The nineteenth century was a period of industrial, retailing and consumption revolutions, at the heart of which were textiles and dress. The course will examine the history and development of dress and textiles in Great Britain during the nineteenth century. It will seek to place textiles and dress within the context of key aesthetic, economic, political, social and technological developments.

Two hours per week for ten weeks, through lectures, seminars and visits (6 hours). 

None

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Essay of 4,000 words (80%)

Oral presentation of 10-15 minutes (20%)

This course aims to: 

■ develop students' knowledge and understanding of the history of nineteenth-century dress and textiles in Great Britain

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

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

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

■ apply multi-disciplinary skills and ideas to the specific study of nineteenth-century dress and textiles in Great Britain

■ identify and indicate the date of different styles of nineteenth-century dress and textiles in Great Britain

■ produce sustained arguments in both written and oral form on a variety of visual and textual sources relating to understanding of the diversity of influences on the development of nineteenth-century dress and textiles in Great Britain

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

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