Newcastle University

Pre Requisite Comment

Students will be required to engage with social/cultural theory alongside media practice elements so will need some formal grounding in associated disciplines. At undergraduate level MCH3063 is a perfect foundation for this module(as a co-requisite) but MCH2034 & MCH2068 have appropriate industry focus to also provide firm foundations as pre-requisites.

Co Requisite Comment

The co-requisite above provides a solid foundation for the module if students have not previously completed MCH2034 or MCH2068.

Aims

This module aims to:
1. explore the field of fashion communication & culture.
2. examine creative and critical skills in fashion communication strategies and practices.
3. apply interdisciplinary approaches to the study of fashion in society.
4. outline integrated forms of fashion communication in the multi-media context of contemporary culture.
5. investigate the cultural context of specific consumer groups.
6. assess creative and professional communication strategies that meet client brand profiles and appeal to specific consumer demographics.
7. map specific routes to engage with/facilitate the creative process when designing communication strategies in the fashion industry.

Fashion plays a huge role in the everyday lives of individuals and has been characteristic of various cultural groups/social movements and iconic of historical periods. All fashion is transmitted through advertising, promotion or communication. This module will examine the cultural relevance of fashion and the professional contexts of fashion communication in relation to the perspective of cultural studies. It will provide a critical map of the field and bring together work on fashion communication in media & cultural theory, journalism, advertising, public relations, events management and graphic/visual studies.

Through these fields, the module will show the complex social relations between fashion, culture, markets and commercial communication. Links are made between brand aesthetics, creativity and context. Individuals consume fashion messages in various ways and locations: questions of place and identity, aesthetics and broader cultural/global practices are explored. Particular attention is given to the media and new communication technologies as points of overlap and exchange between the local and the global, between organization and culture, the individual and brand. Specific attention will focus upon the various communication strategies used in relation to fashion including advertising, branding, magazine editorials, fashion journalism, Public Relations, fashion event management, blogging and social media strategies.

Outline Of Syllabus

Topics may include:
Fashion Theory
Fashion History & Cultural Movements
Fashion Branding
Fashion Markets
Creative Communication
Fashion Advertising
Creative Concepts
Fashion Editorial & Journalism
Digital Communication for Fashion
Fashion Bloggers
Fashion PR
The Fashion Show

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Students successfully completing the module should be able to:
1. demonstrate knowledge of interdisciplinary approaches to the study of fashion communication and culture as well as an understanding of the significance of fashion in local and global contexts.
2. show understanding of relevant social, media & cultural theories and professional approaches towards fashion communications in the spheres of advertising, social media, fashion journalism & editorial, PR & event management.
3. illustrate evaluation, planning and execution of fashion communications in terms of branding and context.
4. construct a professional portfolio of work that illustrates creative process, evaluation and reflection.
5. develop specialisms on the basis of specific interest (e.g. menswear, womenswear, accessories, footwear, commercial, luxury) and modes of delivery (e.g. advertising, editorial, branding, social media, event management, PR).
6. identify the importance of client profile, product and target market when designing communication strategies/materials/practices appropriate to the contemporary fashion industry.

Intended Skill Outcomes

Students successfully completing the module should be able to:
1. demonstrate the analysis of texts and practices.
2. showcase academic, professional and creative research.
3. exhibit creative processing, communication, production and evaluation.
4. build a small portfolio of work.
5. illustrate and execute group work, organisational planning and event planning.
5. present professional work.
6. develop appropriate professional communication strategies.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The module aims to encourage the development and comprehension of contemporary issues and ideas in fashion communication, culture and everyday life. Theories of fashion, fashion history and identity will be discussed in relation to advertising, journalism, PR and digital media texts. A blended approach combining lecture materials, informal discussions, small-group work and informal presentations will be combined with private study and creative projects/journaling which explore key aspects of fashion communication in social and professional context.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Given the amount of labour involved in producing the final portfolio, the formative assessment provides students with an opportunity to submit preliminary plans and rough work for their final portfolio pieces in order to receive feedback and enhance work.

The Fashion Communication Portfolio allows students to:
- show a combination of commercial awareness, critical reflection and creative communicative practice.
- build a small portfolio of work that exhibits practical, creative, theoretical, critical and evaluative skills.
- identify the significance of branding, contextual factors and nuances of consumer markets when formulating appropriate communication strategies.
- critically reflect upon the creative process in fashion communication.
- explore traditional and innovative techniques in fashion communication.

This assessment constitutes 100% of the final grade in order to reflect the module's emphasis upon professional and creative practices in fashion communication.

General Notes

N/A