Textiles and Clothing
(Administered by the Department of Apparel, Educational Studies, and Hospitality Management)
Undergraduate Study
The program offers study for the degree of bachelor of science with a major in apparel, merchandising, and design (AMD). The program offers students a broad understanding of textile and apparel products, merchandising and marketing strategies, technical and creative design, product development, 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, aesthetic expression, and communication. They are prepared to plan, develop, source 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 AMD major provides a broad-based program of study with flexibility in creating an individualized program. To complete the program, a student combines general education, AMD core classes, and structured clusters of courses to form an option in merchandising or design.
An option in merchandising prepares students for the planning, development, and presentation of market-oriented product lines and events. Career opportunities are in product development, sourcing, buying, promotion, and management in both manufacturing and retailing sectors with a focus on 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. An option in technical design prepares students for careers in technical design, apparel engineering, product development, sourcing, and quality assurance. An option in product development is appropriate for those interested in both designing and merchandising products or lines for consumer groups. Students in design have a review of their design skills (T C 301 Basic Design Concepts Review) after T C 225 Patternmaking I, T C 245 Aesthetics and Brand Image and T C 278 Fashion Illustration. The combinations of primary and secondary options allow students to individualize their programs.
For additional courses of interest, see Apparel, Educational Studies, and Hospitality Management.
Minor
The program offers a minor in apparel, merchandising, and design. The minor can be earned by taking (16 -17 cr.):
| T C 131 | Overview of the Fashion Industry | 3 |
| or T C 165 | Dress and Diversity in Society | |
| T C 204 | Textile Science | 4 |
| One of the following | 3-4 | |
| Product Development and Manufacturing | ||
| Aesthetics and Brand Image | ||
| Merchandising | ||
| 6 credits of the 300-400 level at Iowa State | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 16-17 | |
Grade point requirement: All students majoring in apparel, merchandising, and design are required to earn a C– or better in all AESHM and T C courses applied toward the degree, including transfer credits.
Communication Proficiency Requirement:
Undergraduate English proficiency is certified when the student has received a grade of C or better in ENGL 150 Critical Thinking and Communication and ENGL 250 Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition.
Students who receive a C-, D+, D, or D– in ENGL 150 Critical Thinking and Communication or ENGL 250 Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition may take one of the following, with permission from English department, instead of repeating the lower-level course:
| ENGL 302 | Business Communication | 3 |
| ENGL 309 | Report and Proposal Writing | 3 |
| ENGL 314 | Technical Communication | 3 |
Graduate Study
The program offers work for the master of science and doctor of philosophy with a major in apparel, merchandising, and design. 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 creative activity, research, and teaching. Strong writing and oral communication skills help graduates dis-seminate 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; merchandising and marketing aspects of textiles and clothing; acquisition and use of textiles and apparel within cultures; U.S. dress and textiles from the 19th into the 21st 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 primarily for undergraduate students.
T C 120. Apparel Construction Techniques.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
SS.
Analysis and assemble components and completed garments with the use of basic sewing equipment. Learn basic construction techniques, applications and vocabulary. Students will need access to a home sewing machine, iron, computer and the internet. Not available for credit for AMDP majors.
T C 131. Overview of the Fashion Industry.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.S.
Introduction to fashion industry, industry structure from concept to consumer. Focus on fashion-driven consumer goods.
T C 165. Dress and Diversity in Society.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.S.SS.
Examination of diversity among consumers and forecasting future trends in consumer behavior. Introduction to social responsibility issues.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
T C 204. Textile Science.
(3-3) Cr. 4.
F.S.SS.
Prereq: 131
WWW lectures. Textile fibers, yarns, fabrication, coloration, and finishes. Quality and performance application to consumer soft goods and technical textiles.
T C 210. Computer Applications in Textiles and Clothing.
(0-4) Cr. 2.
F.S.
Prereq: 131, 245; AESHM 111 or concurrent
Applications of basic skills in Photoshop, Illustrator, PDM, Excel, and databases.
T C 221. Apparel Assembly Processes.
(1-4) Cr. 3.
F.S.
Prereq: 204 or concurrent
Principles of garment assembly. Use of mass production equipment and methods to analyze, develop and assemble garments.
T C 225. Patternmaking I.
(2-4) Cr. 4.
F.S.
Prereq: 131, 204, 221. Permission of instructor
Basic flat pattern and draping methods for women's apparel. Patternmaking by computer.
T C 231. Product Development and Manufacturing.
(3-2) Cr. 4.
F.S.
Prereq: 204
Analysis of apparel product development, sourcing, and manufacturing processes. Focus on materials and specifications relative to quality, performance, and cost.
T C 245. Aesthetics and Brand Image.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.S.
Prereq: 131, 165; 204 or concurrent
Elements and principles of design. Analysis of sensory, expressive, and symbolic aspects that build brand image, with a focus on fashion products and promotional settings.
