Here is a catalog summary of the course:
- Introduction: The course begins by introducing students to the history and significance of fashion as a form of design and self-expression.
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Body/Meaning: The second section explores the relationship between clothing and the body, including how clothing shapes our perceptions of ourselves and others.
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Object/Identity: In this section, students delve into the ways in which fashion objects convey identity and meaning, including how fashion has been used to challenge and subvert social norms.
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Production/Consumption: The fourth section examines the production and consumption of fashion, including the environmental and ethical implications of the fashion industry.
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Labor/Value: The course then explores the labor practices and economic value of the fashion industry, including issues of exploitation and inequality.
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Place/Culture: In this section, students explore the cultural significance of fashion, including how fashion reflects and shapes cultural norms and traditions.
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Time/Change: The final section considers the evolution of fashion over time and the ways in which fashion both reflects and shapes social and cultural change.
Throughout the course, students engage with a wide range of materials, including images, videos, readings, and interactive assignments. By the end of the course, students will have a deep understanding of the cultural, social, and economic dimensions of fashion and its role in shaping our world.
Course Content:
The course consists of 7 main sections, each of which is broken down into multiple lectures:
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Introduction: This section provides an overview of the course and introduces the key concepts and themes that will be covered. There are typically 4-5 lectures in this section.
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Body/Meaning: This section explores the relationship between clothing and the body, examining how clothing shapes our perceptions of ourselves and others. Topics covered may include the history of corsetry, the cultural significance of the suit, and the symbolism of various clothing items. There are typically 5-6 lectures in this section.
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Object/Identity: In this section, students delve into the ways in which fashion objects convey identity and meaning. Topics covered may include the use of clothing as a form of political expression, the impact of sportswear on fashion, and the role of accessories in creating a sense of identity. There are typically 5-6 lectures in this section.
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Production/Consumption: This section examines the production and consumption of fashion, including the environmental and ethical implications of the fashion industry. Topics covered may include fast fashion, sustainable design, and the use of technology in fashion production. There are typically 5-6 lectures in this section.
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Labor/Value: This section explores the labor practices and economic value of the fashion industry, including issues of exploitation and inequality. Topics covered may include the role of labor in the global fashion industry, the impact of globalization on fashion production, and the economics of luxury fashion. There are typically 5-6 lectures in this section.
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Place/Culture: In this section, students explore the cultural significance of fashion, including how fashion reflects and shapes cultural norms and traditions. Topics covered may include the role of fashion in the construction of gender and sexuality, the cultural significance of textiles, and the influence of colonialism on fashion. There are typically 5-6 lectures in this section.
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Time/Change: The final section considers the evolution of fashion over time and the ways in which fashion both reflects and shapes social and cultural change. Topics covered may include the impact of technology on fashion, the history of fashion revolutions, and the role of fashion in predicting and shaping future trends. There are typically 5-6 lectures in this section.
Overall, the course consists of approximately 35-42 lectures, depending on the specific structure of each iteration of the course.
Reviews:
This course has received high praise for its engaging and informative content. Many learners appreciate the way in which the course combines historical context with contemporary issues to provide a well-rounded understanding of the fashion industry. The course has been described as thought-provoking and eye-opening, challenging learners to think critically about the impact of fashion on society and the environment.
Some learners have noted that the course can be quite challenging, particularly for those with limited background knowledge in fashion or design. However, many have also found the course to be accessible and engaging, with clear explanations and helpful visual aids.
One of the key benefits of the course is the opportunity for learners to connect with a global community of fashion enthusiasts and industry professionals. The course encourages learners to share their perspectives and engage in thoughtful discussions with peers from around the world, providing a valuable platform for learning and networking.
Overall, the Fashion as Design course by Paola Antonelli on Coursera appears to be a well-designed and engaging course that provides a comprehensive overview of the fashion industry. While it may be challenging for some learners, the course offers a valuable opportunity for personal and professional growth in the field of fashion design and appreciation.
