Seeing Through Photographs

Although taking, sharing, and viewing photographs has become second nature for many of us, our regular engagement with images does not necessarily make us visually literate. This course aims to address the gap between seeing and truly understanding photographs by introducing a diversity of ideas, approaches, and technologies that inform their making. In this course you will look closely at photographs from the collection of The Museum of Modern Art and hear a variety of perspectives on what a photograph is and the ways that photography has been used throughout its nearly 180 year history: as a means of artistic expression, as a tool for science and exploration; as an instrument of documentation; to tell stories and record histories; and as a mode of communication and critique in our ever increasingly visual culture.

Learning Objectives Develop skills to better examine and understand the differences between photographs and photographic images. Discover how context influences the production, circulation, and reception of photographic images. Learn about different modes of artistic and technological experimentation and innovation in photography. Investigate photography’s role in our increasingly visual culture.