ART 108: History of Photography

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2023
Credits: 3
Total Contact Hours: 54
Lecture Hours : 54
Lab Hours: 0
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 108
District General Education: C1. Arts
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: Yes - Approved
Grading Method: Standard Letter

Catalog Course Description

A survey of the history of photography from its origins to the present. An examination of critical and theoretical approaches to the photographic medium. 54 lecture hours.

Course Objectives

  • Analyze the development and growth of photographic technology and processes.
  • Recognize and describe pivotal images in the development of photography.\\n
  • Identify, orally or in writing, key figures in the development of photography.\\n
  • Recognize and identify stylistic trends in development of photography.
  • Compare and relate developments in photography to developments in art.
  • Assess and analyze historical world events in relation to the development of photographic imagery.
  • Apply critical approaches to the evaluation of photographic imagery.

Major Course Content

1.  Introduction
        A.  Overview

        B.  Critical reaction to photography
2.  The early years, 1839-1925

        A.  Portraiture
        B.  Landscape and architecture documentation
        C.  Object and event documentation
        D.  Photography and art
        E.  New technology

3.  The Twentieth Century
        A.  Social documentation

        B.  Art, photography, and modernism, 1920-1945
        C.  Photography in print media
        D.  Photography since 1950
        E.  Manipulation and color

4.  Critical approaches
        A.  Evaluative methods

        B.  Critical theories
        C.  Photography and art
        D.  Photography and science
        E.  Photography and society

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

Essays and articles on themes about different methodological approaches to photography as well as primary source documents. Resources distributed by instructor or linked off course website.

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

Essays comparing the works of two photographers. Choose one photograph by an artist displayed in the collection of the museum that student visits and critique it in a 2-4 page paper, based on the elements and principles of art, and its aesthetic properties.

Examples of Outside Assignments

2-4 page museum paper. Read essays and articles on themes about different methodological approaches to photography as well as primary source documents provided by the instructor. Visit museums and/or galleries. Watch and/or create video presentations on particular artworks, artists, terms and/or themes.

Instruction Type(s)

Lecture, Online Education Lecture

IGETC Area 3: Arts and Humanities

3A. Fine Arts, 3B. Humanities