Coopersmith Career Consulting | Evaluated Learning Experience
The Social Psychology of Dress (FAS-201)
Varies (self-study; self-paced).
April 2019 - Present.
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: describe how meanings of dress vary from society to society; explain the common purposes that dress serves (i.e., to protect, to communicate, or to personally satisfy); interpret scholarly publications about dress and ideas of research topics regarding dress; evaluate clothing as a form of human behavior, considering the social and cognitive factors influencing the management and perception of personal appearance in everyday life; assess the importance of social and cultural context in the creation and interpretation of clothing symbolism; differentiate psychological, sociological and anthropological perspectives of dress that influence appearance management; compare and contrast concepts and methods appropriate for the study of appearance in contemporary societies; and analyze how cultural and societal factors influence dress behaviors.
This course provides students with basic concepts and theories from social psychology applied to dress and its connection to human behavior. Major topics include: how dress reflects self-feelings, clothing as part of a nonverbal communication system and how it relates to human behavior changes and communicates gender, race, religion, and position establishes social identities and affects interpersonal encounters. Instructional methods include a study guide, required readings, and a final exam.
In the associate/certificate degree category OR in the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Sociology, Psychology, or Fashion Merchandising (4/19).
