Sociology of Clothing
Fall 1999
FCS 2231.001
1300-1350 (1:00 - 1:50) M/W/F

 

Instructor: Jean K. Dilworth
Office Phone: 581-6995
Office: 311 Klehm
Office Hours: 10:00 - 11:00 M/T/W & 2:00 - 3:00 T/Thurs or by appointment

Disability Services: If you have a documented disability and wish to discuss academic accommodations, please contact the Office of Disability Services at 581-6583.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Significance of sociological and psychological reasons for clothing selection; political and economic trends affecting clothing.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: The activities in this course are designed to help the student achieve the following objectives:

  1. develop a scientific perspective to the analysis of dress as it relates to human behavior.
  2. become aware of historical and contemporary theoretical approaches toward research regarding the study of dress as it relates to human behavior.
  3. analyze the importance of dress to humans and its social psychological implications.
  4. develop an awareness of the role of dress in the development and understanding of self and family.
  5. interpret interpersonal behaviors which might result from personal dress selections.

 

This course requires extensive reading and discussion. Success on the course' essay tests require that the student participates in class discussions with informed research supported ideas. Reading the text chapters as assigned is imperative for maximum achievement of points.

 

TEXT: to be obtained from textbook rental.
Damhorst, M.L., Miller, K. A., & Michelman, S. O. (1999). New York: Fairchild publications.
 
 
Reference Text:
Kaiser, S. (1990). The Social-Psychology of Clothing (2nd edition). New York: Macmillan Publishing Company
Storm, P. (1987). Functions of Dress. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, Inc.
Clothing and Textile Research Journal, Family and Consumer Sciences Research Journal, Journal of Psychology, Journal of Sociology, , Perceptual and Motor Skills and other references listed from the text's Bibliography

 

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

1. Survey 5 people on campus and record their answers about the selected sociology of clothing research issue. Verbal and written report Due: October 6, 8, 11 75

2. Class Journal to be maintained throughout the semester in a 8 ½ x 5 ½ spiral note book for this purpose only. A minimum of two personal observation detailed entries are to be dated and recorded each week. This journal is not for class notes but outside of class observations, to be summarized in an end of the semester report. Due: September 10 (20) and November 19 (80) 100

Entries need to be easily visualized by any person not in this class. These entries will also be used in class discussions and as examples for your three essay tests.

3. Three essay exams: Exam # 1 (September 22), Exam # 2 (October 22) and Exam # 3 (November 17) 300

4. A well written (55)and documented report on a clothing social or psychological issue. Five references other than text book required. Copies of paper to be handed to instructor prior to oral report (25) to prevent reports being read. Due: November 29, December 3, December 6 75

5. Chapter Discussion Questions, Typed answers to two chapter questions prepared by Friday the Chapter is due. Five points per question. (10 per report) Chapters, 3, 10, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 6, 7, 12 100

6. Participation in class activities. Participation in all class activities is expected. This requires reading before and after every class and prepared to discuss what you have read. 50

7. Final Exam. Comprehensive, multiple choice. December 15, Wednesday, 12:30-2:30 100

TOTAL POINTS = 800

 

EVALUATION:

A = 90% (720 - 800)
B = 80% (640 - 719)
C = 70% (560 - 639)
D = 60% (480 - 559)

 

TENTATIVE CLASS SCHEDULE:

August 23, Review class syllabus and expectations.
8/25 Introduction to the discipline that is multi-faceted. Record a sample journal entry in your class notes. Read before class--Chapter 1, Introduction and Chapter 2--Reading 1,2,3 Report any paragraph that had meaning for you. What do I bring to my observations? How I make sense out of my world? Be prepared to share three concepts from your family.
8/27 Terminology of Chapter 2 and the remaining readings discussion Students select, define and discuss new terms of the week. Journal entries discussion and practice prior to Holiday. Five new terms for the week in your class notes, when you find examples enter in journal.
8/30 Chapter 2
9/1 Chapter 2
9/3 Video, topic covered on the exams.
9/6 Chapter 3
9/8 Chapter 3
9/10 Chapter 3 Discussion Questions due
9/13 Chapter 10
9/15 Chapter 10
9/17 Chapter 10 Discussion Questions Due
9/20 Chapter 4
9/22 Chapter 4
9/24 Chapter 4 Discussion Questions Due. Class activity for participation points
9/27 Essay Exam I Chapters 3, 10, 4,
9/29 Chapter 5
 
October 1 Chapter 5 Discussion Questions Due
10/4 Chapter 8, Exam returned
10/6 Chapter 8
10/8 Chapter 8 Discussion Questions Due. Class activity for participation points
10/11 Chapter 9
10/13 Chapter 9 Discussion Questions Due
10/15 Fall Break
10/18 Chapter 9
10/20 Review, Class activity for participation points
10/22 Essay Exam II, Chapters 5, 8, 9
10/25 Chapter 11
10/27 Chapter 11
10/29 Chapter 11 Discussion Questions Due. Exam returned
 
November 1
11/3 Chapter 11 lecture/discussion
11/5 Chapter 6 Discussion Questions due
11/8 ROTC Uniform Parade
11/10 Chapter 7 Questions due
11/12 Exam III, Chapters 11, 6, 7
11/15 Chapter 12
11/17 Chapter 12 Discussion Questions Due
11/19 Concept journals due. Exam III returned
11/20-11/28 Thanksgiving Break
11/29 Chapter 13
 
December 1
12/3 Chapter 13 Discussion
12/6 Chapter 13 and 14
12/8 Chapter 14, Future Trends Discussion
12/10 Hand back journals
12/15 Final, comprehensive and Chapters 7, 12, 13, 14
December 15, Wednesday, 12:30-2:30