HIS 257 - Topics: Threads of History (1)

This course explores the historical foundations of one of the most basic facts of daily experience: the clothes people wear. Historically, textiles have been a major driver of economic growth, a marker of luxury and status, an everyday reality, and an area of cultural diffusion and adaptation. Focusing on the period before 1800, this course examines the impact of textile production and use economically and socially, from Chinese silk to Indian cotton to European wool. We will examine aspects of labor history, material culture, and fashion through study of texts, artwork, and material objects.
(Humanities)