Fashion History, Theory, and Culture Minor
Fashion History, Theory, and Culture is an interdisciplinary minor that examines the meanings of fashion and its vital role in shaping culture and society. It is an ideal choice for students interested in fashion and fashion history, as well as those considering careers in fashion or costume design, illustration, or the broader fashion industry.
The following requirements below are intended for students beginning fall 2026. To declare your minor, please speak to your academic advisor for assistance.
Minor Coordinators:
Justine De Young
justine_deyoung@fitnyc.edu
José Blanco F.
jose_blanco@fitnyc.edu
| You Must Complete Five (5) of the Following Courses | ||
| EC 244 | Fashion Economics | 3 |
| FI 212 | Drag and Cross-Dressing in Cinema | 3 |
| FI 214 | Introduction to Costume Design for Film | 3 |
| HA 118 | Introduction to Fashion History: Materials, Motifs & Meanings | 3 |
| HA 119 | World Textiles: History and Culture | 3 |
| HA 201 | History of Fashion Photography | 3 |
| HA 204 | History of East Asian Dress | 3 |
| HA 215 | History of Menswear in Europe and North America | 3 |
| HA 237 | Global Fashion: Ancient Origins to Modern Styles | 3 |
| HA 239 | The History of African Textiles and Fashion | 3 |
| HA 256 | Latin American and Caribbean Fashion | 3 |
| HA/FI 257 | Costume in Science Fiction and Fantasy Films | 3 |
| HA/FI 263 | Fashion in Film | 3 |
| HA/FI 275 | Costume in Period Films | 3 |
| HA 301 | Fashion and Impressionism (Honors) | 3 |
| HA 305 | History of 20th-Century Textile Design | 3 |
| HA 322 | Contemporary Global Fashion History | 3 |
| HA 342 | History of Textile Design | 3 |
| HA 344 | European Fashion: Ancient Origins to Modern Styles | 3 |
| HA 346 | History of Twentieth-Century Fashion in Europe and the U.S. | 3 |
| HA 382 | Beauty: The Human Ideal in Visual Culture (Honors) | 3 |
| HA 383 | Art of the Silk Road: Cross-Cultural Encounters (Honors) | 3 |
| HI 208 | American History through Fabric, Fashion, and Dress | 3 |
| HI 209 | Fashion and Slavery | 3 |
| IT 312 | Italian Fashion Culture | 3 |
| MC 213 | Italian Style: Fashion In Italian Culture | 3 |
| PL 202 | Animal Ethics and the Fashion Industry | 3 |
| PY 250 | Fashion and Public Health | 3 |
| SO 208 | Fashion and Food | 3 |
| SO 277 | Ethnicity, Dress, and World Culture | 3 |
| SO 301 | Luxury: A Socio-Cultural Perspective | 3 |
| SO 306 | Kimono and Fashion: A Socio-Cultural Perspective | 3 |
| SO 309 | Tattoos and Body Modification | 3 |
| SO 313 | Cultural Awareness, Design Responsibility, and the Law | 3 |
| SO 317 | Fashion Research and Social Theory | 3 |
| SO 376 | Clothing and Society | 3 |
| SO 386 | Youth Subculture, Identity, and Fashion: A Sociological Perspective | 3 |
*Semesterly course offerings are subject to change.
Students who complete the Fashion History, Theory, and Culture minor will be able to:
- Analyze Fashion in Historical and Social Contexts - Interpret key developments, materials, and styles in fashion while evaluating how dress has shaped—and been shaped by—issues of identity, power, class, race, gender, and globalization.
- Interpret Visual and Material Culture - Critically assess fashion objects, images, and media (including textiles, photography, and film) as cultural artifacts.
- Engage with Fashion Theories - Apply theoretical frameworks—such as fashion theory, social theory, cultural studies, and material culture—to explain the functions of fashion in society.
- Communicate Critical Insights for Professional Audiences - Develop and present research findings in clear, persuasive written, oral, or visual formats appropriate for careers in fashion, business, media, or cultural institutions.
- Demonstrate Cultural Awareness and Ethical Responsibility - Apply knowledge of global and ethical issues in fashion to decision-making relevant to professional environments, including marketing, design, curation, and education.
- Conduct Research Using Interdisciplinary Methods - Gather, evaluate, and synthesize information from historical sources, archives, and contemporary media—using skills transferable to careers in research, publishing, and creative industries.