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Fashion – Programs & Curriculum



  • Fashion Design — Associate of Science
    • The Art Institute of Philadelphia emphasizes innovation and creativity in fashion design while providing students the technical knowledge necessary for a successful entry into the fashion industry. The Fashion Design programs focus on building skills in fashion production techniques, drawing, sewing, patternmaking, and presentation.

      PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

          •    Understand the influence of multiculturalism and historic costume to gain historical knowledge of past fashion trends
          •    Understand regional demographics, consumer target markets and mass globalization to produce for specific clientele
          •    Identify fabrics and textile fibers for selected end use
          •    Analyze fashion concepts and design cycles to forecast future trends
          •    Apply traditional sketching and computer techniques to produce fashion illustrations and technical specification packages
      Employ skills in sewing techniques and garment construction
          •    Demonstrate table and computer-aided pattern drafting and draping techniques to produce final patterns
          •    Interact with industry professionals as guest lecturers or critics to associate industry knowledge with collection evaluation
          •    Apply technical skills and production knowledge to create a final collection
          •    Integrate technical and research skills in an industry-related internship
          •    Prepare for entry-level careers in apparel design and manufacturing


      ENTRY-LEVEL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
      By graduation, students are prepared to seek entry-level positions such as assistant designers, stylists, costume shop assistant, production assistants, technical designers, patternmakers, and freelancers.
    • Total Credit Hours: 105
    • Seven 11–Week Quarters or 77 Weeks
  • Curriculum
  •  
    • AD10210 Life Drawing 

      This course continues the study of the human figure. Students work primarily from undraped models and receive thorough instruction in analytical draftsmanship, which is the basis of drawing any subject. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: GR10110 OR Academic Director Approval

    • FD0015PF Portfolio Foundations Fashion Design  

      The creative professions require innovative individuals with clear vision. Freshmen at The Art Institute of Philadelphia will work together to develop the vision of what makes a successful student and professional. The course begins by welcoming students into The Art Institute of Philadelphia community and helping them integrate into this student environment. Students will become acquainted with college and community resources, explore their goals for success, and work on establishing a visionary course for the development of their professional portfolio. The course concludes with attending the portfolio show of the graduating class. (0 quarter credits, 2 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: None

    • FD10210 Introduction to Apparel Design 

      This course is designed to prepare the student for Clothing Construction. The purpose is to give the student basic sewing skills and a working knowledge of the sewing equipment. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: None

    • FD10412 Clothing Construction I 

      Students learn basic sewing techniques, combined with an extensive study in machine operation and basic maintenance. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: FD10210, course must be taken with FD10422

    • FD10422 Patternmaking I  

      Students learn basic techniques and skills of flat pattern drafting using commercial dress forms and specifications; development of a full set of basic slopers by drafting patterns, fitting muslins, making corrections and adjustments. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: FD10210, course must be taken with FD10412

    • FD20512 Fashion Design Sketch I 

      Students learn the basic principles and elements of fashion design with focus on line, color, form, space and texture. Industry work sketches in relation to basic body skills, and sketching techniques are emphasized. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: AD10210

    • FD20522 Clothing Construction II  

      An in-depth study of industrial equipment, attachments, and industry-based sewing techniques for top-quality workmanship and preparation for industry production. Advanced sewing and pressing techniques are explored using various fabrics. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: FD10412, FD10422

    • FD20532 Patternmaking II  

      Students learn flat pattern techniques in accordance with garment trade practices. Using a basic sloper, the students learn dart manipulation, bodice styling and skirt, collar and sleeve variations. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: FD10412, FD10422

    • FD20612 Fashion Design Sketch II  

      Students will learn about rendering fashion layouts with clothing in relation to figure. All areas of apparel design are presented in detailed croquis and illustrations exploring various media. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: FD20512

    • FD20622 Draping 

      Students learn methods of transforming fabric, a one-dimensional surface, into a three-dimensional form for the purpose of creating a flat pattern. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: FD20532, FD10412, FD10422

    • FD20632 Computer Patternmaking  

      In this course students will develop a working knowledge of PAD Systems software. Combining what students have learned in pattern drafting on the table and utilizing the PAD toolbox, patterns will be created on screen and the pattern exercise file of slopers will be used to manipulate into skirt, dress, blouse, jacket, shirt and pant styles. Included will be writing and applying grade rules, setting pieces and applying seam allowance, production marker making and plotting. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: FD20532, FD10412, FD10422

