91117 - Fashion and Visual Culture

Learning outcomes

At the conclusion of the course the students will have acquired knowledge in the context of contemporary visual culture in relation to the heterogeneous visual manifestations of the Fashion System. Particular attention will be paid to the role of image in the definition of brand identity. The course also aims at providing students with the methodological study and analytical tools necessary for the interpretation of the visual languages adopted in the narrative, valorisation and promotion processes relative to fashion products, and in the construction of the imaginary linked to it.

Course contents

The course aims to provide the theoretical basis in visual culture studies, along with various examples of the interconnections between fashion, art, and visual communication. Students will be provided with theoretical tools to understand, describe, and analyse fashion images within their cultural context. Particular attention will be paid to the problem of cultural appropriation, the theory of the male gaze, and gender representation stereotypes in mass media.

Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities. It is suggested that they get in touch as soon as possible with the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en) and with the lecturer in order to seek together the most effective strategies for following the lessons and/or preparing for the examination.

Readings/Bibliography

• Irit Rogoff, Studying Visual Culture, in Irit Rogoff, ed., The Visual Culture Reader. London, Routledge, 1998, pp. 24-36 [downloadable from the course Virtual page].
  
• Anneke Smelik, Fashion and Visual Culture, in Jan Brand & José Teunissen (eds.), The Power of Fashion. About Design and Meaning. Arnhem, Terra/ArtEZ Press, 2006, pp. 152-171 [downloadable from the course Virtual page].
  

Other materials and bibliographical references will be provided by the lecturer during class.

Teaching methods

Lectures and classroom exercises.

Assessment methods

Classroom exercises are planned to focus on analysing texts related to visual culture and describing images. Interactive platforms such as discussion forums and quizzes will be used to facilitate engagement. Iconographic and bibliographic research exercises are also planned. By the end of the course, both attending and non-attending students are expected to present and discuss a case study that exemplifies the intersections between fashion, art, and visual communication, to be agreed upon with the lecturer. The presentation should include text and images and should be made with software such as PowerPoint, Canva, Prezi or InDesign.

Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities. It is necessary to contact the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en) with ample time in advance: the office will propose some adjustments, which must in any case be submitted 15 days in advance to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of these in relation to the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

PowerPoint and audiovisual materials.

Office hours

See the website of Pasquale Fameli