Curriculum
The following are the required courses for this major. Students who attend Orientation and meet with the Education Department can obtain personalized academic counseling to complete the program. Transfer credits, changes in curriculum, and other factors may affect the academic plan for individual students. The FIDM Education Department can provide additional information.
Prerequisite:
FIDM degree in Fashion Design; or an associate’s degree in a related field from another accredited college or university. Additional requirements may apply.
One-on-one advisement is available to students from other FIDM Majors to consider eligibility for special admissions to this program. Contact the appropriate department chairperson.
Associate of Arts, Advanced Study (A.A.)
DESN 4050
Costume Design for Film & TV I
UNITS: 3
This course introduces script reading with emphasis placed on interpreting character through design. It surveys the variety of jobs available to the costume designer, including styling for TV commercials and music videos, and designing for film and TV series. Lecture, illustration of projects, screenings, and guest speakers.
DESN 4120
Television Then & Now
UNITS: 3
Students learn about the history of television and the Golden Age of TV, the genres, trends, directors, and stars. Costume innovations and impacts on fashion are included. Class discussions cover the relationship between film and TV.
DESN 4180
Costume Illustration for Film & TV I
UNITS: 3
Students learn how to develop their own style of rendering contemporary and period costumes and fabrics. Customizing the illustration for the actor and incorporating appropriate accessories, props, and background are included. A practical class in illustrating costume designs from written or verbal descriptions of characters.
DESN 4350
History of Art, Costume & Culture I
UNITS: 3
This course is a broad survey of pre-20th century art, fashion, film, architecture, and photography and their relevance, development, and connection to contemporary styles and practices. Lectures, screenings.
DESN 4380
Costume Design for Film & TV II
UNITS: 3
Costume Design II is a course of ever more challenging design projects continuing from Costume Design I. Students increase their competence in design through projects, mentoring, and interaction with guest designers. Prerequisite: DESN 4050
DESN 4450
Costume Illustration for Film & TV II
UNITS: 3
Students explore a variety of media and find techniques that correspond to the students individual strengths. Emphasis is on visual communication and storytelling. Lecture, demonstration, and lab. Computer illustration is emphasized. Prerequisite: DESN 4180
DESN 4480
Costume Supervision for Film & TV
UNITS: 3
A specialized course that explores the job duties of the costume supervisor including script breakdown and budgeting and what happens to the costume after it has been approved by the costume designer, the actor, and the director. Managing a costume crew, maintaining the costumes, and keeping the continuity book are covered. Film and television guest speakers.
DESN 4620
History of Art, Costume & Culture II
UNITS: 3
This course is a continuation of History of Art, Costume, and Culture I focusing on 20th and 21st century styles, customs and conventions of differing communities, and geo-political influences. Prerequisite: DESN 4350
DESN 4680
Studio Design Project I
UNITS: 3
This course investigates fabrics, tools, and the techniques necessary for costume construction, including patterning, sewing, and fitting. Projects include aging, dyeing, and allied crafts. Students work on a costume of their own design which is completed for exhibition.
DESN 4760
History of Film - An Eye on Costume Design
UNITS: 3
Students study and analyze the history of American films. Emphasis is on important films, directors, and film genres from the beginning of movies to the 2000s. The great Hollywood costume designers and stars who became icons of style are studied along with changes in the work of a costume designer through decades.
DESN 4820
Sourcing the Costume
UNITS: 3
Students learn the value of local sources as well as online sources for costumes, costume elements, and costume making. Traditional and digital sources are explored. Students gain hands-on experience exploring LAs costuming resources. Students learn where to get what they need to successfully source and fulfill their jobs as costume designers for a student or independent film. Lecture, guest speakers, field trips.
DESN 4850
Studio Design Project II
UNITS: 3
Costume construction on the exhibit project continue to the opening of the exhibit. This course introduces fabrics, tools, and techniques necessary for hat making, shoe repair, alterations, and on set skills. Students learn about the purpose of the fitting and the role of the cutter/fitter. Lecture, demonstrations, and lab. Prerequisite: DESN 4680
DESN 4860
Advanced Styling for Costume Designers
UNITS: 3
This course teaches the process of preparing for a still camera shoot or event. Students learn the locations, procedures, and etiquette of PR houses, borrowing for productions, returning, and thanking. The course culminates in a student styled photoshoot teaching period movie or TV show style interpreted into current fashion.
DESN 4930
Professional Presentation for Costume Designers
UNITS: 3
This class guides the students in the preparation of a professional costume portfolio presentation. Both digital and physical formats are used. A passion project is completed by students and included in their portfolios. Emphasis on avenues for job searching and interviewing skills. A notable designer joins us each week as a guest lecturer, either in-person or remotely.
DESN 4960
Production Practicum & Special Topics
UNITS: 3
Students demonstrate their costume design skills through supervised field study of thesis production with an approved producing entity such as the American Film Institute, USC School of Cinematic Arts, or Chapman University, etc. Students produce an internship portfolio chronicling their experience as a final project. Special Topics are addressed with film professionals speaking on topics vital to the designers careers.
