Northern Renaissance: Art and the Birth of Fashion, a collaborative progression from multidisciplinary through interdisciplinary to transdisciplinary

Abstract

<p>The purpose of this paper is to present a research and course project, Northern Renaissance: Art and the Birth of Fashion, developed between an Art Historian and a Costume Historian at a large Midwestern University. The faculty worked in tandem to offer a cross-listed Special Topic course covering the period of 1350-1580 and spanning most of Europe with the exception of Italy, although Italian influences were included as reference and context. Reception to the initiative was surprisingly positive. The two scholars learned considerably more about each other's knowledge base, with an increasing curiosity and awareness; especially in artistic expression and the unbreakable connection with communication and dissemination of fashion change, infusing the project with energy for further discovery and learning. A website and virtual exhibition are in development as well as plans to prepare a text to expand this new and synthesized knowledge which blurs disciplinary boundaries.</p>