T C 257. Museum Studies.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
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 exhibit development.
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 301. Basic Design Concepts Review.
Cr. 0.5.
Repeatable, maximum of 1 times. F.S.
Prereq: Concurrent enrollment in TC 301A and TC 301B required first time taken; completion or enrollment in 225, 278
Project review and skill assessment related to 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional visualization, apparel assembly, basic product knowledge, design problem solving. Review of fashion illustration, textiles, flat pattern, basic apparel assembly, design problem solving.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only. Only one credit in 301 may be counted towards graduation.
A. Creative Design
B. Technical Design
T C 305. Quality Assurance of Textiles and Apparel.
(Dual-listed with 505). (2-2) Cr. 3.
Prereq: 231, one course in natural science; STAT 101, 226, or 401
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 321. Computer Integrated Textile and Fashion Design.
(0-6) Cr. 3.
Prereq: 278 or concurrent enrollment. Permission of instructor
Analysis and advanced use of computer-aided design software for textile and fashion design for various markets. Digital presentation and portfolio development.
T C 325. Patternmaking II.
(2-4) Cr. 3.
F.S.
Prereq: 301A or 301B; permission of instructor
Principles of advanced patternmaking by flat pattern and draping techniques. Interaction of fabric characteristics with style features. Analysis of fit and design; problem solving. Patternmaking by computer.
T C 326. Creative Design Processes.
(Dual-listed with 526). (1-5) Cr. 3.
Prereq: 301A, 321
Exploration of the creative process and sources of inspiration with emphasis on fashion presentation and design development. Continued development of fashion illustration techniques.
T C 328. Design Seminar.
(Dual-listed with 528). Cr. arr.
Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Vary with topic
Focus on artisanal textile, apparel, or surface design techniques. Design processes for speciality fabrics and markets. Topics vary by term.
T C 354. History of European and North American Dress.
(Dual-listed with 554). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.Alt. SS., offered 2012.
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.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
T C 356. History of Twentieth Century Fashion.
(Dual-listed with 556). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: 3 credits Hist or Art H; T C 204 recommended
Survey of major design and technological developments in 20th Century fashion. Emphasis on fashion as a system of design and production, culture of consumption, fashion change, and trends in art, society, and culture.
T C 362. Cultural Perspectives of Dress.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: 165 or 3 credits in anthropology, psychology, or sociology
Analysis of multiple factors related to dress in selected societies, including technology, cultural identity, aesthetics, social organization, ritual, stability and change. Applications to apparel business.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
T C 372. Sourcing and Global Issues.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.S.
Prereq: 231, AESHM 275; ECON 101 or 102 recommended
Evaluation of key issues facing textile and apparel businesses in global markets considering ethical, economic, political, social, and professional implications. Sourcing strategies in a global environment. Corporate and consumer social responsibility and sustainability.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
T C 376. Merchandise Planning and Control.
(3-2) Cr. 4.
F.S.
Prereq: AESHM 275; 3 credits from ACCT 284, MATH 104, 105, 150, or equivalent
Assortment planning, model stocks, six-month buying plan, retail math, buying concepts and strategies.
T C 404. Textile Color Theory.
(Dual-listed with 504). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. F., offered 2012.
Prereq: 204, 245; one natural science course (physics or chemistry recommended)
Theories and principles of textile science; emphasis on color theory, dyes, and color matching.
T C 411. Seminar on Current Issues.
Cr. 1-3.
Repeatable.
Trends, issues, and scholarship in textiles and apparel.
T C 415. Technical Design Processes.
(2-2) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: 301B
Garment development and analysis of fit, performance, quality, cost. Exploration of alternative materials, construction methods, grading; specifications and portfolio development.
T C 431. Apparel Production Management.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: 231; T C 221 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 467. Consumer Behavior.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: STAT 101 or 104 or 226; T C 165
Application of concepts and theories from the social sciences to the study of consumer behavior related to dress, textile and apparel products, and retail experiences. Experience in conducting consumer research.
T C 475. Retail Information Analysis.
(2-2) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: 376
Forecasting, customer demand, assortment planning, market research, analysis of customer databases, data mining, database interface, pattern recognition, supply-chain/logistics management, retail technology applications such as Visual Retailing, PLM, and Sourcing Simulator.
T C 490. Independent Study.
Cr. arr.
Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: 6 credits in textiles and clothing. Permission of the instructor, adviser, and department chair
A. Textile Science
B. History of Dress and Textiles
C. Textile and Apparel Design
D. Aesthetics
E. Entrepreneurship
F. Sociological and Psychological Aspects of Dress and Textiles
G. Consumer Behavior
H. Honors
I. Merchandising
K. Cultural Analysis of Dress and Textiles
M. Museums
N. Apparel Production Management
O. Technical Design
Q. Quality Assurance
T. Public Relations and Publishing
U. Product Development
V. Sourcing and Global Issues
T C 495. Senior Design Studio.
