PH 302 Theory and Criticism

Photography: Theory & Criticism will examine historic and contemporary philosophical, aesthetic, and epistemological topics addressing the evolution of theories germane to contemporary photographic discourse. As a class, we will address structuralism, post-structuralism, deconstruction, semiotics, and the taxonomy of visual representation from simulacrum to social classification analysis. Conceptual understanding and the successful application of the topics addressed throughout this course are designed to further develop your photographic lexicon. The application of thoughtful, theory-based ideas can be employed to promote visual solutions to challenges in the design, execution, and creation of your work. Theories and topics discussed in the readings will be introduced with supporting imagery for discussion and debate.

Active discussion and participation are core requirements of this course.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Reading 08

Doubletake: The Diary of a Relationship with an Image by Lucy R. Lippard


The Photograph as an Intersection of Gazes the Example of National Geographic by Catherine Lutz and Jane Collins

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Readings 07

Re-Reading Edward Weston: Feminism, Photography and Psychoanalysis by Roberta McGrath

Cindy Sherman: Burning Down the House by Jan Avgikos