Postgraduate taught 

Art History: Dress & Textile Histories MLitt

Birth of Modern Fashion? Textiles and Dress, 1680 - 1815 HISTART5020

  • Academic Session: 2024-25
  • School: School of Culture and Creative Arts
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
  • Typically Offered: Either Semester 1 or Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No

Short Description

This course will examine the history and development of textiles and dress during the long eighteenth century. It will consider the characteristics of production, dissemination and consumption of textiles and dress that have led some historians to propose that 'fashion' as we know it today, has its roots in this period. Key aesthetic, economic, political, social and technological developments will provide the context.

Timetable

Two hours per week for ten weeks, through lectures and seminars. 1 hour tutorial to discuss essay topic and progress.

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

Essay of 4,000 words (80%)

Oral presentation of 10-15 minutes (20%)

Course Aims

This course aims to:

■ develop students' knowledge and understanding of the history of eighteenth-century textiles and dress

■ trace the influences on textiles and dress during the eighteenth century, looking at key aesthetic, economic, political, social and technological developments

■ expand students' analytical thinking and writing and to develop their oral presentation skills

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ apply multi-disciplinary skills and ideas to the specific study of eighteenth century textiles and dress

■ identify and indicate the date of different styles of eighteenth century textiles and dress

■ analyse the diversity of influences on the development and use of eighteenth-century textiles and dress

■ use these skills and knowledge to critically assess and evaluate different types of primary sources for the study of dress history

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.