Clothing, Textiles and Interior Design Courses
Introduces creativity as a learnable skill shaped by observation, experimentation, and reflection. Students develop curiosity and imagination while exploring how creative expression connects to cultural meaning and human experience.
An introduction to fundamental design theories, the elements, and principles of design, design problem-solving and research methods, and design software. Students will develop an understanding of how design shapes the human experience through hands-on two-dimensional and three-dimensional design projects. Minimum Grade of C-required.
Introduction to the interior design profession through a variety of assignments utilizing the design process, design theory, and interior graphic communication methods.
An introduction to apparel design and garment construction emphasizing design thinking, materials, and craftsmanship. Students learn foundational skills in fabric selection, sewing techniques, and garment assembly through lectures and studio-based projects. The course explores the apparel design process—from ideation and sketching to construction and evaluation—while integrating creative and technical development.
Examines visualization as a cognitive and social process through which humans generate meaning, communicate ideas, and navigate shared experience. Students investigate how visual thinking is shaped by culture, perception, and social context — and how visual systems influence human behavior, understanding, and collaboration. Drawing on theoretical frameworks from cognitive psychology, communication theory, and cultural studies, students develop analytical fluency alongside practical skills in sketching, diagramming, prototyping, and visual storytelling. Emphasis is placed on critical inquiry: students examine how visual representations reflect and reinforce social norms, how they differ across cultural and historical contexts, and how they mediate collective sense-making.
Introduces the design thinking process as a structured, human-centered approach to problem-solving. Students practice empathy, ideation, prototyping, and testing. Emphasis is placed on understanding human behavior, analyzing social and cultural contexts, and evaluating how design processes influence individuals, communities, and systems.
This course consists of learning modules that provide students with background information on people with disabilities (PWD), challenges faced by PWD, and their special apparel needs.
Emphasis is on the development of the fashion figure, design details, fabric rendering, flats, customer profile analysis, and collection development. In addition, students using advanced computer design software, create original digital design layouts of their work. Two lectures, one laboratory.
Introduction to interior surface materials and resources used in the interior environment including aesthetics, application, and maintenance.
Fundamentals of residential interior design focusing on presentation methods and hand drawing. An exploration of universal design, sustainability, and programming.
Fundamentals of nonresidential interior design with emphasis on presentation graphics. Exploration of programming, spatial organization, codes, and standards for the business environment.
Introduction to apparel producer-retailer relationships. Emphasis on quality control and time management in meeting apparel specifications through application of apparel construction, fitting, and pattern alteration principles. Two laboratories.
Building construction for interior design with emphasis on architectural procedures and systems including electrical, plumbing, lighting, acoustical, and thermal control.
Principles and procedures governing the development and use of basic working (Block/Sloper) patterns. Use of manual flat pattern methods to develop patterns. Emphasis on the design process culminating in the designing of original apparel by the flat pattern method.
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to adaptive apparel design, using a human-centered approach. It focuses on problem-solving strategies tailored for user-centered design in inclusive fashion, combining theoretical design principles with hands-on technical skills.
This course will provide students with a basic understanding of computer software applications and project documentation commonly used in interior design. Software introduced includes Photoshop, InDesign, Sketchup, and 3D Studio Max. Computing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course.
Characteristics of the textile industry, fibers, yarns, fabric construction, and finishes. Selection, care, and performance characteristics of fibers and fabric applications for environments.
Characteristics of the textile industry, fibers, yarns, fabric construction, and finishes. Selection, care, and performance characteristics of fibers and fabric applications for the interior environment.
Organization, promotion methods, and interrelationship of the textiles, apparel, and retailing industries. Includes consumer demand and diffusion of fashion. Minimum grade of C-.
Encourages unconventional thinking and experimentation as a means of exploring creativity as a humanistic and cultural process. Students practice methods for divergent ideation, risk-taking, and innovation through creative challenges that examine the role of imagination, failure, and originality in human expression.
This class provides an overview of theories and techniques for identifying and utilizing consumer, aesthetic, and quantitative trends. Survey understanding the methods for determining past, current, and future trends within and between the disciplines of forecasting - textiles, color, and style forecasting.
