Photography in America

This course will consider the practice and use of photography in America, from its invention up to the present, and it will offer various ways of thinking about the medium and its relation to society and culture. Students will come to understand the ways photographic practices shape public perceptions of national identity, ethnicity and gender, nature, democratic selves, and a host of other concerns. We will discuss famous practitioners such as Matthew Brady, Jacob Riis, Lewis Hine, Walker Evans, and Robert Frank. We consider not only the social and public uses of the medium (through such episodes as the New Deal/FSA and photojournalism) but also the private explorations of "fine art" photographers and the everyday practices of the snapshot. Prerequisite: One course in Art History at the 100 or 200 level.
Course Attributes: FA AH; EN H; BU Hum; AS HUM; GF AH; FA HUM; AR HUM; AH MEA

Photography in America

AMERICAN CULTURE STUDIES 3785

Section 01