(Dual-listed with 595). (1-5) Cr. 3.
Prereq: 321, 325, 326. 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 496. Fashion Forecasting and Product Development.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.S.
Prereq: 231, 245, AESHM 275
Applying consumer, aesthetic, and quantitative trend information to develop value-added apparel/textile products and product lines with merchandising/promotion campaigns for diverse target markets. Multi-function team projects. Presentation to industry representatives.
T C 499. Undergraduate Research.
Cr. 1-3.
Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Senior classification, 15 credits in T C. Permission of instructor, adviser, and department chair
Research experience in textiles and clothing with application to a selected problem.
T C 504. Textile Color Theory.
(Dual-listed with 404). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. F., offered 2012.
Prereq: 204, 245; one natural science course (physics or chemistry recommended)
Theories and principles of textile science; emphasis on color theory, dyes, and color matching.
T C 505. Quality Assurance of Textiles and Apparel.
(Dual-listed with 305). (2-3) Cr. 3.
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.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: Graduate classification
Overview of scholarship in textiles and clothing with emphasis on current and future directions. Fundamentals of writing literature reviews. Examination of ethical issues in scholarship and academic life. Introduction to creativity, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. Development of teaching units.
T C 521. Digital Textile and Apparel Design.
(1-4) Cr. 3.
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 526. Creative Design Processes.
(Dual-listed with 326). (2-2) Cr. 3.
Repeatable. Alt. S., offered 2012.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Exploration of the creative process and sources of inspiration with emphasis on fashion presentation and design development. Continued development of fashion illustration techniques.
T C 528. Design Seminar.
(Dual-listed with 328). Cr. arr.
Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Vary with topic
Focus on artisanal textile, apparel, or surface design techniques. Design processes for specialty fabrics and markets. Topics vary by term.
T C 550. Historic Research Methods in Dress and Textiles.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. S., offered 2012.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Current methods, interpretive strategies, and diverse academic approaches to research in history of dress and textiles, including material culture approach. Emphasis on historical research, writing, and evaluation of sources.
T C 554. History of European and North American Dress.
(Dual-listed with 354). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.Alt. SS., offered 2012.
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.
T C 556. History of Twentieth Century Fashion.
(Dual-listed with 356). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: Graduate standing
Survey of major design and technological developments in 20th Century fashion. Emphasis on fashion as a system of design and production, culture of consumption, fashion change, and trends in art, society, and culture.
T C 557. Textile Conservation and Collection Management.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: 204
Condition assessment, repair, and stabilization of textiles and apparel in museum collections. Dry and aqueous cleaning. Examination of storage and exhibition techniques, materials, and conditions. Experience with cataloging and management practices.
T C 567. Consumer Behavior and Apparel.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. F., offered 2011.
Prereq: 467 or MKT 447; STAT 401
Application of concepts and theories from the social sciences to the study of consumer behavior. Experience in conducting research; manuscript writing.
T C 572. Sourcing and Global Issues.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. F., offered 2012.
Prereq: a course in merchandising or marketing
Evaluation of key issues facing textile and apparel businesses in global markets considering ethical, economic, political, social, and professional implications. Sourcing strategies in a global environment. Corporate and consumer social responsibility and sustainability. Experience in conducting research using secondary data.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
T C 590. Special Topics.
Cr. arr.
Repeatable.
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 Dress and Textiles
C. Textile and Apparel Design
D. Aesthetics
E. Entrepreneurship
F. Sociological and Psychological Aspects
G. Consumer Behavior
I. Merchandising
K. Cultural Analysis of Dress and Textiles
M. Museums
N. Apparel Production Management
O. Technical Design
P. Interdisciplinary
Q. Quality Assurance
T. Public Relations and Publishing
U. Product Development
V. Sourcing and Global Issues
T C 595. Senior Design Studio.
(Dual-listed with 495). (1-5) Cr. 3.
Prereq: 321, 325, 326. 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 599. Creative Component.
Cr. arr.
Prereq: 9 graduate credits in Textiles and Clothing
Courses for graduate students
T C 611. Seminar.
Cr. 1-3.
Repeatable.
Prereq: 6 graduate credits in textiles and clothing. Permission of instructor
Discussion of scholarship and current issues. Topics vary.
T C 625. Design Theory and Process.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. S., offered 2013.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Analysis of design theory and creative processes, including strategies for solving aesthetic, functional, and technology-focused design problems. Design criticism and frameworks for practice led design research.
T C 665. Social Science Theories of Appearance.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. S., offered 2013.
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, including postmodern, symbolic interaction, semiotic, and feminist theories.
T C 690. Advanced Topics.
Cr. arr.
Repeatable.
Prereq: Enrollment in doctoral program, permission of instructor; and approval of D.O.G.E
T C 699. Research.
Cr. arr.
Repeatable.