Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/sheying
In our increasingly visual world, the act of taking and sharing photos has become second nature. Yet, as the Coursera course ‘透过摄影看世界’ (Seeing the World Through Photography) aptly points out, this constant exposure hasn’t necessarily translated into a deeper visual literacy. This course aims to bridge that gap, offering a fascinating exploration of photography’s creative, technical, and conceptual dimensions.
I recently completed ‘Seeing the World Through Photography,’ and it was an eye-opening experience. The course delves into the core question: what’s the difference between looking at a photograph and truly understanding it? Through close examination of iconic works from the Museum of Modern Art’s collection, the course provides diverse interpretations and historical contexts for photography’s nearly 180-year journey.
We journeyed through photography’s multifaceted roles: as an artistic medium, a tool for science and exploration, a powerful documentary tool, a method for storytelling and historical record-keeping, and finally, as a mode of communication and critique in our hyper-visual culture.
The learning objectives are well-defined and effectively met. I significantly improved my ability to critically examine and understand the nuances between different photographic images. The course brilliantly illustrates how context – the circumstances of a photograph’s creation, dissemination, and reception – profoundly shapes its meaning. Furthermore, it highlights the artistic and technical experimentation that has driven innovation within various photographic genres.
The syllabus is thoughtfully structured, beginning with an introduction that sets the stage with a compelling quote from Philip-Lorca di Corcia: “Photography is a foreign language everyone thinks they speak.” The course then moves into examining a single theme from multiple perspectives, tracing photography’s roots in art and science. Subsequent modules focus on documentary photography, exploring its objective and critical approaches, and portraiture, dissecting how choices made by both photographer and subject influence our perceptions. The crucial role of photography in constructing narratives and challenging historical accounts is also a key focus, as is its pervasive influence on contemporary culture, where artists draw inspiration from and engage with our image-saturated world.
For anyone looking to move beyond passive consumption of images and develop a more discerning eye for photography, ‘Seeing the World Through Photography’ is highly recommended. It’s an insightful and enriching course that will undoubtedly change the way you look at pictures.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/sheying