History of Photography - Fall 2025

This seminar will focus on significant people, events, and subjects in the development of photography. Through class discussions and readings, we will analyze and compare the works of a variety of artists and practitioners, examine how historical events have impacted photographic practice, and explore the relationship between photography and the fine art world. Visits to important photographic collections in the Seattle area, as well as local galleries, will form a part of this class.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

• Study the invention and development of photography from its origins to the middle of the 20th century
• Analyze how photographers have responded to their forebears
• Contrast developments in France, Great Britain, and the U.S. with examples from other parts of the globe
• Explore several conceptions of the medium and how photography functions in society, including its influence on such fields as portraiture, journalism, and scientific investigation
• Investigate the intricacies of the creative process

COURSE OUTCOMES

• Develop skills to write and speak coherently about historical objects
• Establish a broad familiarity with important and influential images
• Learn the basics of formal and iconographic analysis
• Explore how individual works or series function within a photographer’s career
• Comprehend the visual and technical complexity of numerous analog technologies
• Understand the past to inform your own production of new work that is thoughtful, sophisticated, and self-aware

IMPORTANT NOTES FOR STUDENTS

• Weekly attendance is vital to student success in PCNW courses. We require that students attend the first meeting in order to retain their spot in the class. A waiver may be granted if permission is given by, and subsequent arrangements made with, both the PCNW Registrar and Faculty. Please see our Education Policies for details about attendance policies and academic expectations.
• Intermediate and advanced courses have prerequisites which students must satisfy prior to enrollment. Prerequisites may be waived based on experience or prior courses taken through other institutions. To verify that you meet the prerequisite(s) for a course, contact Jennifer Brendicke, Registrar at jbrendicke@pcnw.org.
• PCNW adheres to a strict payment, cancellation and refund policy. Please review our Payment & Refund Policies prior to registration.
• Students should prepare to spend several hours per week completing assignments outside of class, which may require use of the PCNW facilities; view our Rental Rates for details about additional fees. Rental fees for use of PCNW Facilities are a separate cost from tuition.