THE SCIENCE OF TEXTILES - PERFORMANCE & PROPERTIES
An introduction to textiles, fiber properties, and fabric behavior. Explore textile construction, performance, fabric aesthetics, durability, comfort, care and sustainability as related to design practices, serviceability of fibers, yarns, weaves and knits as well as dyed and printed fabrics. Case studies of sustainable designers and sustainability frameworks are referenced for responsible material choices. Analyze traditional and emerging fiber technologies to develop a deeper understanding of textiles and their impact on design and the environment.
Prerequisites & course information
Requisites: None Course Designation: Core GenEd - Natural Science & Wellness + Lab Breadth - Physical Science Level - Elementary L&S Credit - L&S Liberal Arts and Science Repeatable for Credit: No Last Taught: Spring 2026 Learning Outcomes: 1. Classify fiber families based on their general and unique characteristics and identify commonly used textile fabrics by name. Audience: Undergraduate 2. Describe the properties of fibers, yarns, fabric structures and finishing techniques, explaining their role in fabric appearance, performance, and end-use applications in fashion and design. Audience: Undergraduate 3. Analyze how fiber composition, yarn structure, fabric construction, and finishing processes influence fabric performance and aesthetics. Audience: Undergraduate 4. Apply knowledge of textile characteristics, legislation, and labeling to evaluate textile products for selection, care, and sustainability. Audience: Undergraduate 5. Critically assess the ethical and environmental impacts of textile production and consumption using sustainability frameworks such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Audience: Undergraduate 6. Explore innovative and emerging fiber technologies, including biomaterials, recycled textiles, and traditional ecological knowledge (TEK), to inform sustainable design decisions. Audience: Undergraduate Learning Outcomes: 1. Classify fiber families based on their general and unique characteristics and identify commonly used textile fabrics by name. Audience: Undergraduate 2. Describe the properties of fibers, yarns, fabric structures and finishing techniques, explaining their role in fabric appearance, performance, and end-use applications in fashion and design. Audience: Undergraduate 3. Analyze how fiber composition, yarn structure, fabric construction, and finishing processes influence fabric performance and aesthetics. Audience: Undergraduate 4. Apply knowledge of textile characteristics, legislation, and labeling to evaluate textile products for selection, care, and sustainability. Audience: Undergraduate 5. Critically assess the ethical and environmental impacts of textile production and consumption using sustainability frameworks such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Audience: Undergraduate 6. Explore innovative and emerging fiber technologies, including biomaterials, recycled textiles, and traditional ecological knowledge (TEK), to inform sustainable design decisions. Audience: Undergraduate
Sources
- Course catalogue ↗2026-2027