Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/sheying
In a world where taking, sharing, and viewing photographs has become a daily ritual for many, one might think we possess an innate visual literacy. However, this course, titled 透过摄影看世界 (Exploring the World Through Photography), reveals that frequent exposure to images does not necessarily equip us with the skills to truly interpret and appreciate them.
This course takes a closer look at the creative techniques and technologies that impact photographic works, diving into the intricate gap between merely viewing a photo and genuinely understanding it. Throughout the course, students will engage with a rich collection of photographs from the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, hearing interpretations from various perspectives and examining the multifaceted use of photography over its nearly 180-year history. Photography has served as an art form, a scientific tool, a documentary medium, a storytelling device, and a mode of communication and criticism in our increasingly visual culture.
### Learning Goals
The course is designed with the following objectives:
– To develop skills for better examining and understanding the differences between photos and photogenic images.
– To discover how context influences the production, dissemination, and reception of photographic images.
– To explore various artistic and technical experiments and innovations within photography.
– To discuss the role of photography in our visual culture.
### Syllabus Overview
Here’s a peek into the intriguing syllabus:
1. **Introduction: Seeing the World Through Photography**
– “Photography is a foreign language everyone thinks they speak.” — Philip-Lorca diCorcia.
2. **One Theme, Many Perspectives**
– This section reveals the historical roots of photography through its diverse applications in both art and science.
3. **Documentary Photography**
– Explore different approaches to documentary photography, some aiming for objective records while others critique the reliability of photos as evidence.
4. **Portrait Photography**
– Delve into the study of portraits, understanding how the choices of both the photographer and subject influence our assumptions about what is being represented.
5. **Constructing Narratives and Challenging History**
– Learn to critically view how photos are utilized to construct narratives that shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
6. **The Ocean of Images: Photography and Contemporary Culture**
– Investigate how many contemporary artists engage with our image-saturated world as both a source and subject of their work.
Overall, this course is a compelling journey into the art and science of photography. It encourages students to think critically and deeply about the images they encounter, fostering a richer understanding of visual culture.
I highly recommend this course to anyone interested in understanding photography beyond just taking snapshots. Whether you’re a beginner in photography, an art enthusiast, or someone simply curious about the role of images in our society, this course will certainly enhance your visual literacy and appreciation of photography as an art form.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/sheying