U of A to Offer Five-Week Introduction to Textile Science Course

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ROGERS, Ark. – The University of Arkansas Global Campus and School of Human Environmental Sciences have partnered to offer an Introduction to Textile Science course, set for May 31 through July 1 at the Global Campus facility in Rogers. Participants can register online.

The cost of this course is $500, and U of A faculty, staff, students and Alumni Association members receive a 10 percent discount. This cost does not include the required textbook and swatch kit. Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be awarded a certificate of completion from the School of Human Environmental Sciences and the Global Campus.

This course will explore textile fibers and fabrics; their structure, properties, manufacture, and wearing qualities; and methods of laundering, finishing, and dyeing. At the end of the course, participants will understand textile fibers, basic yarns and fabrication methods.

Course participants will be able to identify fabrics by construction, dyeing, printing and/or finishing techniques; develop a professional approach in the selection of textiles for end use consumption of apparel, home furnishings, and select industrial products; communicate with consumers about the use and care of textile products; and begin a professional reference file based on textile products.

Laurie M. Apple will instruct the course. Apple is in her 16th year at the U of A and currently serves as an associate professor and study tour coordinator for the Apparel Merchandising and Product Development program within the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences.

Apple’s areas of instruction include apparel product development, textiles and textile design. Her senior-level textile design course has successfully designed graphic T-shirts and woven shirts for the Dillard's men's division. Apple's research agenda includes body image and fit of clothing using the 3D body scanner, developing new blocks for size specifications and using e-textiles to interest junior high females in STEM-related careers. Apple has a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, and a doctorate from Oklahoma State University, Stillwater.

The course is open to both degree-seeking students and non-credit Global Campus students. Participants who register for the course through Global Campus are eligible to receive Professional Development Continuing Education Units (CEUs) only, meaning these CEUs cannot be used toward academic or degree credit. Those who wish to take these courses to earn academic or degree credit must apply and be admitted to the U of A, and then register through the student registration system. For information about academic credit, contact Laurie Apple at lapple@uark.edu.

Contact Erin Morgan at emorgan@uark.edu or call 479-464-5024 for more information about workforce development education opportunities.

About the Global Campus: The Global Campus supports U of A colleges and schools in the development and delivery of online, distance and workforce education programs and courses. It provides instructional design services, technology services and assistance with marketing, recruiting and strategic academic development.

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among only 2 percent of universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.