Course Syllabus

Course Description

This course is for those with little or no sewing experience. Students will learn the application of construction principles from commercial patterns in making apparel. Emphasis will be on basic construction techniques and fundamental fitting.  

Course Outcomes

  • Demonstrate proper construction techniques by completing samples in portfolio weekly.
  • Use correct terminology in relationship to sewing construction by completing weekly learning journals and documenting steps.
  • Derive solutions to construction problems by completing four sewing projects. 
  • Recognize high and poor quality in clothing construction by following rubric expectations.
  • Build confidence in ability to construct pleasing, wearable apparel.

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course. 

Course Materials

No textbook is required; all necessary content information is provided in the course. However, the following are required: 

  • Microsoft Word software. If you do not already have access to this software, a free download for PC or Mac is available through the University Store.
  • Access to a digital camera or a smart phone.
  • Access to a video recording device such as a web camera, a digital video recorder, or a smart phone.
  • Sewing tools and materials. The estimated cost is $50, but this varies significantly depending upon your area and the tools/materials you already own or have access to. You may view the full list of required items in the FCS 207 Master Supply List. It is recommended you delay your fabric purchase(s) until you have read the information in Week 01 that describes different fabrics. This will help ensure you purchase the correct type of fabric for your projects.

Learning Model Architecture

It is important you understand the approach to online learning used at BYU-Idaho. Familiarize yourself with this by viewing the Orientation to Online Learning at BYU-Idaho video found in the Week 01 module.

Many learning models are available in the world of instruction. Most of them have the same essential elements as the BYU-Idaho Learning Model. The true power of the BYU-Idaho Learning Model is found in the principles behind it. Often we focus on the Learning Model process steps of Prepare, Teach One Another, and Ponder/Prove, but we forget the Learning Model principles. Please take time now to review the BYU-Idaho Learning Model Principles and consider ways you can implement them in your study habits this semester. Your personal prayers and scripture study are essential to learning by faith and will strengthen your ability to follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit. You should be prepared to use both intellectual and spiritual tools of learning in this course.

Each week, you will use the Learning Model process steps as described below.

  • You will Prepare by reading material and watching videos.
  • You will Teach One Another by sharing some of your work with classmates and providing meaningful feedback to your peers regarding their work. 
  • The primary Ponder/Prove activities will be:
    • Pillowcase Project
    • Pants Project
    • Shirt Project
    • Skirt Project
    • Weekly Learning Journal entries—consisting of notes regarding instructional videos and a weekly summary; each Portfolio Technique assignment has an accompanying Learning Journal entry.  
    • 30 Portfolio Technique assignments in which you demonstrate mastery of specific skills.
    • Portfolio Submission (a compilation of all 30 Portfolio Technique assignments).
    • 4 Projects (listed below).
    • 13 Completion Quizzes in which you report your discussion participation, answer content questions, and report progress on your current project.

Course Structure

The course is divided into 14 weeks. An I-Learn module exists for each Week. In accordance with the BYU-Idaho Learning Model, this is not an independent study course (meaning you may not work at your own pace). You will follow an established schedule and work consistently throughout the semester. You will need to follow the schedule because you will participate in discussions with your classmates regarding coursework in each week.

With the exception of the last week of the semester, assignments are always due on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 11:59 PM Mountain Time. 

If you are not in the Mountain Time Zone, these due dates will be adjusted to your time zone if you have updated your Canvas Profile and set your time zone. Once this is done, you may use the Calendar and your To-Do list to see the exact due dates and times for your location.

Weekly Pattern

The typical weekly pattern is shown below. This pattern does not apply for the first and last weeks of the semester. 

Day 3 (Wednesday 11:59 PM Mountain Time)

  • Read/view the week's Introduction and the instructional materials; write statements in the Learning Journal for the Small Video Assignments during this process.

Day 4 (Thursday 11:59 PM Mountain Time)

  • Complete the Portfolio Assignment and submit to the technique sharing discussion.
  • Provide feedback to peers in the technique sharing discussion.

Day 6 (Saturday 11:59 PM Mountain Time)

  • Make modifications to the Portfolio Assignment submitted to the technique sharing discussion.
  • Complete additional portfolio techniques, if assigned (only occurs occasionally).
  • Complete assigned work on current project.
  • Write a summary statement for the week and submit the Learning Journal.
  • Take the Completion quiz containing content questions, report of discussion participation, and project progress.

Tips for Success

This course will provide valuable experiences for you if you are willing to put forth the effort to fully engage in the course activities. As with most things in life, what you get out of this course will depend upon what you put into it. The following recommendations will strongly increase your probability of being successful in this course.

