Course Catalogue

Birth of Modern Fashion? Textiles and Dress, 1680 - 1815 HISTART5020

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Culture and Creative Arts
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
  • Typically Offered: Either Semester 1 or Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

This course will examine the history and development of textiles and dress during the long eighteenth century. It will consider the characteristics of production, dissemination and consumption of textiles and dress that have led some historians to propose that 'fashion' as we know it today, has its roots in this period. Key aesthetic, economic, political, social and technological developments will provide the context.

Timetable

Two hours per week for ten weeks, through lectures and seminars. 1 hour tutorial to discuss essay topic and progress.

Requirements of Entry

Standard entry to Masters at College level

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

The standard assessments for this course are:

■ Essay of 4,000 words - 80%

■ Oral presentation of 10-15 minutes - 20%

 

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:

■ There is no alternative to the essay, but a flexible deadline can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)

■ Recorded presentation as an alternative to the oral presentation.

 

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.

Course Aims

This course aims to:

■ develop students' knowledge and understanding of the history of eighteenth-century textiles and dress

■ trace the influences on textiles and dress during the eighteenth century, looking at key aesthetic, economic, political, social and technological developments

■ expand students' analytical thinking and writing and to develop their oral presentation skills

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ apply multi-disciplinary skills and ideas to the specific study of eighteenth century textiles and dress

■ identify and indicate the date of different styles of eighteenth century textiles and dress

■ analyse the diversity of influences on the development and use of eighteenth-century textiles and dress

■ use these skills and knowledge to critically assess and evaluate different types of primary sources for the study of dress history

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions