Credit Points: 15
Study Time: 150 Hours

This unit introduces you underpins and links with all other units in your course. It is concerned with developing your knowledge and understanding of textile practice through historical, cultural, contemporary and social contexts. Key developments within the specialism will be explored and debated e.g. environmental issues, sustainability, techno textiles and innovation, symbolic use of colour and fabrics.

The unit also develops your research and study skills within relevant critical and theoretical frameworks. It considers primary and secondary sources, bibliographies and other materials available in libraries, galleries, archives, trade shows and museums. Emphasis is placed upon the importance of independent study and acquisition and application of skills in research, analysis, criticism, and communication. 

Outline Syllabus
(An indicative guide to the content covered by this unit.)

• Historical, traditional and cultural making and designing textiles Contemporary applications and use of textiles/surface design and making (20^th and 21^st Century) 
• Analysis and critical investigation of textile based stimuli
• Acquisition of research skills using the Library and Learning Resources Centre
• Study skills: time management, note taking, use of internet
• Production of a bibliography to a specific standard

Method of Delivery
Lectures; seminars; tutorials; educational visits; independent study

Aims

A1 To develop your skills in research, analysis, criticism, reflection and communication.
A2 To develop your knowledge and understanding of key themes and issues within textiles art, design, craft and making.
A3 To deepen your knowledge and understanding of historical, social and cultural influences upon contemporary textiles practice

Learning Outcomes
On completion of this unit, you will be able to:

LO1 Demonstrate your competence and confidence in research, essay writing and academic conventions.
LO2 Reference sources using correct academic protocols (including plagiarism).
LO3 Demonstrate your understanding of key themes and issues within textiles art, design, craft and making and their relation to contemporary practice.
LO4 Demonstrate your skills in critical reflection and analysis.
LO5 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of critical theories and contextual issues in relation to contemporary practice.

Reference Material

Key
Colchester, C. (1999). The new textiles. London: Thames and Hudson Ltd.
Conway, H. (1992). Design history: a student's handbook. London: Routledge.
Fairs, M. (2006). Twenty-first century design. London: Carlton Books Ltd.
Fiell, C. and Fiell, P. (1999). Design of the twentieth century. London: Taschen.
Gale, C. and Kaur, J. (2002). The textile book. Oxford: Berg.
Harris, J. (1993). 5000 years of textiles. London: British Museum Press.
Schoeser, M. (2003). World textiles: a concise history. London: Thames and Hudson Ltd.

Recommended
Brett, D. (1997). On decoration. Cambridge: Lutterworth Press.
Hayward Gallery. (1999). Addressing the century: 100 years of art and fashion. London: Hayward Gallery.
Parry, L. (1990). Textiles of the Arts and Crafts movement. London: Thames and Hudson.
Sparke, P. (1992). An introduction to the design and culture in the twentieth century. London: Routledge.

Periodicals
Crafts // Drapers // Fashion Forecast // International Textiles // Selvedge // Surface // Textile Forum // Textile Magazine // Textile View //
View on Colour

Websites
Contemporary Applied Arts // Crafts Council // UK Department of Trade and Industry // Embroiderers Guild // London Fashion Week //
Society of Designer Craftsmen // Victoria & Albert Museum