    • FD20642 Portfolio Preparation  

      This course is to give fashion design students guidance in what elements are needed in creating a saleable collection-from concept to color and fabric story to silhouettes. Included will also be understanding and executing line sheets, cost sheets, cutting tickets, technical flats and spec sheets. Students will design a collection on paper and execute two garments that pose engineering challenges in the first half of the course. The last third of the course will be concentrated on designing and fabricating final collections. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: FD20512, FD20522, FD20532

    • FD20652 Graphics for Fashion Designers 1 

      This course is a workshop in which students study the use of the computer as the tool of the designer. An overview of a pixel based program and image manipulation gives the student a greater understanding of the immense power and control of computer hardware and software to create graphic design materials for fashion design. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: LS10110, FD20512

    • FD20712 Patternmaking III  

      Advanced professional design presented through the creation of a collection of garments. Students follow the process from original concept to finished garments with attention to current trade practices. Preparation for presentation of collection at Portfolio Review or Annual Fashion Show. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: FD20522, FD20532, FD20642, course must be taken with FD20722

    • FD20722 Collection Development  

      Students develop a collection in their specialized area of apparel. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: FD20522, FD20532, FD20642, course must be taken with FD20712

    • FD20732 Design Presentation  

      A culmination course emphasizing professional presentation skills needed to visually market the designer’s portfolio. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: FD20512, FD20612

    • FS10111 Fashion History I 

      Students study the development of clothing from the earliest time to the Renaissance and the silhouette reflected through the eyes of the designer. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: None

    • FS10112 Survey of Fashion Industry  

      An overview of the fashion industry including design, production, and marketing of women’s, men’s, and children’s fashions, from the developing of fibers and fabrics to the strategies of fashion merchandisers and retailers. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: None

    • FS10211 Fashion History II 

      An in-depth continuation of FS10111 Fashion History I from the Renaissance to Modern. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: FS10111

    • FS10212 Textiles and Fabrics  

      A comprehensive study of textiles with an emphasis on fiber classification, yarns, fabric construction, finishes and color applications. The use and care of textiles is studied for understanding the fiber-to-product cycle. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: None

    • FS10312 Business Management  

      Introduces students to the world of modern management; the knowledge and skills needed, the requirements for effectively selecting and managing people and the constant “adjusting to change” techniques necessary in 21st century business. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: FS10112

    • FS10322 Introduction to Manufacturing  

      Overview of the fashion industries including the terminology of fashion and an explanation of the three levels of the industry; design, production and sales. Careers and the organization, structure, and problems of the garment industry are studied. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: None

    • GE10110 English Composition I 

      This is a composition course that stresses the writing process. Students will write multi-paragraph essays using the following expository modes: description, narration, example, comparison/contrast, classification/division, process analysis, and causal analysis. Nonfiction readings will be covered to help illustrate writing structures and the organization of ideas. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: ASSET placement OR successful completion (grade "C") of GE0011EN and/or GE0012RD

    • GE10120 Art History: Prehistoric to Mannerist 

      This course surveys Western art forms relative to political, social, religious, and economic movements from antiquity to the Mannerist period. Topics include painting, sculpture, decorative arts, and architecture. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: None

    • GE10210 English Composition II 

      This is a composition course that focuses primarily on analytical and persuasive writing, as well as the research paper. Emphasis is also placed on critical reading and thinking. Cultural issues such as diversity, multiculturalism, tolerance, and effective communication will be discussed in connection with some writing assignments. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: GE10110

    • GE10220 College Math 

      This course covers algebraic techniques and problem-solving, such as algebraic and complex fractions, operations with real numbers, linear functions and systems, quadratic equations, radicals and radical expressions, factoring, polynomials, conic equations and applications, exponents and radicals. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: ASSET placement OR successful completion (grade "C") of GE0013MA, GE0013MA

    • GE10230 Art History: Baroque to Contemporary 

      This course surveys Western art forms relative to political, social, religious, and economic movements from the Baroque to present day. Topics include painting, sculpture, decorative arts, architecture, photography, and conceptual art. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: None

