University of Rhode Island

  College of Human Science and Services

TMD 402L SEMINAR, SPRING 2006: Made in China

SYLLABUS

Focus: 
In January 2005, quotas on textiles and apparel were lifted for all member countries of the World Trade Organization. Subsequently, imports to the US from China increased dramatically, creating havoc for domestic manufacturers. Textile and apparel producers who have pleaded for protection from the flood of imports have besieged the US Government. Retailers, on the other hand, have objected to tariffs and quotas on imported goods, claiming higher prices for consumers. Manufacturers of textiles and apparel products in underdeveloped countries have also been hurt by China’s low wages. Understanding the issues revolving around trade with China is critical for TMD and TM graduates entering the complex and fast-paced global fashion business.

In this seminar, the history, culture, and tremendous manufacturing capability of China will be explored through a series of lectures by invited speakers. Each lecture will build on knowledge gained in the previous lecture. Student presenters will research specific subjects not covered by the invited speakers, thereby increasing our knowledge.  The seminar is an advanced class designed to bring together subject matter from the entire TMD curriculum.

Registration:
·         Section 01 - 1 cr. - students attend guest lectures and student presentations; write a 1-page summary.
·         Section 02 - 2 cr. - students perform all requirements for 1 cr. plus research a specific topic which they present in both oral and written form
·         TMD 402 may be repeated once with a different topic.

Pre-requisites:
A basic understanding of the textile and apparel industry is necessary to comprehend the topics addressed by the speakers.  Completion of TMD 103, 222 and 232 is helpful.  Two-credit registrants should be juniors who have completed 12 credits of TMD classes including TMD 103, 222, 224, and 232.  See instructor if you are unsure of your status or ability to complete the requirements for two credits.  

 Course requirements:
Students registered for 1 credit must attend all class sessions and write summaries of each presentation to be handed in during the following class period.  No late summaries will be accepted.  The goal of assigning weekly summaries is to develop and improve your writing skills.  My graduate assistant is available to work with you to improve your writing skills (email for appt.). jennakpoole@yahoo.com

Students registered for 2 credits must complete the requirements for 1 credit registrants, a web site location project, and an in-depth research report.  The guidelines for the 2-credit assignments will be distributed and discussed on Feb. 1st.

Web page:
Each week a student-prepared summary will be selected for addition to the web page.  Two-credit registrants will identify web sites relevant to this course which can be linked to our page.  Two-credit registrants will submit abbreviated versions of the market research reports for addition to the web page.   All students are expected to visit the web site periodically.

Attendance:
Attendance is mandatory (see course requirements above) and contributes significantly to your grade.  On the first day of class, a seating chart will be made.  Be sure you remember your assigned seat as attendance is taken using the seating chart.  Attendance means arriving by 4 p.m. and staying until the program is over.  Late arrivals and early departures will be noted and attendance records modified accordingly.  Guest speakers contribute valuable time and effort to make their presentations, and as guests they should be treated with respect.  It is rude to come in late and to walk out on invited speakers while they are talking.  This includes leaving temporarily to use the restroom or to get a drink of water.

Grading:
One-credit registrants will be graded on (a) the summaries, and (b) attendance.  Summaries will be graded S, S+, and S-.  A full semester of S graded summaries with no absences will earn an A grade for the course.  The course grade will drop with increasing numbers of S- grades.  Grades of S+ will counteract S- grades.  (i.e. an S- and an S+ are the same as two S's).  The grade for the summaries depends on full attendance at guest speakers and student presentations.

The grade will be reduced by absences.  Only one excused absence is allowed (i.e., medical excuse or job interview, but NOT going to Florida).  Each unexcused absence will reduce the grade by two steps as follows:

Two-credit registrants will be graded as follows:
            50% attendance and summaries
            10% identification of relevant web sites for hyperlinks
            15% presentation of project
            25% paper for written paper
            For bona fide illness (written medical excuse), see instructors.

INCOMPLETES GIVEN FOR MEDICAL REASONS ONLY.

Academic Enhancement Center (AEC) To be successful in this course, it is best to stay on top of all weekly readings and assignments, and review your notes regularly.   A good way to keep pace and improve your understanding is to visit the Academic Enhancement Center (AEC) in Roosevelt Hall. There, tutors are available to help you to better understand course concepts and assignments and develop more effective ways of studying. The AEC encourages you to bring classmates, so that you can continue to work together after your visits. You can also meet for one-to-one tutoring, if you prefer. You can visit the AEC as few or as many times as you like; it's not necessary to commit to a regular schedule. The AEC is open Monday through Thursday from 9 am to 9 pm, Friday from 9am to 1pm, and Sunday from 4 pm to 8 pm.   They recommend that you make an appointment, but walk-ins are welcome on a first come, first served basis.  To make an appointment or get more information about AEC services, go to www.uri.edu/aec, call (401) 874-2367, or stop by to visit on the fourth floor in Roosevelt Hall.  Phone (401)-874-2397

Disabilities  Any student with a documented disability is welcome to contact me as early in the semester as possible so that we may arrange reasonable
accommodations. As part of this process, please be in touch with Disability
Services for Students office at 330 Memorial Union. 874-2098.

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