, and new business proposals.

T C 475. Merchandising Information Technology. (2-2) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 375, 376 or concurrent enrollment; Com S 103; Acct 284 recommended. Information technology applications for apparel and textile retailing, manufacturing, and distribution functions. Assortment planning, model stock plans, inventory management, costing, markdowns, timing, sourcing, distribution, customer tracking, and data base management.

T C 477. E-Commerce for Apparel and Hospitality Companies. (Dual-listed with 577; Same as HRI 477.) (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. SS., offered 2007. Prereq: Com S 103, Mkt 340. Technology and consumer trends, industry practices, and marketing strategies for e-commerce. Evaluation and development of apparel or hospitality company websites.

T C 490. Independent Study. Cr. arr. May be repeated. F.S. Prereq: 6 credits in textiles and clothing. Permission of the instructor, adviser, and department chair.
A. Textile Science
B. History of Textiles
C. Textile and Apparel Design
D. Aesthetics
E. History of Costume
F. Sociological and Psychological Aspects of Clothing and Textiles
G. Consumer Behavior
H. Honors
I. Merchandising
K. Cultural Analysis
M. Museums
N. Apparel Production Management
O. Technical Design
Q. Quality Assurance
S. Small Business Entrepreneurship in Apparel

T C 495. Advanced Apparel Design. (1-5) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 225, 278, 321, 325, 326, portfolio review. Permission of instructor. Creation of a line of apparel from concept through completion. Development of portfolio using manual and computer-aided techniques. Line must be submitted to juried competition.

T C 498. Cooperative Education. Cr. R. F.S.SS. Prereq: Permission of department chair; senior classification. Required of all cooperative education students. Students must register for this course prior to commencing each work period.

T C 499. Undergraduate Research. Cr. 1 to 3 each time taken. F.S.SS. Prereq: Senior classification, 15 credits in textiles and clothing. Permission of instructor, adviser, and department chair. Research experience in textiles and clothing with application to a selected problem.

Courses primarily for graduate students, open to qualified undergraduate students

T C 504. Textile Science II. (Dual-listed with 404.) (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 2006. Prereq: 204, 245; one natural science course. Theories and principles of textile science; emphasis on fiber chemistry, dyeing, and detergency. Examination of product failure, current research, and environmental impact. Application of research.

T C 505. Quality Assurance of Textiles and Apparel. (Dual-listed with 305.) (2-3) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 2005. Prereq: 231; Stat 226 or 401; one natural science course. Principles of product and materials evaluation and quality assurance. Developing specifications and using standard practices for evaluating materials, product characteristics, performance, and quality. Proposal and research project.

T C 510. Foundation of Scholarship in Textiles and Clothing. (1-0) Cr. R. F. Prereq: Graduate classification. Overview of scholarship in textiles and clothing with emphasis on current and future directions.

T C 521. Digital Textile and Apparel Design. (1-4) Cr. 3. Alt. SS., offered 2007. Prereq: Experience with flat pattern or draping techniques and image manipulation software. Permission of instructor. Design development, analysis and application of digital textile printing to textile products and garment forms.

T C 525. Patternmaking II. (Dual-listed with 325.) (2-4) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2006. Prereq: 204, 225, 278. Principles of advanced patternmaking by flat pattern and draping techniques. Interaction of fabric characteristics with style features. Analysis of fit; problem solving. Patternmaking by computer. Design process, method, and advanced analysis.

T C 545. Interdisciplinary Consumer Aesthetics. (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2006. Prereq: One course in design elements and principles, psychology, consumer behavior, or marketing. Examination of hedonic nature of consumer experience and its application to experiential design of retail/hospitality establishments. Emphasis on consumer behavior, design, environmental psychology, and marketing.

T C 555. History of Asian Costume. (Dual-listed with 355.) (3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: 3 credits from Hist or Art H; 204 recommended. Clothing and adornment of men, women, and children in selected countries of Asia from prehistoric times through the 19th century.

T C 557. Textile Conservation. (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2007. Prereq: 204; 354, 355, or 362. Preventive and interventive approaches to textile conservation. Focus on understanding flat and 3- dimensional textiles and factors related to aging, storage, and exhibition; research methods.