    • GE10320 Effective Speaking 

      In this course, students will learn professional methods of speaking and of communicating their ideas and experience to others. Students will prepare and deliver demonstration and persuasive speeches designed to be effective with a variety of audiences. Students will also participate in small group presentations. Topics include subject selection, audience analysis, research, organization, and the use of voice and body in speech delivery. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: None

    • GE10410 Introduction to Psychology 

      This course focuses on a working knowledge of human sensory processes and their subsequent perceptual and behavioral manifestations. Topics include learning, memory, consciousness, and cognition. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: GE10110, GE10210

    • GE20510 Ethics 

      This is course an introduction to the concepts, theory and practice of ethical decision-making in the personal and social realms. Concepts such as justice, mercy, responsibility, and morality are considered. Students will learn about a broad range of ethical theories and theorists, ancient to modern. These theories will be compared, contrasted, and applied to a variety of ethical problems, dilemmas, and controversies. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: GE10110, GE10210

    • GE20540 United States History: Early Period 

      This course covers the period of U.S. history from early colonization to the Spanish/American War. Primary emphasis is on the English colonies and the period of nationhood. This course will examine U.S. history in terms of social, economic and political perspectives, and students will also trace the histories of various American populations, such as women, African-Americans, Native Americans, etc., throughout the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: GE10110, GE10210

    • GE20580 Economics 

      This course provides an introduction to the principles of economics emphasizing an analysis of the economy as a whole. Interrelationships among the consumer, business, and government sectors are explored from American and international economic perspectives. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: GE10110, GE10210, AND GE10220 OR GE10450

    • GR10130 Color Theory  

      This fundamental course provides an introduction to the principles of color and an exploration of color theory as it relates to graphic design. The psychological and cultural aspects of color will be examined in making appropriate design decisions. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: None

    • IN20712FD Internship I  

      Students will be given the opportunity to practice the skills and knowledge they have learned in a real world situation by working at an approved industry site. (3 quarter credits, 9 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: 75 earned credit hours

    • LS10110 Computer Science 

      This course introduces the theories and applications of both the IBM and Macintosh computers. Topics include word processing, spreadsheets, databases, PowerPoint, computer graphics, file preparation for high-end output, file management, basic data storage and retrieval and the Internet. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: None

  • Other
  • Electives
  • General Education Elective (Select 1)
    • GE10130 History of Photography 

      This course provides a framework for considering critically significant photographers and their work. Students will be expected to describe, interpret, and evaluate the origins, stylistic changes, and artistic innovations in the history of photography from the nineteenth century through contemporary times. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: None

    • GE10310 World Literature 

      This course focuses on international literary selections. Topics include the critical evaluation of the literary genres: short story, poetry, and drama. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: GE10110, GE10210

    • GE10330 American Government 

      This course is an introduction to the principles and practices of American Government. Concepts such as democracy, civil rights, civil liberties; public opinion; mass media, political parties, and the three branches of government will be discussed. Students will learn about the framework of government from colonialism to the present day. Government ideologies will be discussed and applied to various situations in an unbiased manner. Students will be able to see the importance of government and how decisions made by the government affect our everyday daily lives. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: None

    • GE10430 Environmental Science 

      This course will introduce the student to the physical, ecological, social and political principles of environmental science. The student should gain an understanding of scientific method and how it is used to analyze the relationship between humans and the natural environment. The course will help the student to develop an analytical framework that he/she can use to judge environmental issues and intelligently discuss environmental responsibility. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: None

    • GE20590SA Study Abroad 

      This course is designed for students who wish to study abroad. Students will travel between the spring and summer quarters and will return to campus to complete a final exhibition project during the summer quarter. The course will consist of lectures, activities, research, and discussions designed to examine the culture, history, and aesthetics of the city or cities chosen for the study abroad experience. Students will also be encouraged to explore issues of identity and place, ideology (values, norms, customs), society (conformity/autonomy, gender, class), and structure (religious, political, economic) as they share, analyze, and reflect upon their experiences throughout the course. (3 quarter credits, 44 hours over two week break)

      Prerequisites: None

The Art Institute of Philadelphia

1622 Chestnut Street  Philadelphia, PA 19103-5119 • 1.215.567.7080 • 1.800.275.2474