Fashion MerchandisingAS DegreeCertificate of Achievement

This course is survey of business providing a multidisciplinary examination of how culture, society, economic systems, legal, international, political, financial institutions, and human behavior interact to affect a business organization's policy and practices within the U.S. and a global society. Students will learn about how this business context (including issues such as ethics and sustainability) influences the primary areas of business including: organizational structure and design; leadership, human resource management, organized labor practices; marketing; organizational communication; technology; entrepreneurship; legal, accounting, financial practices; the stock and securities market; and therefore affect a business' ability to achieve its organizational goals. (C-ID BUS 110).

This course is an introduction to the world of fashion and retailing through an in-depth study of the history of fashion, terminology, designers, apparel production and distribution, merchandising techniques, and career opportunities. Career development strategies including resumes, cover letters and interviewing will be addressed.

This course introduces students to the history of clothing and costume including the influence of historic attire on current fashion apparel. The course examines the impacts of social class, religion and political conditions on expression through dress.

This course is an examination of information and communication technologies used in today's businesses and the impact these technologies are having on today's workplaces. The course will include examination and application of a wide range of information and communication technology tools used to support and enhance business functions and processes. Focus will be placed on solving a variety of business problems, improving organizational productivity, and achieving the goals of business.

This course is a survey of basic economic concepts. Topics covered include supply and demand, firms' price and output decision making, government regulation, monetary and fiscal policy, current economic issues and factors related to international trade and economic growth. This course is intended for students not majoring in Business Administration.

This course introduces students to fibers and their origin, yarns, basic weaves and fabric finishes, with reference to fabric selection for use in fashion and interior design. Emphasis is placed on the selection, use and care of new fibers and fabrics. The course also examines the impacts of textile laws, regulations and trade agreements.

This course introduces personal selling concepts, processes and tools. It emphasizes the importance of ethical, professional conduct; an understanding of consumer behavior; needs-satisfaction selling; and effective two-way communication. Students learn how to find and qualify prospects; establish rapport; ask questions to determine customers' needs; present pertinent product/service features, advantages and benefits; overcome buyers' objections; and close the sale. Students will participate (as buyers, sellers and critical observers) in interactive sales presentations.

This course introduces students to the basic concepts of visual merchandising. Utilizing basic techniques, students create miniature displays, interior displays, and full-scale window productions. Students study current trends and analyze local retail displays.

This course introduces students to the process of buying fashion merchandise for ultimate purchase by consumers. Topics include the principles and practical application of fashion buying, the role of the fashion buyer and the techniques of handling the complete buying-selling cycle.

This course introduces students to contemporary fashion productions including fashion shows, fashion videos, and retail promotions. Students will learn how to plan and produce various aspects of fashion promotions including event marketing, show staging, lighting, music, models, modeling, writing commentary, and directing rehearsals.

Work experience is an experiential course where students apply what they have learned in the classroom to a work environment. The course offers students the opportunity to develop technical skills, explore possible career choices, build confidence, network with people in the field, and transition into the world of work. Work experience may include paid or unpaid employment. Students may earn one semester unit of college credit in this course for every fifty-one hours of work experience. Students may enroll in this course up to 8 unit(s) to complete the entire curriculum of the course. A maximum of sixteen units can be earned in work experience courses during a student’s enrollment with Butte College.

Prerequisite: Permission of Work Experience Education instructor and employment supervisor