LAH 350 (30200) Photography in Modern American Culture Robert H. Abzug Professor of History and American Studies Class Meetings: TTH 2:00-3:30 PM @ RLP (CLA) 0.124 (and HRC on occasion) Office Hours: TTH 3:30-4:30 PM and by appointment
[email protected] Professor’s Office: Garrison 3.310 (NW corner of 3rd floor) We will investigate the importance of photography in the United States in relationship to changing currents in America society and culture. We will explore the history of the medium, from 19th century daguerreotypes and wet plate to digital imaging; the relationship between photography and American history, especially in relation to popular culture, social depiction, and war. We will be especially interested in photographic works that attempt to represent the nature of America and American life. A one semester seminar cannot hope to cover all the essential topics concerning American photography, let alone photography in general. That is why the papers you will be writing are essential not only to your own work but to the seminar. Each of you will have c. 20 minutes to introduce the photographer about whom you are writing in the last sessions of the class. These reports will not only be helpful in gleaning suggestions from other members of the class, but will add to the breadth of knowledge begun with the earlier class sessions and readings. In addition to considering how others have photographed American life, students will have the opportunity to make their own photographs. Any camera or cell phone with the capacity to take photographic images will do for equipment.