History of Photography

ART X 446.14

This course explores aesthetic, social, and technical developments of photography from its invention in early 19th century Europe to its present-day global practices.

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What you can learn.

  • Explore revolutionary art including dada and surrealist photography
  • Work on projects around topics including portrait, motion, and collage
  • Learn about the role of women in early photographic practice
  • Unpack early debates around the medium, including race, slavery and photography

About this course:

This course explores aesthetic, social, and technical developments of photography from its invention in early 19th century Europe to its present-day global practices. Emphasis is placed on the way images shape and are shaped by culture, politics and social life. We look at theories of photography and their practical application across artistic, social, and scientific genres. Students become critical readers of images at a time when the mass proliferation of digital photography is unprecedented. Students create projects in response to the lessons, ideas and artists discussed. The work of Hippolyte Bayard, Julia Margaret Cameron, Joseph T. Zealy, Eadweard Muybridge, Alice Seeley Harris, Alfred Stieglitz, Lewis Hine, Hannah Höch, Man Ray, Gordan Parks, Diane Arbus, Henri Cartier Bresson, Carrie Mae Weems, James Nachtwey, Cindy Sherman, Laura Aguilar, Vivian Maier, Emily Jacir, Martha Rosler, Walid Raad and others will be touched on.

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Speak to a program representative. Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm.
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