Curriculum: Textile and Fashion
The Textile and Fashion Design emphasis prepares students for a wide variety of careers related to textiles and fashion. Technical skills and training are integrated into coursework that emphasizes conceptual and theoretical approaches to Textile and Fashion design. Students who graduate from UCD have a dynamic edge over other programs--they know how to think critically and creatively. Students are encouraged to develop a professional attitude and an entrepreneurial spirit; many alumni start their own businesses, move into industry positions or pursue advanced degrees.
The program allows students the opportunity to explore new methods and materials for use in Textile and Fashion design including digital processes, synthetics, dye applications and innovative garment and fabric structures. There is a strong emphasis on the interface of new technologies and traditional hand processes.
The many university resources available, including Technocultural Studies, Textiles & Clothing, Drama, Art, Engineering, and Anthropology, support an interdisciplinary approach to the subject.
Our objective is to educate our students within a socially and environmentally responsible context. We stress the interconnection between textile/fashion design and global society challenging students to involve themselves in constructing the future shape and quality of everyday life. Studies of historical and ethnographic textiles and fashion further augment the creative vocabulary.
Coursework is offered in surface design, including the direct application of color and pattern to cloth using painting, silkscreen, and/or digital processes (DES 160, 161, 131). Fiber structures courses include weaving and off-loom constructions (DES 70, 132A, 132B, 132C). Fashion design courses include pattern drafting, draping, sewing construction, experimental methods, and CAD applications (DES 107, 170, 171, 177). Additionally, Costume History (DES 143), and World Textiles (DES 142A, 142B) are highly encouraged to fulfill the department's history requirement. Internships and independent study enhance individual interests and allow for a diverse and flexible curriculum.
Specialized facilities for Textiles and Fashion Design consist of a dye lab, weaving studio, industrial sewing lab, and computer lab featuring Pad System CAD software, an Ioline plotter, and a state of the art Mimaki TX2 wide-format digital fabric printer. A well-stocked Tool Room is available for students to check out small equipment items.
Requirements for TEXTILE AND FASHION DESIGN Emphasis
College of Letters and Science
Preparatory Subject Matter: (34)
Des 1 – Design and Visual Culture (4)
Des 14 – Design Drawing (2) *ART 2 is equivalent
Des 15 – Design Media (4)
Des 16 – Graphic Design and Computer Technology (4)
Three courses from Des 18, 23, 24, 77A, 77B (12)
Des 40A – History of Design: Ancient to Industrial Revolution (4)
Des 40B – History of Modern Design (4)
Depth Subject Matter: (40)
Seven courses from Des 122, 124, 125, 127, 131, 132A, 132 B,
132C, 160A, 160B, 170A, 170B, 177, 191A (28)
Des 142A – History of Textile Design: Far East and the Pacific (4)
Des 142B – History of Textile Design: Western Hemisphere (4)
Des 143 – History of Costume Design (4)
Total Units for Textile and Fashion: (74)
*Course changes and curricular substitutions in the Textile and Fashion Design Emphasis:
1. Design 14 has been revised and increased to 4 units.
2. Students may substitute the new courses Design 70 and 77 for the requirement of 3 courses from Design 18, 23, 24, 77A, 77B. Design 23, 24, 77A, and 77B have all been canceled.
3. Students may now take Design 40A or 40B and 4 units of electives for the 8 unit lower division Design History requirement.
4. Students may choose 7 from the following courses to satisfy the Depth Subject Matter requirement: Design 107, 127, 131, 132A, 132C, 160, 161, 170, 171, 177, 179. This revised list reflects recent course additions, cancellations, and revisions.
5. Students may substitute Design 144 or 145 for ONE OF Design 142A, 142B or 143.