T C 562. Dress and Culture. (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 2006. Prereq: 362 or 6 credits in social science or cultural anthropology. Analysis of dress as artifact, behavior, and symbol in selected cultures.

T C 567. Consumer Behavior and Apparel. (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 2005. Prereq: 467 or Mkt 447; Stat 401. Application of concepts and theories from the social sciences to the study of consumer behavior involving judgement and decision making for apparel purchases. Experience in conducting research; manuscript writing.

T C 570. Practicum in Textiles and Clothing. Cr. 1 to 3. May be repeated. F.S.SS. Prereq: 510, 6 graduate credits in textiles and clothing. Permission of instructor. Supervised experience related to career objective. Proposal must be approved semester before placement.

T C 572. Global Issues in Textiles and Apparel. (Dual-listed with 472.) (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 2006. Prereq: 375 or 575, Econ 101. Evaluation of key issues facing textile and apparel businesses in global markets considering ethical, economic, political, social, and professional implications. Theoretical foundations of sourcing.

T C 574. Entrepreneurship in Family and Consumer Sciences. (Dual-listed with 474; Same as HRI 574.) (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2006. Prereq: 6 credits in T C at 300-level or above. Entrepreneurship in Family and Consumer Sciences related businesses; retail, service, hospitality, family, home-based, rural, women and minority-owned businesses. Theory and conceptual frameworks relevant to entrepreneurship. Market research, feasibility analysis, and new business proposals.

T C 575. Research and Applications in Merchandising. (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 2006. Prereq: 375 or equivalent. Merchandising and related marketing theory, research processes, and methods. Experience in conducting research; prepare manuscripts for academic, industry and lay audiences.

T C 577. E-Commerce for Apparel and Hospitality Companies. (Dual-listed with 477; Same as HRI 577.) (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. SS., offered 2007. Prereq: Course in marketing or permission of instructor. Technology and consumer trends, industry practices, and marketing strategies for e-commerce. Evaluation and development of apparel or hospitality company websites. Theory application to development of e-commerce business strategies.

T C 581. International Study. Cr. var. Alt. S., offered 2006 and SS. Prereq: 9 credits in textiles and clothing. Permission by application. Study abroad of apparel and textile design, merchandising, production, distribution, and consumption; textiles and clothing museums. Countries vary. May be repeated.

T C 590. Special Topics. Cr. arr. May be repeated. Prereq: Permission of department chair and instructor(s). Individually designed textile and clothing related projects that reflect the special interests of the student.
A. Textile Science
B. History of Textiles
C. Textile and Apparel Design
D. Aesthetics
E. History of Costume
F. Sociological and Psychological Aspects
G. Consumer Behavior
I. Merchandising
J. Extension
K. Cultural Analysis
L. Conservation
M. Museums
N. Apparel Production Management
O. Technical Design
P. Interdisciplinary
Q. Quality Assurance
S. Small Business/Entrepreneurship in Apparel

T C 593. Workshop. Cr. arr. May be repeated. SS.

Courses for Graduate students

T C 610. Philosophical Issues of Textiles and Clothing Scholarship. (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2007. Prereq: 2 courses in research methods, 6 graduate credits in textiles and clothing. Models, theory, alternative philosophies, and ethics of science as applied in textiles and clothing scholarship. Grant writing and research program development.

T C 611. Seminar. Cr. 1 to 3. May be repeated. Prereq: 6 graduate credits in textiles and clothing. Permission of instructor. Discussion of scholarship and current issues. Topics vary.

T C 650. Advanced History of Dress and Textiles. (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2007. Prereq: 204; 354 or 355. Current methods, interpretive strategies, and diverse academic approaches to research in the history of dress and textiles. A material culture approach to use, interpretation, and analysis of artifact, visual, and documentary sources as historical evidence. Historical research, writing, and evaluation of sources.

T C 665. Social Science Theories of Appearance. (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2007. Prereq: 6 credits in sociology or psychology. Analysis of social science theories and concepts applicable to clothing and appearance research. Emphasis on qualitative research and philosophy of knowledge.

T C 690. Advanced Topics. Cr. arr. May be repeated. Prereq: Enrollment in doctoral program, permission of instructor, and approval of D.O.G.E.

T C 699. Research.