What matters most is staying up with reading and viewing assignments and participating actively in class. In addition, you will be responsible for the following.
Mini-Essays/Reports (PDF)
(1¼-2 pages, ongoing)
Three short essays, 1¼ to 2 pages, to be spaced out over the semester, on photography in life and literature. Some will be presented and discussed in class.
- On photography as it appears in a film, novel, or short story
- On photography as it plays a role in life
Vernacular Photographs
(4 pages, due Week #8)
A brief study of an example of vernacular photography, either from one's own family albums or some other source.
Practice and Impact
(5 pages, due Week #10)
An essay on photographic practice and its impact. Either some aspect of depression-era photography, or colonial photographs of non-western peoples.
Critical Discussion of Claims/Theories/Interpretations
(2 pages, due Week #11)
Brief critical discussion of one point in theories/claims/interpretations of photography.
Interpretation of Pictures
(3 pages, due Week #12)
Discussion and analysis of one set of photographs (a photo-essay, a book, one photographer's work).
Calendar
Course calendar.
| WEEK # |
TOPICS |
KEY DATES |
| 1 |
Introduction |
|
| 2 |
The power and ambiguity of photography |
|
| 3 |
Looking at faces |
|
| 4 |
Snaps/albums/postcards/itinerants, everyday photography and people's lives |
First mini essay/report due |
| 5 |
Truth and deception |
|
| 6 |
Advertising photography and gender |
|
| 7 |
Photographing the Great Depression |
Second mini essay/report due |
| 8 |
Imperialism and photography |
Brief study on vernacular photography |
| 9 |
Muck-raking, advocacy, and propaganda |
Third mini essay/report due |
| 10 |
Photographing people's lives: photo-essays and photo-ethnography |
Essay on photographic practice and impact due |
| 11 |
Looking at pictures, thinking about photography |
Critical discussion of claims/theories/interpretations |
| 12 |
War and suffering in the picture |
Interpretation of pictures |