Explores interdisciplinary teamwork and collaborative design. Students learn team dynamics, co-creation strategies, and leadership skills through team-based projects.
To provide experiences which will increase the students' knowledge of modern furniture, textiles, artwork, and architecture through a variety of learning experiences. A review of 20th century furniture design, class discussions, an assigned research paper and presentation, the design of a chair, area rug, or luminaire, travel for attendance at a professional conference and extended field trip to distinctive design venues, as well as presentations by professionals, are among the varied learning options presented in this course.
A course designed to provide new and diverse experiences to increase understanding of the fashion, apparel, and textile-related industries through design, merchandising and retailing venues in the four major fashion capitals of the world (New York, London, Paris, and Milan). Range of learning environments promoted, including class discussions, company profile reports, assigned readings, journaling and presentations by professionals in the fashion industries of the four cities.
Using the latest computerized design systems, students create original designs, repeats, colorways, and coordinates targeting specific markets. Emphasis is on the creative use of advanced software, awareness of industry trends and the development of an original portfolio of digitally produced designs.
Introduces contemporary display techniques, equipment, and materials for designing three-dimensional product presentations within the retail environment. Using advanced computer software, students create and execute original visual programs.
Study of the furnishings, interior treatments, and life spaces characteristic of selected styles from antiquity to the present.
Exploration of internship possibilities and requirements, development of job-search skills and internship placement.
Design of interior environments for persons with special needs such as health care, rehabilitation, education, and congregate-care interiors. Cabinet and millwork design.
Planning and design of interior spaces, such as restaurants and hotels; project management; design and specification of interior architectural materials and furnishings.
Philosophy and organization of professional practice of interior design; studio management, contracts, budgets, specifications, and professional organizations. Discussion of various certifications such as LEED, EDAC, & NCIDQ.
Introduction to computer-aided design applications within the field of interior design.
Dedicated to the study and completion of a student portfolio.
Team approach to apparel product development including market research, design concepts, garment specification writing, sourcing, costing, production, quality control, and promotional materials. Two laboratories.
Application of computer technology to apparel design and product development. Encompasses garment technical sketching, specification package creation, line sheet development, and customer analysis. Incorporates both 2D and 3D design technologies. Two laboratories.
Techniques of creating a pattern or garment by working in 3-D by draping on a dress form are applied in the execution of original design.
This course will provide students with a basic understanding of the environmental psychology of design, human behavior and movement, the culture and fashion of the focal country, and the effect these systems have on elements of design. This course provides a structure by which students can partake in a focused study of the built environment and design trends in the focal country, within the framework of environmental design. These ideas are presented in a format that also develops the students’ writing skills as one mode of communication within Interior Design. Writing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course. A student who does not write with the skill normally required of an upper division student will not earn a passing grade, no matter how well the student performs in other areas of the course. Such proficiency includes the ability to write coherent, logical, and carefully edited prose.
This study abroad course features studio projects tailored for students from diverse design disciplines, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and global design exploration. Through immersive, hands-on learning in historically and architecturally significant locations, students will deepen their understanding of the influences of global design, cultural contexts, and historical origins, enhancing their ability to approach design from a broader, international perspective.
This course will provide students with a basic understanding of environmental psychology of design, human behavior and movement, the culture and fashion of the focal country, and the effect these systems have on elements of design. This course provides a structure by which students can partake in a focused study of the built environment in the focal country, within the framework of environmental design.
This course provides a comprehensive study of the merchandising process including apparel buying and planning, elements of financial analysis, application of planning and buying principles, the wholesale selling process, and the development of problem-solving skills in the context of a merchandising environment. Minimum overall GPA 2.0.
Integration of the theory, techniques, and art of lighting design; principles, terminology, and equipment used in light distribution systems in the interior environment.
This course provides students with an in-depth exploration of the field of global e-commerce. Students examine how business strategies and fundamental technologies are used in fashion e-commerce and how managers can effectively use digital commerce to execute their organization’s strategic plans.
Focus on professional development and profit analysis. Exploration of internship possibilities and requirements, development of job-search skills, and internship placement. Enrollment open to students applying for fashion retailing internships. Minimum overall GPA 2.0.
