TMD Learning Outcomes

Beyond simply meeting the requirements for graduation, the department expects graduates of TMD to achieve the following broad outcomes.

Knowledge Base

The department teaches courses in a range of subdisciplines in the field, and students are expected to demonstrate achievement across this range. Thus as a graduate of TMD, you will understand the underlying theories and practices of the global textile and apparel complex and the multidisciplinary nature of the field. By the time you complete your education, you will be able to:

  • Identify and discuss concepts related to the historical background of textiles and fashion
  • Identify and discuss concepts related tothe design, production and evaluation of textile and apparel products
  • Identify and discuss concepts related tothe management, marketing, and/or consumption of textile and apparel products
  • Identify and discuss concepts related tothe cultural, social, and psychological aspects of textiles, dress and appearance
  • Understand the limitations of one’s own knowledge base

Critical Inquiry

As a graduate of TMD, You will understand and use methods of inquiry appropriate to your discipline or practice, including field-relevant quantitative and qualitative analytical tools. By the time you complete your education, you will:

  • Be able to find information and arguments from a variety of sources including class materials, peer-reviewed literature, the Internet, library, media and/or raw data.
  • Be able to evaluate the validity of all available sources of information, including class materials, peer-reviewed literature, the Internet, library, media and/or raw data
  • Evaluate, integrate, and apply appropriate information from various sources to create cohesive, persuasive arguments, and to propose design concepts.

Problem Solving

As a graduate of TMD, you will use acquired knowledge, skills, and creativity to identify and solve major-related problems. By the time you complete your education, you will:

  • Identify and analyze a problem, including design problems, and their constituent parts.
  • Synthesize information from appropriate sources to form a deeper understanding of a problem and its relation to issues in your field.
  • Evaluate multiple perspectives and potential solutions
  • Draw conclusions from the analysis of data/evidence/information, then propose and justify an appropriate solution to a given problem

Communication

As a TMD graduate, you will communicate clearly and effectively using a variety of methods. By the time you complete your education, you will:

  • Write effectively using field-specific terminology and conventions in a variety of forms for appropriate professional audiences.
  • Speak and listen effectively in both formal and informal professional settings
  • Be able to communicate a concept visually using technology, or graphic displays.
  • Demonstrate appropriate and effective interpersonal and group communication skills for professional settings.

Professional Development

As a TMD graduate, you will gain knowledge and practice regarding the ethical principles and best practices utilized in the textiles and apparel complex. By the time you complete your education, you will:

  • Reflect on the motivating forces of one’s own behavior and perceptions
  • Practice systematic self-assessment and reflection
  • Recognize the social–historical-cultural factors that influence one’s knowledge
  • Understand the ethical principles of one’s profession and display high standards of integrity in professional settings.
  • Develop an appropriate career path and understand the need for continued learning.
  • Reflect on the motivating forces of one’s own behavior and perceptions
  • Practice systematic self-assessment and reflection
  • Recognize the social–historical-cultural factors that influence one’s knowledge
  • Understand the ethical principles of one’s profession and display high standards of integrity in professional settings
  • Develop an appropriate career path and understand the need for continued learning

Personal Development

As a TMD graduate, you will demonstrate a sense of responsibility to self, community, and society. By the time you complete your education, you will:

  • Develop an awareness of the diverse global community and ecology within their physical, biological and social dimensions
  • Have a broader sense of social and environmental responsibility