Humanities Arts Cultural Stu 0257 - Photographs of Humans

This course will explore the ways in which the human as an individual is represented in photo-based imagery. Students will be asked to consider the broader functions of photographs of humans including the ethical, social and political uses and implications of creating, exhibiting and distributing images of people. Several questions will be considered throughout the semester: How do the technical and aesthetic aspects affect the meaning and function of the portrait? How does intent and the experience between the photographer and the subject create meaning? When do pictures of humans create empathy and when do they objectify? Students will be expected to reflect this exploration through several shorter directed assignments and one longer self-defined project. Students will also be expected to research and present the work of a photo-based artist working in the realm of the portrait, and to participate fully in class discussions about the readings, lectures and the work of their classmates. Prior photography courses are required. Students are expected to have experience using film or digital cameras and should be comfortable working on their own in the darkroom or the digital lab.

Independent Work Lab fee: $65. Prerequisite: Photo I or equivalent must be completed prior to this course. Students are expected to have experience using film or digital cameras and be comfortable working independently in the darkroom or digital lab. Students can expect to spend 8-10 hours weekly on work and preparation outside of class time.