Merchandising, Apparel & Textiles

ECO 201

This course will introduce you to the economic way of thinking and provides basic tools of economic theory used to study markets, individual consumer behavior, and the behavior of firms. It employs concepts such as scarcity, opportunity costs, tradeoffs, marginal thinking, and gains from trade. This course will examine how markets work and how supply and demand interact to determine prices, explore market failure such as externalities, the tragedy of the commons and public goods and the role of the government in market activity. Students will also be introduced to theories of the firm and individual behavior, competition and monopoly, and welfare economics. Students successfully completing this course should leave with an understanding of these basic economic principles and their applicability to real world situations. Students should also be able to incorporate the tools of economic analysis into their own decision-making processes as they weigh costs and benefits to make choices.

MAT 237

An introduction to design and aesthetic principles as they are applied to promotional procedures of retail and wholesale organizations including methods of visual merchandising, special event promotion and public relations.

Prereq: MAT 120 or consent of instructor.

ECO 202

A study of how society's needs are satisfied with the limited resources available. Topics include contemporary issues such as inflation, unemployment, economic growth, international dependencies, and how public policy deals with them. A critical understanding of the U.S. and global economies will enhance your value as a manager or executive of a business (whether for-profit or non-profit), as a family member dealing with jobs and financial decisions, and as a voter in a democracy. The course will allow you to become knowledgeable of, and able to critically think about, the major macroeconomic issues of unemployment, jobs, recessions, economic growth, inflation, deflation, oil prices, monetary policy, the Federal Reserve, fiscal policy, budget deficits, the national debt, international trade, international finance, and the financial system.

Prereq: ECO 201.

ACC 200

This course introduces accounting for decision makers. Topics include the roles of accountants, the use of accounting information for organizational planning and control, the analysis of accounting data for solving business problems, and an exposure to how financial reporting communicates business results. (Formerly ACC 202).

Prereq: AN105 (prereq or coreq) or CS101 (prereq or coreq), and successful completion of 27 semester credit hours or consent of the School of Accountancy Director.

MAT 247

A study of the social, cultural, physical, and psychological factors which influence apparel and apparel use in contemporary society.

MKT 300

The literature and problems in the retail distribution of consumers' goods, wholesale distribution of consumers' goods, industrial goods, sales organizations, sales promotion and advertising, and price policies.

Prereq: Sophomore standing or higher.

RTM 340

Self-assessment of students' strengths, limitations, and career aspirations. Preparation of reference files, letters, and resumes. Identification of and application to department-approved agencies for completion of internship experience.

Prereq: "C" or above in HMT 270 or MAT 237 and Sophomore standing or higher.

MAT 315

Study and application of planning and control strategies and processes essential to profitability in merchandising. Analysis of company and industry merchandising and operating results.

Prereq: ECO 201, ECO 202.

RTM 345

A survey of the special characteristics, problems, and methods for managing service-oriented organizations. Students will learn principles of services and guest services management in order to see how they can be used in managing any service organization. The course also introduces quantitative techniques associated with managing organizations in the service sector. Upon completion of the course, the students will be able to apply the concepts to their work experiences.

Prereq: "C" or above in HMT 308 or MAT 237.

ACC 201

This course introduces financial accounting and reporting. Topics include analyzing and recording transactions and adjustments; preparing and interpreting financial statements; and understanding the effects of transactions, adjustments, and accounting methods on the elements of financial statements and disclosures.

Prereq: AN105 or CS101, and ACC 200; or consent of the School of Accountancy Director.

MGT 301

A broad introduction to managing organizations. This course focuses on managerial functions and activities of planning, organizing, leading and controlling. After taking this course, students will have a good understanding of what’s involved in managing people and organizations.

Prereq: Sophomore standing.

MKT 320

Analysis of the functions, structure, policies, and performance of distribution channels and institutions. The course objective is to provide students with an understanding of concepts and decision making tools useful in managing manufacturer-retailer relationships and distribution costs at both the channel and retail level. The course is also concerned with the legal and socio-economic impact of distribution trends and practices.

Prereq: MKT 300.

RTM 499

Provides prospective HMT and MAT professionals a 320-hour, 8 week learning experience in a selected agency or organization, under the joint supervision of a qualified manager and a university internship supervisor. More specific details are available in the RTM Internship Manual.

Prereq: 'C' or better in HMT 120 or MAT 114, HMT 210 or MAT 120, HMT 270 or MAT 237, HMT 350 or MAT 315, RTM 340 and RTM 345 plus 100 approved hours of pre-internship experience.

MAT 414

The analysis of environmental, individual, and psychological factors of consumer consumption and their impact on apparel retailer strategic planning. Restricted to seniors.

Prereq: MAT 114, ACC 201, MAT 315.

MAT 510

Examination of the important issues in planning and evaluating brand strategies with special emphasis on exploring why brands are important, what they represent to consumers and what firms should do to manage them properly.

Prereq: Junior Standing, Senior Standing, or Graduate Student and MAT 114.