| Click here for a definition of this term Class Eligibility: | Graduate | Type of Program: | Intensive Course Abroad |
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Using the Harris Tweed Industry located on the Isles of Harris and Lewis, Scotland, this course will examine aspects of Retail Merchandising including brand communication, product development, product manufacture, retail models, product promotion, and examine the interrelationship of the creative economy with the overall economy in terms of ethical and financial impacts on the isles and global fashion. Harris Tweed is a traditional industry of the isles. Under the direction of the Harris Tweed Authority, this cottage industry continues to provide the world with the only official Harris Tweed. The industry from raw material through to the final fabric and some product is completed on the island. As such the industry is and has been an integral part of and intertwined with the social, cultural, historical and geographical characteristics of the region.
Exploring Harris Tweed offers a deep dive into the Heritage Harris Tweed Industry. Since 1840, this small-batch, cottage industry based on the Ilses of Lewis & Harris continues to provide the world with the only official Harris Tweed. The geography and land are integral to the fabric. The walking tour includes meetings with industry leaders and producers, exhilarating walks, history and culture, that offer an inspiring insight into the local industry and the island people. Along the way you will experience rugged mountains, the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches, stunning cliff-side paths and fascinating archaeological and historic sites. The Outer Hebrides, also known as the Western Isles are a group of wonderfully diverse Scottish islands in the most north-westerly part of the UK. This 8-day Lewis & Harris Walking Adventure also includes a walk-in amongst the otherworldly landscape of the Quiraing on the Isle of Skye on our last day, culminating with an overnight stay in the picturesque coastal village of Plockton back on the mainland.
Credit/Registration: Graduate students will be registered for RMER 575 Globalization in Retail & Merchandising for 3 credits during summer term and will be billed for 3 credits at their normal tuition rate.
Class Structure: This course meets for the duration of summer term in asynchronous online with a combination of readings, lectures, topical discussions, speakers, and one-on-one project consultation with the Professor. Travel to Scotland is embedded in summer term:
Asynchronous Online: 6/23 – 8/7 & 8/16 – 8/30
Intensive Course Abroad: 8/8 – 8/15
Instructor: Anne Cecil, instructor of Design & Merchandising, has over 30 years teaching experience including leading her previous Intensive Course Abroad to Iceland for many years.
WATCH PROGRAM OVERVIEW SESSION with ANNE CECIL BELOW
Arrival: August 8, 2025
Departure: August 15, 2025
*Students must arrange travel on their own and meet at the designated place and time. Prof. Cecil will provide specific guidelines for arranging travel to / from the program site.
Itinerary Highlights
Due March 1st: $800 Advance Payment + $25 application fee
Due May 1st: $2,515 Final Payment
*All payments are non-refundable unless declined admission or program cancels for unforeseen reasons.
Included in Program Fee:
Not Included in Program Fee (approx $1,945):
| Term | Year | App Deadline | Decision Date | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | 2025 | 03/01/2025 | 03/14/2025 | 08/08/2025 | 08/15/2025 |