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The American Eye -- Syllabus for Fall 2007
Bob Haft, Lab I, room 1004
Phone: 867-6474 (or simply 6474 if calling from campus)
Email: haftr@evergreen.edu
This is a sophomore-level and above group contract that involves both hands-on photography and a study of the American history that helped shape the way photographic images of the U.S. have looked for the past 160 years. We will begin with a short look at the birth of photography in Europe and then how it was used as a tool of documentation for major points in American history, such as The Civil War, the opening of the American West, the Roaring 20s, The Great Depression, World War II, and the 1950s.
In addition to looking at and learning to read photographs by others we will learn to make photographs (black and white) ourselves as recording devices for our own lives and times. Subsequently, you are responsible for becoming proficient in the use of 35mm cameras and will need to purchase appropriate supplies; these include at least 24 rolls of 36-exposure film, at least 100 sheets of 8x10 b/w glossy photo paper, some 11x14 b/w photo paper, and other incidentals. The estimated cost of these supplies is $180, but you may find that you need to spend more than this depending upon your interest and skill.
Our main text for the quarter will be American Photography by Miles Orvell. We will also read the following novels in the order listed:
The Red Badge of Courage, The Jungle, The Great Gatsby, The Grapes of Wrath, On the Road, and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Classes are tentatively scheduled to meet on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Mondays and Thursdays are reserved for darkroom work, lectures and critiques; Wednesdays will be split between seminars and lectures or workshops. Our meeting places are as follows: Mondays we meet in Library 1326, Wednesdays we meet in Library 1540, and Thursdays we meet either in SEM2 A2107 or Arts Annex 2104, depending on the program function. (Check the 'Assignments Calendar' link for more specific information.)Students will be evaluated on their attendance and participation in all class activities, production of a portfolio of original photographs, and for giving an oral and visual presentation on the work of an American photographer.
A total of 16 credits will be awarded in Black and White Photography, Art History and American Literature. In order to receive full credit you need to complete all assigned readings and assignments, attend class regularly and participate in seminars and critiques.
Our first class meeting is Monday, September 24 at 9:00 in Library 1326.