Elements and Performance Criteria

Sources of information on costume may be both formal and informal and include:
books on costume, architecture, decorative arts, transport, textiles, colour
writings of the period
paintings and illustrations of the period
photographs
film, video
the Internet
personal observation
watching TV

General aspects of costume history and evolution must include the evolution of clothing styles in relation to:
basic shapes/silhouettes
types of fabrics used
foundation garments
trims and accessories

The link between costume design and other production aspects may relate to:
the role of different individuals in the design process
the ways in which costumes may need to be adapted to meet physical or creative performance aspects

Underpinning skills and knowledge

Assessment must include evidence of the following knowledge and skills:

the role of costume within an overall production
history of costume development within the performing arts, both within Australia and overseas
the roles and responsibilities of different people in the costume design and production process and the differences between workplaces
the interrelationships between costume personnel and others involved in a production
the differences between everyday garment construction and costume construction process
general research skills sufficient to source and analyse information on costume
sources of information on costume history and evolution

Linkages to other units
This unit underpins and has linkage to all other costume units.

Critical aspects of evidence

The following evidence is critical to the judgement of competence in this unit:

ability to conduct research on costume requirements to meet the needs of a particular production
general knowledge of the history and evolution of clothing styles for men, women and children

Method and context of assessment

The assessment context must provide for:

demonstration of skills through the conduct of costume research for a particular production

Assessment may incorporate a range of methods to assess performance and the application of essential underpinning knowledge, and might include:

review of a research portfolio developed by the candidate for a particular production
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of costume history and evolution
review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate
Assessment methods should closely reflect workplace demands and the needs of particular groups (eg people with disabilities, and people who may have literacy or numeracy difficulties such as speakers of languages other than English, remote communities and those with interrupted schooling).

Resource requirement

Assessment of this unit requires access to:

sources of information on costume history and evolution

Communicating ideas and information
Researching the history of costume (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Presenting options for costume construction based on research (2)

Planning and organising activities
Organising information (1)

Working with others and in teams
Discussing ideas with colleagues (1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
- (0)

Solving problems
Tracking hard to find' information (1)

Using technology
Using the Internet for research (1)