The course aims to give students an understanding of the processes involved in forming yarns and fabrics from fibres, including spinning, weaving and non-woven techniques, and of the main historic decorative and construction techniques. As a result students should be able to identify techniques found in historic and modern textiles, understand how they influence the deterioration of textiles and be able to document and record the techniques used.

2 lecture/seminar hours per week plus 1 hour of tutorials.

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The standard assessments for this course are:

■ Technical object record where students will examine one textile in depth and submit a detailed report of the constituent materials: yarns and their spin/ply, weave or non-woven structure, decorative elements, etc. (3000 words) - 60%,

■ Poster with sample on technique. Each student will create a poster explaining one textile technique and attach a sample of the material. - 40%.

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:

■ There is no alternative to the technical object report, but a flexible deadline can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)

■ There is no alternative to the poster, but a flexible deadline can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.

This course aims to:

■ Introduce the processes involved in forming yarns and fabrics from fibres

■ Introduce the main historic decorative and construction techniques

■ Relate these to their context and meaning (origins, development, use, etc.)

■ Enable the development of appropriate methodologies to record yarn and fabric structures

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Identify textile structures using observation and research skills

■ Recognise the historical and geographical context of textile techniques

■ Demonstrate proficiency in one textile technique

■ Use oral, written and visual communication skills, including:

■ Using appropriate technical terminology

■ Writing documentation in a style appropriate for a textile curator or a general audience

■ Selecting and presenting information in a clear and coherent manner

■ Participating fairly and positively in class discussions