At the time, the course has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on over 2,737 ratings.
What you'll learn:
Upon completion of the Fashion as Design course by Paola Antonelli on Coursera, learners can expect to develop a range of skills and knowledge related to the fashion industry. These may include:
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Understanding the historical and cultural context of fashion: The course provides an in-depth exploration of the historical and cultural context of fashion, allowing learners to develop a deep understanding of how fashion has evolved over time and the ways in which it reflects and shapes cultural norms.
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Analyzing the design and construction of clothing: Learners will gain a greater understanding of the design and construction of clothing, including the use of textiles, patterns, and garment construction techniques.
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Developing critical thinking and analysis skills: The course challenges learners to think critically about the impact of fashion on society and the environment, encouraging them to analyze complex issues and develop their own perspectives on the industry.
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Understanding the economic and labor implications of the fashion industry: Learners will gain a greater understanding of the economic and labor implications of the fashion industry, including issues related to globalization, exploitation, and inequality.
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Exploring sustainable and ethical design practices: The course highlights the importance of sustainable and ethical design practices, encouraging learners to consider the environmental and social impact of their fashion choices.
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Developing a global perspective on fashion: Through the course's emphasis on global fashion trends and practices, learners will gain a more nuanced and informed perspective on fashion as a global industry.
Overall, the Fashion as Design course equips learners with a range of skills and knowledge related to fashion design, construction, and analysis, as well as a deeper understanding of the industry's cultural, economic, and social implications.
Author:
Paola Antonelli is a highly respected design curator and educator, known for her work in advancing the field of design and championing the role of design in shaping our world. Her course on Coursera, "Fashion as Design," reflects her deep expertise in the field of design, as well as her passion for exploring the ways in which design intersects with culture, history, and society.
Through the Fashion as Design course, Antonelli offers learners a comprehensive exploration of the fashion industry, from the design and construction of clothing to the cultural and economic implications of fashion as a global industry. Her approach is highly interdisciplinary, drawing on insights from history, anthropology, sociology, and other fields to provide a nuanced and holistic understanding of fashion as a cultural phenomenon.
Antonelli's expertise in design and curation is evident throughout the course, as she draws on a wide range of visual and textual materials to engage learners and help them grasp complex concepts. Her lectures are well-organized and engaging, and she has a talent for breaking down complex ideas into easily digestible segments.
In addition to her academic credentials, Antonelli brings a wealth of practical experience to the course, having curated several major exhibitions on design and fashion, including "Items: Is Fashion Modern?" at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Her extensive network of contacts in the design world also allows her to bring in guest speakers and showcase cutting-edge fashion design.
Overall, Antonelli's Fashion as Design course is a testament to her expertise in the field of design and her commitment to advancing the understanding of design as a cultural and social force. Her course offers learners a rich and engaging exploration of fashion design, and her approach highlights the importance of design thinking in addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing society today.
Requirements:
Here are detailed requirements for the Fashion as Design course by Paola Antonelli on Coursera:
1. Hardware and Software Requirements:
- A computer or mobile device with reliable internet access
- A web browser (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Microsoft Edge, or Opera)
- Ability to play audio and video files (using a media player such as Quicktime or Windows Media Player)
2. Skills and Knowledge Requirements:
- No prior experience or education in fashion design is required, but a basic understanding of design concepts and terminology is helpful
- Ability to read and write in English, as all course materials and discussions are in English
- Comfort with basic computer applications and online communication tools, such as email and discussion forums
3. Time Commitment:
- The course is designed to be completed over six weeks, with approximately 2-3 hours of study per week
- Learners are expected to watch video lectures, complete quizzes and assignments, and participate in discussion forums with fellow learners
- While the course is self-paced and flexible, learners are encouraged to stay on track and complete assignments in a timely manner to get the most out of the learning experience
Overall, the requirements for the Fashion as Design course are relatively minimal, and the course is accessible to anyone with an interest in fashion design and a willingness to learn.
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