Course Syllabus

Fundamentals of Costume Design Syllabus

THEA/FDM 136

 

Meet Your Instructor: 

Professor Josephine Ho

Jojo Siu originally hails from Philadelphia, PA, but has been a costume designer and educator for over 10 years both nationally and internationally. Her commitment to diversity in theatre is extremely important in her work, and in her classroom. She loves storytelling through costumes, and loves watching her students enter the workforce with a passion to do the same. 

Office Hours are from 1:00pm-3:00pm Tuesdays

Email Contact: Ho_Josephine@sac.edu

Course Description:

This course will cover the study of costume history, design, and basic construction techniques as an introduction to basic theatrical costuming. Fabrics and their various uses will be investigated. (Crossover with FDM 136). This course credit is transferable to both UC and CSU school systems. 

 

Course Learning Objectives: 

1. Identify costumes from various historical periods. 
2. Gain knowledge of, comprehend, and use standard costume vocabulary. 
3. Identify, comprehend, and analyze fibers and fabrics and their use in costumes. 
4. Analyze a play script to create a design concept. 
5. Comprehend and apply costume construction methods to execute a costume. 
6. Comprehend and apply historical research methods to create a costume design. 

 

Student Learning Objectives: 

1. Analyze a play script to assess both character and costuming needs. 
2. Create costume design concepts. 
3. Distinguish the job responsibilities of all areas related to theatrical costuming.
4. Integrate historical research methods to create accurate costume designs. 

 

Textbook Information: 

There will be weekly outside reading required for this course, so make sure you keep up with the reading for class discussions. 

Costume in Performance: Materiality, Culture, and the Body, by Donatella Barbieri

Additional Recommended Textbooks:

The Magic Garment: Principles of Costume Design, by Rebecca Cunningham

PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE FOLLOWING FOR CLASS:  

1. A Sketchbook (9x12 or larger)
2. A notebook (or your computer) for taking notes.
3. A writing Utensil (Pencil is preferred).
4. A basic sewing kit (We will talk about when this will be needed once we start doing some basic construction and patterning later in the semester.)

Additional Course Information: 

The students will utilize all of the following techniques during this course: Class Discussions, Group activities and study exercises, Worksheets, Instructor Demonstrations, Lectures, Media presentations, Reading Assignments, Research Projects, Visual Aids, Writing Projects and Reports, and Quizzes and Exams to test their knowledge throughout the course. 

 

This course will utilize the following methods of learning: 

• Class Discussions
• Directed Learning Activities
• Group Study & Exercises
• Handouts 
• Instructor Demonstrations and Videos
• Lectures
• Video and Media Presentations
• Reading Assignments
• Research Projects
• Visual Aids
• Writing Projects & Reports

 

Grading Policy

The student will be graded on completed samples and class work, Reading discussion and written assignments, completed design project with appropriate script analysis and costume plot work, and final costume construction project. There will be two quizzes throughout the semester, in addition to a  midterm, and the costume construction final. Total grade will be based upon points accumulated from completed coursework and projects, quizzes and exams. 

• Weekly Textbook Reading assignments
• Written Assignments
  • Research and Development Written Report following a specific Costume style or period. 
  • A textile sample notebook with written notes on types of fabric. 
• 1 Design Projects (and research to accompany these)
• Quizzes (2 total) and Exams (2 Total)
• Understanding and learning Script Analysis and development of Costume Plots
• Preparation and construction for a basic costume project. 

 

Grading Breakdown:

1. Quizzes (2 total): 20 points (10 points each)
2. Exams (2 total): 25 points (12.5 points each)
3. Design Project: 35 points
4. Research Written Report: 20 points
5. Textile Sample Notebook: 10 points
6. Discussions and Readings (1 per week: 16 total): 40 points (2.5 points each)

TOTAL: 150 points

 

Grading Rubric

135-150=A

120-134=B

105-119=C

90-104=D

0-89=F

​​

Participation:

The student’s responsibility includes participation, timeliness, and preparation, for the full length of each class. Our Conferzooms will begin  promptly at 8:35 am. No exceptions will be given for traffic or parking issues. Students are required to wait a maximum of 15 minutes for the professor to arrive in the zoom call.  

Attendance will be taken daily at the beginning of each class.  2 late arrivals to class after roll has been taken or early dismissals will count as one missed class.  If you have 4 or more unexcused absences, the professor can drop you from the class. You are responsible for all course work missed and expected to be prepared for course work upon your return to class. Students must notify the professor by week two of this class so that special accommodations for religious holidays can be arranged. Any missed dates after week two without approval will not be accepted. If there are extenuating circumstances that require you to miss class, you must provide a note detailing your absence by the following class.

 

Cell phone/Laptop Policy: 

Cell phones may be used for EMERGENCIES ONLY. Students may not receive or send messages via cell phones or other electronic devices while class is in session. If I see you on your cell phone, I will mark you absent for the class.   

 

Assignments, Presentations, and Projects:

All projects, presentations, and assignments must be completed when they are submitted for grading and must be submitted on the due date assigned in the syllabus.  

There will be a lot of outside assignments to supplement this class, so please do not fall behind! Students have up to one week after the due date to submit overdue work. There will be a 10 % reduction for each day the assignment is late and assistance will not be offered during class time for the completion of overdue work. If you need assistance, please schedule office hours with the professor as needed. If an incomplete is absolutely necessary, please schedule time to with me during office hours and we can come up with a plan to complete the work or file for a proper incomplete. Incomplete work MUST be done OUTSIDE of the class time, during designated shop hours once the school semester is officially in session.  

**Note: Presentations that are not presented to the class on the due date will receive ZERO points.

 

Non-Discrimination Policy:

The Rancho Santiago Community College District is committed to equal opportunity in educational programs, employment, and all access to institutional programs and activities.

The District, and each individual who represents the District, shall provide access to its services, classes, and programs without regard to national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race or ethnicity, color, medical condition, genetic information, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, or military and veteran status, or because he or she is perceived to have one or more of the foregoing characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

Academic Honesty Policy

Introduction

Students at Santa Ana College are expected to be honest and forthright in their academic endeavors. To falsify the results of one’s research, to steal the words or ideas of another, or to cheat on an examination, corrupts the essential process by which knowledge is advanced. Academic dishonesty is seen as an intentional act of fraud, in which a student seeks to claim credit for the work or efforts of another without authorization, or uses unauthorized materials or fabricated information in any academic exercise. As institutions, we also consider academic dishonesty to include forgery of academic documents, intentionally impeding or damaging the academic work of others, assisting other students in acts of dishonesty or coercing students into acts of dishonesty.

Procedures

In cases where a violation of academic honesty is discovered, the faculty member is encouraged to file an “Academic Misconduct Incident Report” form and distribute the form to the appropriate offices listed.

 

**All Scheduling and Requirements for class are subject to change!