This course uses a case-based approach to engage students in discussing real-world examples of marketing and selling adaptive apparel products. In this course, students will learn to strategically analyze and solve marketing and retailing problems from a decision-maker's perspective.
This course examines traditional and digital marketing strategy, implementation, and executional considerations for fashion brands. It provides a detailed understanding of all marketing channels and platforms for fashion brands and retailers.
This seminar examines the role of design as a cultural, ethical, and social practice. Students analyze how design decisions shape and reflect values across societies, with attention to issues of sustainability, inclusivity, equity, and global perspectives.
An advanced seminar applying design thinking to global challenges. Students explore speculative, future-oriented design approaches addressing sustainability, technology, and equity.
Study of the history of textiles emphasizing the influence of cultural factors. Writing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course. A student who does not write with the skill normally required of an upper-division student will not earn a passing grade, no matter how well the student performs in other areas of the course.
The study of original textile design by handloom weaving, including yarn selection, warp yarn preparation, dressing the loom, interpretation of weave drafts, loom-controlled and finger weaving techniques, and methods of finishing loom projects. Hand spinning and dyeing of wool yarns with natural dyes in an outdoor setting are also included. These hand-dyed yarns are used in a loomed project. For those interested drafting by computer software, working with “Weave It-Pro”- may be included.
This class centers around research methods, design theory, and communication. Writing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course. A student who does not write with the skill normally required of an upper-division student will not earn a passing grade, no matter how well the student performs in other areas of the course. Offered in the spring semester.
Experience in interior design or related business under supervision of advisor and the business management. Offered during the summer session.
Problems in design of the home environment; individual and group problem solving. Emphasis is on historic preservation principles and practices for interior designers.
Application of Design theory in solutions for complex interior spaces. Projects require implementation of all phases of the design process. The course examines contemporary, social, and cultural influences on design theory and its application within the interior design profession.
This course will provide students with an introduction to software applications for interior design problem-solving and project documentation utilizing AutoCAD Revit. Skills are presented in a format that emphasized the use of the computer as a creative tool, developing computing skills relevant to the design industry. Computing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course.
Impact of cultural dynamics on apparel and textile production and marketing. This course focuses on foundational concepts and organizational systems to understand culture and the role it plays in consumer choice. Case studies are used to illustrate the interpretation of culture and dress. Minimum 61 hours.
Study of the evolution of the textile industry and its products, emphasizing multinational characteristics and contemporary issues. Writing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course. A student who does not write with the skill normally required of an upper-division student will not earn a passing grade, no matter how well the student performs in other areas of the course.
Costume development from prehistoric to modern times. Study of cultural forces in relation to the evolution of costume. Minimum 61 hours.
This course emphasizes synthesis and application of design theories and the procedures and processes used in the apparel industry. Development of a portfolio of original design work is required. Two laboratories.
This course serves as a culminating experience in studying adaptive apparel design, allowing students to integrate and apply previously acquired knowledge through a human-centered design methodology. The course will guide students in undertaking comprehensive research, including interviews, market analysis, and trend research, to gain empathic insights into the needs of actual clients. Students will have the flexibility to tailor their capstone project to align with their career objectives, thereby demonstrating mastery of both theoretical principles and applied skills in adaptive apparel design.
This course offers the opportunity for students to develop a deeper and broader understanding of textiles materials and textile testing. It includes use of standard laboratory test methods and statistical data analysis to evaluate the quality of textile products. This class is for qualified Junior and Senior CTD students.
Explore concepts in entrepreneurship with emphasis on retail and service related businesses focused on fashion related merchandise. The course will explore individual mindsets and environmental factors that foster entrepreneurship. Students will evaluate success factors and challenges associated with sole-proprietor, family-owned, home-based, and community businesses. Students will develop a business proposal to address a market need. Writing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course. A student who does not write with the skill normally required of an upper-division student will not earn a passing grade, no matter how well the student performs in other areas of the course. Writing.
A grade point average of 2.50 or higher is required for the professional courses specified under "Fashion Retailing Concentration for AT Majors" in this catalog. The course involves supervised work experience in a business related to the major field of study.
Independent Study.
Under faculty supervision, the student will participate in a research project.