Module: BMA6113-20 Sustainable Fashion

Level: 6

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Katie Friedlander-Boss

Module Tutor Contact Details: k.friedlander-boss@bathspa.ac.uk

1.Brief description and aims of module:

With the increasing awareness of the impact humanity is having on the planet, greater consideration is being put into how fashion brands and businesses can grow, whilst putting sustainability and ethical practice at the forefront of their development.

This module will introduce you to some of the wider sustainable and ethical challenges that the fashion industry faces. You will explore these issues considering the impact they have within the wider global context as well as the localised fashion context. You will consider the impact that the growing industry has on natural resources and the lives of the people who work in and support the industry. You will identify the key issues and ideas that are being discussed in the industry today.

As this is an evolving subject, you will have the opportunity to discuss theoretical concepts, consider brands who are exploring new ways to work, that have a lower impact, and are trialling new approaches to manufacture and production, allowing you to develop insights and understanding as to why and how fashion businesses are making changes.

Finally, you will have the opportunity to consider how you might do things differently.

In this module, you will be able to demonstrate the following Graduate Attributes:

• Internationally networked: studying abroad for part of their programme, or studying alongside students from overseas.

• Critical thinkers: able to express their ideas in written and oral form, and possessing information literacy.

• Ethically aware: prepared for citizenship in a local, national and global context.

2.Outline syllabus:

The core focus of this module will the global supply chain, consumer behaviour, closed loop manufacture, ethics in fashion and innovation in business.

3.Teaching and learning activities:

You’ll have timetabled classes as well as doing your own independent learning in order to investigate further into the subject. There will be weekly lectures covering the core topics relating to sustainability and ethics within the fashion industry. During the seminar’s you’ll be discussing your learning with your fellow students so that you learn from each other, expand your knowledge and understanding, and develop your diplomacy and group communication skills. There will also be workshop support to develop your film making skills.

In small groups, you will undertake wider research on the topic of sustainability and ethics, exploring the impact and global issues created by the current fashion system. This should be grounded in and supported by academic research and credible resources. Following on from this, you will choose either an existing brand that could improve their practice or propose a new brand, explaining how they could develop their business in a more sustainable and/or ethical way.

You will need to undertake a competitive analysis as this will help to inform your understanding of who else is out there and whether their strategies are successful as well as a trend report to decide whether what you ae proposing resonates with consumers.

S1. A 10 minute film, discussing key issues relating to sustainability and/or ethics within the fashion industry and a potential solution for the brand of your choice.

S2. You will need to submit an individual personal reflection, explaining how you think the knowledge you have gained during this module will impact your future choices.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: 10 Minute film

• % Weighting: 90%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Personal reflection (300 words)

• % Weighting: 10%