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“The moment always dictates in my work. What I feel, I do. This is the most important thing for me. Everybody can look, but they don’t necessarily see.” — André Kertész This course surveys the history of photography from its beginnings in the early nineteenth century to the present. We will examine the use of photography for aesthetic, documentary, and “scientific” purposes, stylistic shifts in photography related to aesthetic concerns, and varying interpretations of subject matter based on social and cultural concerns at specific moments in history. We will also consider the relationship between photography and the visual arts in general, which culminates with the primacy of photography as a medium by the late twentieth century.

“The moment always dictates in my work. What I feel, I do. This is the most important thing for me. Everybody can look, but they don’t necessarily see.” — André Kertész This course surveys the history of photography from its beginnings in the early nineteenth century to the present. We will examine the use of photography for aesthetic, documentary, and “scientific” purposes, stylistic shifts in photography related to aesthetic concerns, and varying interpretations of subject matter based on social and cultural concerns at specific moments in history. We will also consider the relationship between photography and the visual arts in general, which culminates with the primacy of photography as a medium by the late twentieth century.

An encounter is a meeting, often unexpected and with surprising consequences. In this class, we will read, discuss, and write about stories of encounter. Simultaneously, we will also keep up with current events, problems, and conversations in the news and make connections between these and our literary readings. While one of the primary purposes of this class is to improve your reading and writing skills, it’s other major purpose is to expand your sense of the world, its communities, and to help you become better citizens. It is a requirement for this class that you approach all readings and assignments with a sense of openness and wonder.

An encounter is a meeting, often unexpected and with surprising consequences. In this class, we will read, discuss, and write about stories of encounter. Simultaneously, we will also keep up with current events, problems, and conversations in the news and make connections between these and our literary readings. While one of the primary purposes of this class is to improve your reading and writing skills, it’s other major purpose is to expand your sense of the world, its communities, and to help you become better citizens. It is a requirement for this class that you approach all readings and assignments with a sense of openness and wonder.