H430 | Social Documentary Photography, History & Civic Agency

Course Description

Social documentary photography has opened the door to historical contextualization and civic action since the beginning of its practice in the early 20th century.  Housing and work conditions, patterns of migration, family life, human rights, economy, environment, representation, equity and justice are only some of the areas into which investigations have been launched by widespread images of previously “unseen” stories.  In this class, each student will develop a long-form, photojournalism-type project that investigates an issue of personal significance. The final project will include: research into the current conversation around the issue; an investigation into its 20th-century roots; interviews with contemporary advocate and activist groups; and a sequenced, edited series of photographs to complement their work.  Students will have instruction and practice with tools of media literacy and visual literacy to conduct comprehensive research, create increasingly representative images, and develop effective interview and writing skills. A final exhibition will be held at an event space in Cambridge.
State ID#: 04103
Department: History and Social Science
Grade Level:11, 12
Credits: 10.0
Alternate Credits:
Class Type: Core Academic
Pre/Co-Requisites: Critical Issues in US History or AP US History.

New Search


How can we help you?

Dates & Announcements
None at this time.

View Past Course Catalogs