Module manager: Helen Clarke
Email: h.clarke@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
DESN2657 20th Century Fashion History
This module is not approved as a discovery module
You will be guided through 20th Century fashion charting major developments over the century. This will involve analysis of the connections between 20th Century fashion and contemporary society. Concepts relating to consumer behaviour and social change will be explored. This will involve enquiry into the impact of cultural, political and social influences on fashion. The manufacture, dissemination and adoption of fashion styles will be examined. Key fashion designers will be studied, and an analysis made of their sources of inspiration, methods of working and marketing. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module
This module aims to:
1. Introduce you to the development of fashion cultures, movements and styling in the 20th century.
2. Introduce key authors, theorists and methodologies for the study of fashion history and
3. Explore the relationship between politics, social change, commerce, cultural movements and the development of fashion products and services.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Critically analyse ideas and practices from the past to inform future fashion outcomes.
2. Interpret fashion products using appropriate methodologies to make connections with the social, political and cultural contexts of the fashion industry.
3. Apply knowledge gained on the design/production/ consumption/ marketing of fashion products to contemporary global issues.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
4. Use research skills to evidence critical thinking around contemporary fashion issues.
5. Apply creative solutions and innovative problem solving to fashion outcomes.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Fieldwork | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Lecture | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Seminar | 8 | 2 | 16 |
| Independent online learning hours | 22 | ||
| Private study hours | 154 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 24 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
There will be an opportunity for formative feedback on the portfolio in a tutorial /supervision for all students half way through the module.
Verbal feedback will be given by the tutor on work in progress during seminars. Peer feedback will be practised in seminars.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Portfolio | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Resits are available for this module. The resit must answer an alternative question to the first attempt.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team