THTR 26: INTRODUCTION TO FASHION HISTORY & COSTUME DESIGN
Foothill College Course Outline of Record
| Heading | Value |
|---|---|
| Effective Term: | Summer 2025 |
| Units: | 4 |
| Hours: | 4 lecture per week (48 total per quarter) |
| Advisory: | Not open to students with credit in DRAM 76 or THTR 76. |
| Degree & Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Area 3: Arts & Humanities |
| Transferable: | CSU/UC |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade (Request for Pass/No Pass) |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Student Learning Outcomes
- Analyze and compare the use of the design elements: line. form, color, texture and pattern to understand their use in creating artistic styles unique to historical and cultural clothing and details.
- Create costume character designs for theatre, film or graphic work combining historical knowledge, story analysis and the design elements using various drawing techniques and media.
- Identify and define the sihouettes, terminology and details that define historical fashions particularly as they relate to the political and social framework in which they existed.
Description
A survey of Western historic fashion and costume for women and men from ancient times to the present, including the cultural and political events that shaped each era and its clothing. An introduction to the design elements: color, line, form texture and silhouette and a brief introduction to the use of graphic techniques in the presentation of fashion and costume designs. Analysis of the artistic styles of each era as they relate to understanding costume detail and stylization.
Course Objectives
The student will be able to:
- Analyze and recognize the styles of historic fashions.
- Analyze dramatic scripts for the historical clothing needs of the characters.
- Understand each historical era's events and developments and how they relate to changes and developments in fashion, art and architecture.
- Understand the relationship of costuming to express the traits of a character.
- Develop techniques for researching fashion and costume designs.
- Render and draw designs of varying styles, eras and cultural origins.
- Recognize historic fashions from other cultures, particularly as they influenced Western clothing development.
- Understand the relationship of the performing arts to fashion and society.
Course Content
- Identify the design elements as they are used in historical context to create the artistic style and art conventions of a time
- Interpret the costuming needs of characters in a dramatic script by exploring the clothing available in those historic eras, as well as by use of stylization techniques
- Study major historical events, especially wars, as well as the activities of daily living, and understand how these influence artistic and clothing developments
- Understand and apply the use of line, texture, color and form in developing a design suited to a character, by studying these elements in use in historical information and artistic interpretation
- Analyze differences in costume designs through the ages by viewing slides and videos of art, architecture, fashion plates, theatrical designs, real garments, textiles and accessories, and by reading historical journals and contemporary resources
- Sketch or render costumes from historical garments, paintings and sculptures from specified eras to synthesize an enhanced comprehension of clothing detail and complexity
- Explore traditions and decorative motifs of Eastern/Asian, African and Hispanic societies through history to recognize their effect on the development of Western dress
- Compare and contrast the conventions of fashion trends and the social statements thereof with the practical applications of stage costuming
Lab Content
Not applicable.
Special Facilities and/or Equipment
1. Standard lecture presentation classroom with multi-media capabilities; internet access; computer with projection display; slide projector.
2. Portions of the class taught online will require regular access to a computer capable of accessing the course delivery system through the internet.
2. Portions of the class taught online will require regular access to a computer capable of accessing the course delivery system through the internet.
Method(s) of Evaluation
Methods of Evaluation may include but are not limited to the following:
Graded examinations
Class participation and discussion
Varied assignments of design and script analysis
Final design/presentation project
Method(s) of Instruction
Methods of Instruction may include but are not limited to the following:
Instructor guided classroom discussions of historical fashion trends
Individual and group presentations of design concepts for theatrical presentations focusing on historical fashion contexts
Classroom discussion of the differences between fashion and costume design and construction
Presentations of student costume designs for peer review and discussion
Presentations and classroom practice of drawing and presentation techniques
Representative Text(s) and Other Materials
Covey, Elizabeth, and Rosemary Ingham. The Costume Designer's Handbook, 3rd ed.. 2003.
Laver, James. Costume and Fashion: A Concise History, Illustrated ed.. 2020.
Although the Covey and Ingham text is older than the suggested "5 years or newer" standard, it is still regarded as the definitive source for this course and is used by the majority of colleges teaching this subject matter.
Types and/or Examples of Required Reading, Writing, and Outside of Class Assignments
- Specified readings from required texts
- Accompanying review assignments for designated readings
- Written historical classification and description assignments
Discipline(s)
Art History or History or Theater Arts