LEARNING OUTCOMES
The concept of fashion is filled 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: 07.01.2025 - 13.02.2025
Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):
Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Tatsiana Padhaiskaya
Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):
CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period):
Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):
Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: English
CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD
Content
valid for whole curriculum period:
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 for whole curriculum period:
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.
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 for whole curriculum period:
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 for whole curriculum period:
A collection of articles assigned by the lecturers.
Substitutes for Courses
valid for whole curriculum period:
Prerequisites
valid for whole curriculum period:
SDG: Sustainable Development Goals
5 Gender Equality
12 Responsible Production and Consumption
FURTHER INFORMATION
Further Information
valid for whole curriculum period:
Teaching Language: English
Teaching Period: 2024-2025 Spring III
2025-2026 Spring IIIRegistration:
The number of students admitted to the course is restricted to 60. Priority is given to (1) Aalto students studying in MSc Program of Marketing, (2) CEMS-students, (3) Aalto students studying a MSc minor study package in Fashion Management, (4) Aalto students studying a MSc minor study package in Consumer Research, (5) Aalto students studying a MSc minor study package in Marketing and (6) other students.