FSAD 4682

Fashion, Politics, and Law in the United States

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2025-2026 Catalog.

This course explores how fashion, law, and politics intersect to shape culture, identity, and power in the United States. Through historical and contemporary case studies, students examine how fashion influences legal precedents, rights, and social movements while gaining practical insight into intellectual property, labor, environmental, and constitutional issues.

Distribution Requirements (CA-HE, D-HE, HA-HE, KCM-HE, LAD-HE)

Last 4 Terms Offered (None)

Learning Outcomes

• Students will be able to define, analyze, and communicate complex legal concepts related to the U.S. fashion industry in both written and verbal forms.
• Students will understand the historical development of fashion law and industry standards in the United States from the late eighteenth century to the present.
• Students will evaluate key areas of law affecting fashion, including intellectual property, consumer protections, labeling requirements, and labor and employment regulations.
• Students will refine ability to understand, communicate, and negotiate contracts, including: licensing, retail, sponsorship, distribution, and manufacturing agreements; employment contracts; intellectual property assignments; endorsement contracts; non-disclosure agreements; and force majeure.
• Students will analyze constitutional law and federal protections—including the First, Thirteenth, and Fourteenth Amendments—to assess their impact on everyday dress and the fashion industry.

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