Catalog Description

Hours: 54 lecture
Description: Study of costumes from the Greek period to the present, with an emphasis on the use of historical costumes for the stage. Period costume design projects examined. Designed for both Theatre Arts majors and non-majors who are interested in acquiring an appreciation for and the terminology of apparel through history. (CSU, UC)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Describe and discuss the re-creation of period costume styles.
  • CSLO #2: Identify and describe period costume styles.
  • CSLO #3: Identify and recall the historical terminology.

Effective Term

Fall 2026

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

54

Outside of Class Hours

108

Total Student Learning Hours

162

Course Objectives

Students will, through oral, written, and practical work:

1. identify and describe period costume styles from classical times to present including, but not limited to Greek, Roman, Medieval, Renaissance, Restoration, Romantic, Victorian, Bustle, Edwardian, and 20th Century;

2. analyze and discuss the process of re-creating period costume styles from classical times to present including, but not limited to, Greek, Roman, Medieval, Renaissance, Restoration, Romantic, Victorian, Bustle, Edwardian, and 20th Century through projects;

3. compare and contrast different fabrics and their potential historical period uses;

4. examine different sewing techniques including draping, cutting, closures, weights, hand and color, and their potential historical period uses; and

5. discuss and analyze the limitations imposed by budget constraints and production cohesion.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • AA/AS - Arts and Humanities
    • AA/AS - Fine Arts
  • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
    • CSUGE - C1 Arts
  • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
    • Cal-GETC 3A - Arts
  • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)
    • IGETC - 3A Arts

Articulation Information

  • CSU Transferable
  • UC Transferable

Methods of Evaluation

  • Classroom Discussions
    • Example: Watch a period film and discuss which costumes demonstrated adherence to the historical accuracy of the period using technical terminology. Describe the practical reasons why the designer may have strayed from historically accuracy in some areas. Students are graded based on level of participation in the discussion. Students must contribute understanding of subject matter in order to receive passing grade.
  • Projects
    • Example: Design and draw an Elizabethan costume for a character from a Shakespearean play. Students will be assessed on the following criteria: use of correct period garments, silhouette, fabric choices, and character analysis.

Repeatable

No

Methods of Instruction

  • Lecture/Discussion
  • Distance Learning

Lecture:

  1. Instructor will lead the class in discussion about draping as a design element considering which time periods support a draped look. Students are expected to actively participate in the discussion.
  2. Instructor will demonstrate the draping of the three classical robes. Students are expected to participate by assisting in the process.

Distance Learning

  1. The instructor will lecture on a specific historical period (e.g. Edwardian). With the professor, the students will create a glossary of terms. From there, students will watch a film set in that period and discuss the where the designer strayed from historical accuracy and why that might have been, considering budget, needs of the production, fabric availability, and design choice.

Typical Out of Class Assignments

Reading Assignments

1. Read and discuss chapter in text on historical fashion and period construction techniques in the Victorian Era. 2. Read and summarize handout on working in a professional costume shop.

Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

1. Attend two plays with historical period costumes and write formal critiques of the costumes created for and used in those plays. 2. Compare and contrast specific costumes observed in department's main stage production with regard to the period represented and creative techniques used to fulfill the period requirements.

Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

Design, draw, and swatch a costume from the current play, taking into consideration the budget, the time and manpower available for construction, the character, the shape and size of the actor or actress wearing it, and the style and period of the play.

Required Materials

  • SURVEY OF HISTORIC COSTUME: A HISTORY OF WESTERN DRESS
    • Author: Phyliss G. Tortora and Keith Eubank
    • Publisher: Fairchild Books and Visuals
    • Publication Date: 2010
    • Text Edition: 5th
    • Classic Textbook?: No
    • OER Link:
    • OER:
  • Costume: An Illustrated Survey from Ancient Times to the Twentieth Century
    • Author: Margot Lister
    • Publisher: Plays, Inc
    • Publication Date: 1977
    • Text Edition: 2nd
    • Classic Textbook?: No
    • OER Link:
    • OER:
  • The Pictorial Encyclopedia of Historical Costumes
    • Author: Albert Kretschmer
    • Publisher: Dover Publications
    • Publication Date: 2007
    • Text Edition:
    • Classic Textbook?: No
    • OER Link:
    • OER:
  • Victorian Fashions and Costumes from Harper's Bazar
    • Author: Stella Blum
    • Publisher: Dover Publications
    • Publication Date: 2012
    • Text Edition: 1st
    • Classic Textbook?: No
    • OER Link:
    • OER:
  • Costuming the Shakespearean Stage
    • Author: Robert I. Lublin
    • Publisher: Routledge
    • Publication Date: 2016
    • Text Edition:
    • Classic Textbook?: No
    • OER Link:
    • OER:
  • Dressing Historical Characters
    • Author: Lauren M. Lowell
    • Publisher: Waveland Press, Inc.
    • Publication Date: 2024
    • Text Edition:
    • Classic Textbook?: No
    • OER Link:
    • OER:

Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.