Humanities Arts Cultural Stu 0108 - Special Topics: The Photograph

We will lavish our attention on the photograph: what it is, what it has been, what it is in the process of becoming, but also what people all over the world have hoped or dreamed it could be or become. Through slow looking at 10 photographs that have been significant to global photography history, complemented by close reading of historical and theoretical texts, we will explore diverse aspects of the photograph and its histories, become familiar with major social and cultural as well as technological developments in the medium, and look at key problems in photographic preservation, conservation, curatorial practice, and restitution practice through a decolonizing frame. Concurrent with our collaborative work, students will also realize a research-driven independent project on a special topic in photography history. Keywords:Photography History, Art History, Museum Studies, Decolonial Practice, African Studies

In/Justice Students should expect to spend 8 hours weekly on work and preparation outside of class time