Course Syllabus
Course: HFST 2230
Division: Social and Behavioral Science
Department: Education and Family Studies
Title: Concepts of Cosplay
Semester Approved: Fall 2019
Five-Year Review Semester: Summer 2025
End Semester: Summer 2025
Catalog Description: This course integrates the knowledge and methodologies of multiple disciplines including: individualized sewing instruction, allowing students to build skills from their own level of competency; examining the impact that playing a character has on personality and behavior, and gaining better understanding into personality theories and how they might influence identification with characters; techniques and artistry of make-up, stage presentation and commitment to your character; origin of Cosplay; and 3-D development of props.
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 2; Lecture: 1; Lab: 2
Justification: FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention and similar events continue to generate much interest in the cultural trend of Cosplay. In order to compete in Cosplay competitions, individuals must have constructed a large percentage of their costume. This course was developed upon student request in order for them to gain knowledge and skills in costume construction. Because Cosplay has roots in Japanese culture, because it involves theater make-up, wigs, and props, and because of the interesting psychological aspects of this trend, this course includes the integration of knowledge and methodologies from varied disciplines.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will complete a sewn costume reflecting at least 30 hours of work.
Completion of this objective will be observed by modeling it in a class presentation as well as wearing it to participate in a campus event involving Cosplay. The instructor will also evaluate the quality of work.
Students will demonstrate knowledge of personality theories and how they might influence characters or identification with characters.
Students will demonstrate completion of this outcome by writing a paper which will be evaluated by the instructor based on student understanding of classroom concepts.
Students will do research on a character form Anime, comics, movies, video games or other media and be knowledgeable concerning personality and behavioral characteristics accessories and props, make-up and hairstyles, etc
Students will demonstrate completion of this outcome by expressing verbally the results of their research in a class presentation, which will be evaluated by the instructor while observing the students in costume.
Content:
Students who have an interest in Cosplay often have generally made an effort to become knowledgable in related aspects. Students will share an area of expertise they have developed in relation to Cosplay. This may include such things as:
Sewing Tips and Tricks
Use of Theatre Make-up
Stage Presentation and Commitment to your Character
Personality Theories, Personality and Behavior
Japanese Contribution to Cosplay
Designing and Building Props
Also course content will include:
Threading and Using Sewing Machines and Serge Machines
Basic Pattern Selection
Pattern Fitting and Cutting Out Projects
Individualized Sewing Instruction
Key Performance Indicators:
Costume Construction: 40 to 70%
Personality Theories Paper: 15 to 20%
Class Presentation: 15 to 20%
Participation in Cosplay Show: 5 to 10%
Pedagogy Statement:
Students will be taught using group demonstrations and individual specialized instruction.
There are many skills that can be discussed and demonstrated using a camera and projecting the image onto a large screen TV. Points are awarded for attendance at group lecture/demonstrations.
Students select their own projects resulting in many different sewing challenges. During lab time and throughout the work day, I am available to share solutions individually and to teach them different strategies for completing their projects.
Some materials are available for students to use in the classroom. I have been able to collect many patterns, trims, and specialized fabric remnants. Students in Cosplay very often need varied resources and I am happy to provide these when possible.
I have been impressed with the knowledge Cosplay students exhibit related to their characters and the creation of their costumes. Having students share their area of expertise has been very well received by the group and I believe it is an effective way to examine the varied concepts of Cosplay.
Instructional Mediums:
Lecture/Lab
Maximum Class Size: 12
Optimum Class Size: 12
