career options in technical design. Prerequisite: MPDV 4100

MPDV 4600 — 3 UNITS

DESIGN THINKING: RESEARCH & IDEATION

MRCH 1420 — 3 UNITS TEXTILES & PRODUCT ANALYSIS

In this first of two consecutive project-based courses designed to prepare students for the rigor and creative vitality sought by the industry, students use design thinking to research a technical design issue that calls for process or product innovation or improvement. Their project may address oppor-tunities found in underserved markets, emerging technologies, or in global supply chain manage-ment. Through a process of human centered discovery, students define and interpret a problem, ideate their concept for resolving it, and identify potential risks to implementation before presenting their solution for review and evaluation to peers and industry representatives. Prerequisite: MPDV 4250

MPDV 4700 — 3 UNITS

PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT & ANALYSIS

MRCH 1450 — 3 UNITS

CONCEPTS IN TREND FORECASTING

An introduction to the concepts behind professional trend forecasting. Students learn to understand the fundamentals of the trend forecasting research process through the analysis of current events, social and cultural influences, and industry observation. Emphasis is placed on interpreting research into viable macro trends. Prerequisites: MRCH 1420, MRCH 1750

Students in this course identify and select fabrics and fabric finishes to fulfill specific customer needs relating to garment structure, design aesthetic, performance, and care across divergent target market groups. Students also master the precise textile terminology essential to effective communi-cation with designers, manufacturers, and market-ers. Prerequisite: MRCH 1100

In this capstone course, students design a garment of their choice to be executed to their specifica-tions by a local sample maker. In the process, they exhibit their understanding of fabric selection and proper garment fit; they validate their ability to give detailed, precise and complete instructions (de-veloped in previous pattern drafting and technical design classes) to produce a completed prototype; and they demonstrate their time management skills by adhering to schedules and meeting deadlines. Includes a three (3) hour lab. Prerequisites: MPDV 3450, MPDV 4100

MPDV 4850 — 3 UNITS

DESIGN THINKING: IMPLEMENTATION

MRCH 1550 — 3 UNITS THE RETAIL ENVIRONMENT

This course explores store and non-store retailing formats, structure, purpose, as well as the chal-lenges and integration of retail channels. Students gain an understanding of the retail industry and are exposed to today’s global environment. They are introduced to franchising, licensing, branding, and pertinent retail terminology. Career paths and opportunities in the fashion industry are further defined and explored. Prerequisite: MRCH 1100

MRCH 1750 — 3 UNITS MERCHANDISING STRATEGIES

In this second component of the MPDV Design Think-ing sequence, students develop a complete business strategy for the product or process innovation begun in MPDV 4600 and now linked to a specific brand and target market. The business strategy details specifications, prototypes, experimentation methods, enumerates a budget and costs, describes sourcing strategies including a production timeline, and iden-tifies potential business partners to support and help launch the new product or process. Students then culminate their accomplishment by presenting their new concepts to an industry panel for critique and evaluation. Prerequisite: MPDV 4600

MRCH

MRCH 1100 — 3 UNITS

THE BUSINESS OF FASHION MERCHANDISING

MRCH 1820 — 3 UNITS

TREND ANALYSIS & STYLING CONCEPTS

A survey of the fashion apparel industry, with emphasis on the roles played by design, textile and product development, merchandising, and distribu-tion in the creative and business cycles. This course introduces students to apparel terminology, textile and manufacturing resources, and industry partic-ipants, as well as to the many career paths and job opportunities open to them.

This course is an introduction to the methodology of tracking and forecasting trends in the fashion industry. Students examine how world economy, popular culture, visual arts, runway collections, and retail and street fashion combine in varying de-grees to shape current styles and determine future trends. A culminating styling project challenges them to synthesize what they have learned in an informed prediction about future trends for a specific brand and target market. Prerequisite: MRCH 1420

This course gives students insight into the com-plexity of decision making for buying and planning merchandise assortments and product develop-ment. Emphasis is also placed on the application of technology to solve business problems. Students develop problem-solving skills through the analy-sis of current business practices in merchandising, including buying, assortment planning, pricing, inventory control, and purchase timing. The importance of customer service and developing strategic partnerships with vendors and suppliers is examined. Prerequisite: MRCH 1550