Apparel design, an emphasis area in the apparel, merchandising, and textiles major, focuses on the technical and conceptual issues of designing apparel and accessories that address the changing demands of the fashion industry. This involves understanding and mastery of apparel construction techniques, apparel and textile aesthetics, design, product evaluation, quality assessment, production of apparel goods for an identified target market, and manual and computer-aided design skills. The curriculum provides the opportunity for creative expression and critical thinking in all aspects of fashion design, including fashion sketching, creative design, computer applications, draping, and pattern drafting. Information on product costing, fashion forecasting, marketing, and international trade is included to provide students with an understanding of the business aspect of the industry, cultural and historical influences on fashion are included to provide an understanding of consumer behaviour. Students gain an understanding of communication and critical reasoning, and why they are important in the diversified and global industry that is happening today