Fashion studies

GIORGIO FERRI

1) To describe the specificities and meanings of clothing in the cultural and religious contexts
analysed.
2) To evaluate the role of clothing in the religious contexts analysed, also with reference to a
gender perspective.
3) To compare the role, specificities and meanings of clothing in the analysed religious contexts.
4) To interpret the symbolism connected with clothing in the religious systems analysed

At the end of the course, students will be able to:
1) Describe the specificities and meanings of clothing in the cultural and religious contexts analysed.
2) Evaluate the role of clothing in the religious contexts analysed, also with reference to a gender perspective.
3) Compare the role, specificities and meanings of clothing in the analysed religious contexts.
4) Interpret the symbolism connected with clothing in the religious systems analysed,

There are no prerequisites necessary to attend the course.

The first part of the course will consist of a general introduction to the theme of the symbolism of clothing as a transversal and fundamental cultural phenomenon of human action. In particular, the dimension of cloth and clothing will be explored as a symbolic system, capable of producing peculiar signs that stand alongside the other signs and symbols proper to a given cultural system. There will be no lack of nods to a more eminently anthropological perspective.
The second part will focus on the symbology of clothing proper to ancient Rome, also with a comparative and gender dimension. The cultural relevance and history of this peculiar system of signs will be explored, both in reference to everyday life and in more circumscribed contexts, such as war and politics. Finally, special attention will be paid to the symbolism of clothing in the religious sphere (priests, rites, deities). The course also includes the participation of external experts who will report on particular aspects of the topics addressed.

The examination texts are as follows:

1) A. Saggioro, "Simbologia del vestire", Roma, Edizioni Nuova Cultura 2007 (Quaderni di simbologia del vestire - 0).

2) F. Remotti, "Fare umanità. I drammi dell'antropo-poiesi", Roma-Bari, Laterza 2013.

3) One to choose from:
a) F. R. Nocchi, "Roma antica/1/Abiti nuziali", Roma, Edizioni Nuova Cultura 2007 (Quaderni di simbologia del vestire - 5);
b) G. De Sanctis, A. Maiuri, D. Segarra Crespo, "Roma antica/2/Costumi tradizionali", Roma, Edizioni Nuova Cultura 2007 (Quaderni di simbologia del vestire - 6);
c) A. Maiuri, "Roma antica/3/Paramenti sacri", Roma, Edizioni Nuova Cultura 2007 (Quaderni di simbologia del vestire - 7).
d) G. Sette, "L'abbigliamento", Roma, Quasar 2010 (Museo della Civiltà Romana. Vita e Costumi dei Romani - 22);
e) I. Baldini et al. (a cura di), "Abiti di Roma, Trame di Sicilia. La moda nei mosaici di Piazza Armerina, Roma, Quasar 2026.

4) One to choose from:
a) P. Calefato, "La moda e il corpo. Teorie, concetti, prospettive critiche", Roma, Carocci 2021;
b) V. Codeluppi, "Che cos'è la moda", Roma, Carocci 2003;
c) N. Giusti, “Introduzione allo studio della moda”, Bologna, Il Mulino 2009;
d) R. Barthes, "Il senso della moda. Forme e significati dell'abbigliamento", Torino, Einaudi 2006.

It is still possible to agree, either in addition to or as an alternative, to use specific books and essays on individual topics or in-depth studies, including those in other languages

The mode of delivery of this course is fundamentally frontal, with the occasional possibility of adopting the (flipped classroom) mode, i.e. with readings to be discussed in class. At the end of the course, participants are expected to do group work on dress symbology topics assigned by the lecturer, which will make up 25% of the final grade.

Attendance is optional but highly recommended for the achievement of the training objectives of the course. Possible workshop activities may only be carried out by those attending; participation in and completion of these activities will form an integral part of the final assessment, as will preparation on the topics covered in depth in the lessons (25%).

Questions on topics covered during the course and reference texts. The examination will focus in particular on the knowledge and understanding of the theoretical and methodological issues addressed, the ability to apply the skills acquired to specific fields of interest and to relate what has been learnt to other SSDs. Depending on the turnout, complementary or alternative evaluation methods may be envisaged, also in written form.

Recurrent questions are not foreseen.