Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
The concept of fashion is pregnant with meaning and much of this stems from its everyday use we say something is in fashion, fashionable or the latest fashion. Yet these statements only scratch the surface of what fashion means to contemporary consumer culture. This course aims to illuminate precisely this. More specifically, we will focus on how the socio-cultural world of fashion is constructed and what roles do consumers play within it.
The course is primarily designed for those pursuing a career in the fashion industry. Students will be exposed to cutting edge academic work as well as renowned experts in the Nordic fashion industry. That said, the course also serves as a special topic consumer behavior class. We dive deep into theory as well as empirics of fashion consumption; the course will cover certain topics relating to consumer behavior (identity, gender, semiotics, sociology consumption) at much greater depth than a regular consumer behavior class even an advanced one. Therefore, the course will also be of high value to aspiring trend scouts, (market) researchers, branding experts, entrepreneurs, and B2C marketing managers.
Students will gain...
1. the ability to analyze different fields of fashion and map out their constituting elements as well as their relations
2. valuable insights on consumers preferences, projects, and desires relating to fashion
3. analytical abilities to explain what consumers do in the world of fashion
4. skills for developing consumer brand strategies, both in fashion and beyond
5. new perspectives on the culture and production of fashion
Credits: 6
Schedule: 27.10.2020 - 04.12.2020
Teacher in charge (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022): Henri Weijo
Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Henri Weijo
Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):
CEFR level (applies in this implementation):
Language of instruction and studies (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022):
Teaching language: English
Languages of study attainment: English
CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD
Content
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
The course will be carried out as a series of lectures and workshops. During these contact sessions the students will familiarize themselves with the key concepts and theories. Furthermore, the students will learn useful skills, such as running projects in cross-disciplinary groups and conducting field research.
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
Students will work in groups to carry out a series of conceptual assignments as well as market research assignments. Individual assignments will help the students to reflect their takeaways and guarantee a holistic learning experience. Throughout the course the students will receive support and feedback from the faculty as well as seasoned industry professionals.
Grading:
The course grade will consist of the following components:
Group work and written reports
Group presentations
Individual home assignments
Active class participation and preparationThe final breakdown and balance between these elements will be announced at the beginning of the course.
Workload
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
6 credits, 160 hours:
The course includes lectures, readings, individual assignments, and group work conducted both in class as well as outside of it.
DETAILS
Study Material
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
A collection of articles assigned by the lecturers.
Substitutes for Courses
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
23E58050 - Consumer Behavior, Retail Experience and Fashion
Prerequisites
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
None. Students taking the course are expected to understand that the course topics are advanced level.
SDG: Sustainable Development Goals
5 Gender Equality
12 Responsible Production and Consumption
- Teacher: Weijo Henri