There were a variety of different tasks set as part of the R.C.S. module. All of which I found to enhance my thought processes for the course as a whole as well a teaching important academic points. Skills such as analysis, comparison and researching were all learnt.

The research element was possibly the most important and valuable. Learning to use online resources along side the library. To have to find relating sources as well as conflicting sources was a great skill to be introduced to. This skill can be transferred for use when researching for a fashion design project. All sorts of sources can be found that build on your initial idea. The Visual Research task made me realise that designers with true integrity use a huge, varying portfolio of sources. Analysis of these sources was also a good skill to exercise. Going deeper into an image than just the initial glance.

The Ethics Task also required this level of thinking about an image. It means you get so much more out of an image than you first realise. The other side of the Ethics task was interesting as well. As designers we have a responsibility in the industry and to really think about ethics was essential. There are many different elements and god debate to be had about a lot of aspects of ethics.

The writing side of all of these tasks required a certain level of thinking and made a difference to the largely very creative side of the course. The Reflective Task in particular required a bit of brain work. It was good to try and write with a certain level of academic input as well as read fully academic text. I enjoyed doing this at secondary school in subjects such as history and politics and it was good to exercise it again. The philosophy and history in the text we were set for the Reflective Task was a good basis to think about the subject of fashion as a whole. Having to think about the bigger picture makes for a better designer.

What was a bit of a struggle was the academic integrity, I understand the need for it – plagiarism is a very serious subject. Putting the explanations of this subject area was difficult, I also feel I have covered this area rather too much in the past.

All in all the different elements of this module covered a good spectrum of thinking. The research and getting into the habit of collecting references I feel will be the most beneficial for enhancing my other modules which are more creative. Finally the module has made me think about the fashion industry as a whole more and in a broader and more in depth way.