  • According to university policy, students should spend 3–4 hours per week per credit hour for each course. This is a two-credit course. Thus, you should plan to spend 6–8 hours per week on this course. However, because this is a skill-development course where you actively create projects, it is possible you may need to spend significantly more than 8 hours. This will depend largely upon your current skill set and your equipment. 
  • Your primary means of course navigation should in the modules. This view will allow you to experience the intended course flow created by the designers. The Calendar should be used to help remind you of the course schedule, but it should never be used as the means of course navigation. Navigating solely from the Calendar is a problem because it will cause you to miss important information and experience confusion regarding activity instructions. 
  • As you navigate the course from the module, read all material and instructions in every course page, including the Introduction. 
  • Always read the course announcements. They contain important information provided by your instructor. The announcements are displayed when you initially open the course. From any page in the course, you can return to the announcements at any time by clicking the Announcements link.
  • Plan your time so that you work consistently throughout each week. You will have a quality learning experience with less stress if you spread the work out through the week. Never wait until the day an assignment or project is due to begin it. Assignments/projects will take time and it is often difficult to gauge exactly how much time will be required. Therefore, you should work ahead of the scheduled due dates. 
  • Scan through the lesson pages at the beginning of each week and gauge the amount of time you will need to spend on the activities. Plan your week accordingly. This planning is very important since some assignments take several days.

Proctored Exams and Assessments

This course will use an online proctoring software called Proctorio. This makes it possible for students to take assessments and exams without a human proctor present. Proctored exams can be accessed like any other exam, once the software has been installed. Exams will be recorded by Proctorio and reviewed by the BYUI Testing Center. Any questionable exams will be forwarded to the instructor for further review.

For step-by-step instructions on Proctorio installation, please refer to this help guide article (Links to an external site.).

Grading Policies

Grade Components

Grades will be determined as shown in the table below.

Grade Category Breakdown

Your final grade will be comprised of  the five assignment categories below.

Grade Category Approximate Percentage
Portfolio Technique Assignments and Portfolio Submission  20%
Projects 41%
Learning Journal 15%
Completion Quizzes 21%
Miscellaneous 3%

Grade Distribution

Letter Grade Percentage
A 93–100%
A- 90–92%
B+ 86–89%
B 83–85%
B- 80–82%
C+ 76–79%
C 73–75%
C- 70–72%
D+ 66–69%
D 63–65%
D- 60–62%
F 59% and below

Due Dates

Due dates for this course are on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 11:59 PM Mountain Time (with the exception of Week 14). See specific information about due dates in the Week 01 module.

Late Work Policy

In the workplace, some due dates can be extended to accommodate extenuating circumstances, but in all cases, your reputation suffers. For this course, you should complete your work on time. Generally, late work will not be accepted; however, your instructor has discretion to accept late work or extend due dates in case of extenuating circumstances. Plan for catastrophes. Save digital work often and in multiple places. Resist the urge to procrastinate.

Help

If you need assistance, go to the Help link located on the bottom left of your screen to contact the appropriate support center.

Disclaimers

You have the responsibility to carefully read assigned materials and instructions. Questions should be noted and directed to your instructor. You also have the responsibility to contribute to others’ learning through your participation in discussions.

This syllabus and the course schedule may be changed at any time prior to or during the semester as the need arises. You will be notified by your instructor of any changes and may view them in the course documents.

University Policies

Students with Disabilities

Brigham Young University-Idaho is committed to providing a working and learning atmosphere that accommodates qualified persons with disabilities. If you have a disability and require accommodations, please contact the Disability Services Office at (208) 496-9210 or visit their website and follow the Steps for Receiving Accommodations. Reasonable academic accommodations are reviewed for all students who have qualified documented disabilities. Services are coordinated with students and instructors by the Disability Services Office.

This course may require synchronous meetings. If you are currently registered with the Disability Services Office and need an interpreter or transcriber for these meetings, please contact the deaf and hard of hearing coordinator at (208) 496-9219.

Other University Policies

Student Honor and Other Policies

Please read through the document called University Policies. It gives important information about the following topics:

  • Student Honor
    • Academic Honesty
    • Student Conduct
      • Sexual Harassment
    • Student with Disabilities
    • Complaints and Grievances
    • Copyright Notice

Go to the Student Resources module to review further resources and information.

Academic Honesty

As followers of Christ, all BYU-Idaho students, staff, and faculty are expected to be honest in all their dealings. This honesty also applies and extends to behavior and actions related to academic work. It is critical for you to understand the seriousness of academic dishonesty and misconduct and strive to produce and submit only the results of your own effort and original work. While you are encouraged to work with one another and share ideas, the sharing of text, code, or anything like it for individual assignments is inappropriate. There is never an acceptable excuse for plagiarism or cheating. Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated by the university.

Your instructor will be responsible for creating and applying policies and penalties for academic dishonesty, which may include point deductions, a score of zero on an entire assignment, and referral to the Student Honor Office. Cases will be analyzed on an individual basis and penalties applied according to the severity of the misconduct.

Course Summary:

Date Details Due