Course Overview

This course provides an introduction to fashion advertising, explicitly designed for students outside the Newhouse School. Students will delve into the fundamental principles, strategies, and trends influencing how fashion brands connect with consumers. The course combines theoretical insights with practical applications, covering the evolution of fashion advertising, various advertising channels, industry practices, and their implications. Key topics will also include the impact of digital media, the role of influencers and celebrity endorsements in modern fashion advertising, cultural influences on fashion advertising, and ethical considerations in the industry.

All students who successfully complete the course will receive a Certificate of Completion and have the opportunity to request a Syracuse University noncredit transcript.

Learning Objectives

  • Grasp Core Principles and Practices: Understand the fundamental principles and industry practices that underpin fashion advertising, including key strategies and trends.
  • Identify Persuasive Techniques: Recognize and analyze persuasive techniques used in fashion advertising to influence consumer perceptions and behaviors.
  • Assess Advertising Impact: Evaluate how fashion advertising shapes consumer behavior and purchasing decisions.
  • Examine Digital and Technological Influences: Understand the role of social media and emerging technologies in shaping modern fashion advertising strategies.
  • Critique Ethical Dimensions: Analyze and critique fashion advertising from an ethical perspective, considering issues such as representation, transparency, and sustainability

” Syracuse University Summer College – Online provided an engaging experience that expanded my education, helped me prepare for college, and immersed me in a delightful community of staff and students.”

— Sara H., Summer College – Online student, 2020

Course Information

Course Prefix and Number: TBD

Format: Online

Eligibility: Students must be of rising high school sophomore, junior, or senior status – or a 2025 high school graduate. 

Credit: Noncredit

Grading: Pass/Fail

Cost: Noncredit: $1,995


Program rates are subject to change and will be approved by the board of trustees. Discounts and scholarships are also available.


Program Information

Summer College – Online: Explore college life before stepping foot on campus! High school students can enroll in a college-level course, pursue their academic interests, and meet likeminded students in daily virtual events and activities.


Course Dates and Details

ProgramCourse DatesSynchronous Class Time (Eastern Time)Credit/Noncredit
Summer College – Online3-Week Session II: Monday, July 28 – Friday, Aug. 15, 2025TTH;
10 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Noncredit

To see if this course is ‘open,’ refer to the full course catalog.


Course Requirements

Technology Requirements

  • Laptop or desktop computer with a webcam and mouse
  • Reliable internet access
  • A space conducive to taking an online class (without distractions)

Typical Day

Tentative Schedule

Students are expected to complete light reading assignments prior to each class. Sessions typically begin with a class discussion centered on these readings, allowing students to share their thoughts, ask questions, and engage in critical analysis. This discussion sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the day’s topic through a lecture that builds on the foundational knowledge from the readings. Additionally, each class includes hands-on evaluative tasks completed in a group setting. These activities are designed to reinforce key concepts and ensure that the learning objectives for each session are effectively achieved.

When class is over, and on weekends, students can look forward to various Summer College virtual activities to meet and connect with other students across the world. Check out our Virtual Campus Experience page for more information!


Faculty Bio

Dr. Faran Karimkhan

Dr. Faren Karimkhan is an Assistant Professor of Advertising at the Newhouse School of Public Communications, where she has been a faculty member since Fall 2022. Before joining Newhouse, she served as a Visiting Professor at Cornell University’s School of Business. Dr. Karimkhan’s research and teaching expertise center on fashion and cosmetics advertising, as well as influencer marketing—a rapidly evolving area within the advertising industry.

Her work frequently explores critical topics such as the importance of diversity and inclusion in the fashion industry, the role of fashion influencers in shaping contemporary consumer behavior, and the profound impact of social media on modern consumption patterns. Dr. Karimkhan has contributed to these fields through several journal articles and book chapters, advancing both academic and industry conversations on these subjects.

Click here for additional faculty information.