Harper College

Fashion Design Certificate

This 46 credit-hour certificate program is designed to prepare students with entry-level skills in apparel design, flat pattern design, draping, fashion illustrating and professional design room practices of tailoring. Students enrolled in the program need to demonstrate mastery of basic sewing.

F = Fall only course S = Spring only course U = Summer only course

Number Course Title Credits
FAS 100 3

Description:  Introduces students to basic principles of apparel construction techniques. Course projects require the use of industrial sewing equipment. Presents instruction in basic sewing techniques and their application to garment construction. (NOTE: Final project should be completed to participate in the annual department Little Black Dress competition.)

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024 | Spring 2025

FAS 101 3

Description:  Introduces the principles of patternmaking through drafting basic block and pattern manipulation. Working from the flat pattern, students will apply these techniques to the creation of a garment design. Accuracy and professional standards stressed. Pattern tested in muslin for fit. Final garment will go through the annual jury to participate in the annual department fashion show.

Prerequisite: Prior or concurrent enrollment in FAS 100 with a grade of C or better.

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024 | Spring 2025

FAS 102 3

Description:  Continues development of basic sloper set. Manipulates basic sloper set to create original design. Patterns tested in muslin for fit. Garment is constructed from corrected patterns. Final garment will go through the annual jury to participate in the annual department fashion show.

Prerequisite: FAS 101 with a grade of C or better.

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024 | Spring 2025

FAS 104 3

Description
Develops patterns from basic sloper set. Actual construction of finished garments to be shown at the annual department fashion show. Emphasis on styling, fit, and professional finishing.

Prerequisite: Prior or concurrent enrollment in FAS102 with a grade of C or better.

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024 | Spring 2025

FAS 105 3

Description:  Introduces basic and advanced techniques in rendering the fashion figure, garments, details, and textiles using various media with a focus on application of color and texture. Students will begin to develop a personal illustrative style. Students will be introduced to technical drawing and flat sketches for use in spec sheets, presentations, and story boards.

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024 | Spring 2025

FAS 107 3

Description:  Explores natural and manufactured fibers, their production, uses, and characteristics. Includes discussion of yarns, fabrics, finishes, design methods, aesthetic applications, and ordering specifications. Emphasizes traditional techniques as well as advancements in technology utilized in the textile industry.

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024 | Spring 2025

FAS 109   F   3

Description
This course is only offered in the fall term.
Focuses on theory and principles of design for fashion, and familiarizes the student with major fabric names and constructions. Studies the use of unusual materials in design and applies those materials to individual projects to be shown at the annual department fashion show. Studies the influence of present-day cultural trends in the field of design.

Prerequisite: FAS 102 with a grade of C or better.

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024 | Spring 2025

FAS 110 3

Description:  Introduces the elements of design and color in historical perspective. Surveys historical periods of time focusing on costumes. Examines the influences of social, political and economic forces on fashion in these periods.

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024 | Spring 2025

FAS 112 3

Description:  Presents fashion merchandise through evaluation of fashion products. Develops awareness of construction, as well as workmanship and design elements, such as fabric, color, silhouette and taste.

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024 | Spring 2025

FAS 113 3

Description:  Focuses on application and mastery of basic sewing skills in pattern and fabric recognition and problem solving related to individual creative design. Emphasis on technology, technical accuracy and appropriate use of selected materials and supplies. (NOTE: This course is intended for students with basic sewing skill and machine proficiency.)

Prerequisite: FAS 100 with a grade of C or better or placement as demonstrated through Fashion Design Department testing. Contact program coordinator for additional information.

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024 | Spring 2025

FAS 201   F   3

DescriptionThis course is only offered in the fall term.

Continues advanced development of creative design process through basic draping techniques on industry standard dress forms. Final garments will go through the annual jury to participate in the annual department fashion show.

Prerequisite: FAS 102 with a grade of C or better.

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024 | Spring 2025

FAS 204   S   4

DescriptionThis course is only offered in the spring term.

Works on collection of individual design and actual construction of coordinated garments. This capstone course requirement includes garment entry and participation in annual department fashion show.

Prerequisite: FAS 201 with grades of C or better.

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024 | Spring 2025

FAS 208   S   3

Description
This course is only offered in the spring term.
Introduces students to the Computerized Patternmaking Software. Students learn the technical terminology and CAD tools to create and modify patterns.

Prerequisite: FAS102 with a grade of C or better.

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024 | Spring 2025

FAS 210   S   3

Description
This course is only offered in the spring term.
Emphasizes work on a professional studio level. Focuses on work sketches as well as finished art using digital media. Studies illustration for advertising, publicity, promotion and display. Preparation of professional portfolio.

Prerequisite: FAS 105 and GRA 112 with grades of C or better.

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024 | Spring 2025

GRA 112 3

Description:  Presents vector graphics software and its applications to the graphic arts industry. Explores tools and functions within the current software. Focuses on creating illustrations, working with type, color, and all tools needed to create multi-colored illustration and separation. Emphasizes techniques to create illustration files for use in digital print production. Computer skills are required for success in this course.

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024 | Spring 2025

For more information about the Fashion Design Certificate program, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700, or submit a request information form. You can also apply online.

Last Updated: 11/20/24