Transcript title

Photography History

Credits

4

Grading mode

Standard letter grades

Total contact hours

40

Lecture hours

40

Recommended preparation

WR 065 or higher or minimum placement Wr/Comm Level 7.

Course Description

Explores the evolution of photography from its invention in the 19th century to its contemporary artforms in the present day. Introduces key technologies, influential photographers, and socio-political contexts that shape the photographic image. Illustrates photography’s impact on art, media, and society, as well as how it intersects with modern and postmodern visual ways of life. Emphasizes photography’s function as both a documentary and a creative medium. Builds skill in critiquing technical, cultural, and artistic traits.

Course learning outcomes

1. Analyze the historical development of photography and its role in contemporary society by identifying key technological, cultural, and artistic milestones.
2. Identify major photographers, movements, and genres and their contributions to the evolution of photography.
3. Evaluate historical and contemporary photographic works, considering their aesthetic, technical, and socio-political contexts.
4. Assess photography’s influence on shaping historical narratives, cultural identity, and social change.
5. Identify genre differences and styles of photography.

Content outline

1. Precursors to photography: Camera obscura and photochemistry
2. Daguerreotype vs. Talbotype
3. The impact of early photography on art and science
4. Expansion of photographic methods and tools
5. Portrait photography and its cultural implications
6. Early documentary photography: War and exploration
7. Pictorialism and the movement toward artistic photography
8. Alfred Stieglitz and the Photo-Secession movement
9. Development of film and the Kodak revolution
10. Color photography and its cultural impact
11. Photography’s role in exposing social issues
12. Ethical considerations in documentary work
13. Women photographers and their contributions
14. Photography during WWI and WWII
15. Life magazine and the golden age of photojournalism
16. The civil rights movement and photography
17. Conceptual photography and critiques of realism
18. The transition to digital photography
19. Critical analysis of influential photographs
20. Ethics in an age of photo manipulation
21. The role of photography in activism and identity
22. The future of photography: Challenges and opportunities

Required materials

Students will need to provide specific materials used in this course, which may include a textbook or other course reading documents; please see the syllabus for a detailed list.

General education/Related instruction lists

• Human Relations
• Cultural Literacy
• Arts and Letters