Intro to Fashion Studies: What We Wear and Why We Wear It

Description du cours

Fashion is more than clothing; it is a powerful language we use every day to express who we are. This mini-course introduces students to the exciting field of Fashion Studies, an interdisciplinary area within sociology, cultural studies, and art. Through interactive activities, short lectures, hands-on observation exercises, and guided discussions, students will explore how fashion communicates identity, shapes culture, and tells stories about our world.

Students will learn the foundations of fashion studies, including topics such as fashion and self-expression, global fashion industries, cultural exchange, sustainability, and fashion as activism. We will examine real examples from pop culture and social media, as well as historical and cross-cultural styles, to understand how fashion can challenge norms, build communities, and inspire social change. The course also highlights how people use clothing to explore belonging, confidence, and creativity in their everyday lives.

A key feature of this course is encouraging students to think critically about the messages behind what we wear. By analyzing symbols, trends, and visual culture, students will develop tools to understand fashion not only as style but also as a form of communication. They will also have opportunities to reflect on their own relationship with fashion and create a small visual project that connects to the themes of the course.

This course is designed to be accessible and fun, and no background knowledge in fashion or art is required. All activities and examples will be age-appropriate and tailored to high-school learners with an interest in fashion, culture, media, design, or storytelling.

Some discussions may touch lightly on topics such as cultural appropriation, body image, and representation in media. These themes will be introduced respectfully and at an introductory level suitable for high-school students. No graphic or mature content will be included. Students must attend the final class session, where they will present a short reflection or visual mini-project based on what they learned.