Course Outline for Art History 20
History of Photography

Effective: Fall 2020
SLO Rev: 11/03/2019
Catalog Description:

ARTH 20 - History of Photography

3.00 Units

(See also PHOT 20 )
A broad chronological survey of photography from its invention to the present. Considers the medium's dual role as technology and art. Addresses a multiplicity of photographic themes and purposes. Considers the intersections of photography and technology, history, art, and everyday life. Not open for credit to students who have completed or are currently enrolled in ART 67, PHOT 20 or PHOT 67.
1001.00 - Fine Arts, General
Optional
Type Units Inside of Class Hours Outside of Class Hours Total Student Learning Hours
Lecture 3.00 54.00 108.00 162.00
Total 3.00 54.00 108.00 162.00
Measurable Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. demonstrate an understanding of 19th century photography as it relates to technological, historical and artistic issues;
  2. identify photographs by their technical process;
  3. demonstrate an understanding of 20th century photography as it relates to technological, historical and artistic issues;
  4. demonstrate an understanding of photography's influence on the development of other arts;
  5. assess the role of photography in their own lives;
  6. identify the major themes and purposes of photography and articulate how these relate to photography's dual role as information technology and art;
  7. interpret the various ways in which photographs have been used as vehicles of expression;
  8. demonstrate an understanding of photography's most current manifestations;
  9. identify and discuss non-western European photographic practices.
Course Content:
  1. Photography and 19th century technology 
    1. invention
    2. light sensitivity
    3. camera obscura 
    4. collodion
  2. Photography and 19th century history
    1. colonialism
    2. modernization
    3. war   
  3. Photography and 19th century art
    1. pictorialism
    2. straight photography
    3. the Photo Secession
    4. photography's influence on modern painting
  4. Photography and 19th century everyday life
    1. cartes des visites
    2. photo albums
    3. police records
  5. Photography and 20th century technology
    1. gelatin silver
    2. color
    3. digitization
  6. Photography and 20th century history
    1. World Wars 
    2. the Depression
    3. photojournalism
    4. social reform
  7. Photography and 20th century art  
    1. the avant garde
    2. the landscape tradition 
    3. the "street" tradition
    4. composite photography
  8. Photography and 20th century everyday life
    1. Kodak 
    2. mug shots
    3. wedding photography
    4. the family album
  9. Non-western European photographic traditions.  Topics could include:
    1. photo escultura in Mexico
    2. photo grave markers in Israel
    3. photographers of the Harlem Renaissance
  10. Present and future trends
    1. postmodern photography
    2. digitization
    3. copyright
Methods of Instruction:
  1. Illustrated lectuers utilizing slides, reproductions and original photgraphic prints
  2. Large and small group discussion
  3. Lecture/Discussion
  4. Distance Education
  5. Viewing of exhibits of originals photographs
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
  1. One-page descriptive essays on designated photograph(s)
  2. Three-page interpretive essays on designated photograph(s)
  3. Five-to-seven page critical evaluation of photo exhibition or recently published photography book
  1. Class discussion
  2. Exams/Tests
  3. Papers
  4. Oral Presentation
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. Given the sample provided, identify its period and technical process
  2. Specify the specific technical, historic, and artistic issues of photography in the 19th century.
  3. Specify the specific technical, historic, and artistic issues of photography in the 20th century
Textbooks (Typical):
  1. Hirsch, Robert (2017). Seizing The Light: A History of Photography (3rd). McGraw Hill.
Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:
A broad chronological survey of photography from its invention to the present. Not open for credit to students who have completed or are currently enrolled in ART 67, PHOT 20 or PHOT 67.