PHOT-130: Decolonizing Photography

Photography's reliance on objectivity, aesthetic aspirations, and artistic license has often obscured issues of homogenous viewpoints, imperial visual narratives, and racialized rhetoric. This course explores how certain practices of looking hinders image-making that is fully informed by diverse perspectives. Through in-class discussions of readings, practical assignments, as well as critiques of student work, we will develop an understanding of the contemporary critical lens and its progress towards a decolonial ethic and aesthetic. Topics covered in the course include an introduction to photography's historic imperial roots; contemporary photography ethics in an ever-evolving digital media field; how to engage in community-focused, anti-oppression strategies while photographing; and unpacking the potential social impacts of image-making. Course readings include: photography theory, contemporary news articles and editorials, critical cultural studies scholarship, and a variety of published visual journalism and documentary work.