Weekly Wiki Posts
Students will, each week, upload either a photograph with explanatory caption (~50 words), a potential discussion question (~50 words), or short response to the week's materials (~100 words) to the course Wiki. Each week, as a class, we will discuss one or more questions / responses / photos. Individual responses will not be graded, but students must post each week to receive the full credit.
Presentations
Each student will give one 10 minute oral and visual presentation about a topic relevant to that week's discussion. Students will sign up for presentations at the beginning of the semester. Presentations must present an argument about the material and will be graded on content, clarity, engagement with the topic, and oral communication skills.
Exhibition Review
Students will write a review (1400 words) of the exhibition "Daguerre's American Legacy." The review should read like exhibition reviews published in newspapers and magazines. It will explain the show to a general audience, and make an argument about the content and its quality.
Visual Analysis Papers
Students will submit 3 visual analysis papers (1,200 words each) over the course of the semester. These papers will use visual and formal analysis as well as context discussed in readings and in class to explore the meaning of one image or a pair of images. Students will have the option of writing about the materials presented in different weeks. More details about the Visual Analysis Papers.
Paper Revision
Students will revise one paper based on feedback received from the instructor. Students must meet with me in order to discuss the revisions (Failure to do so will mean that submitted papers lose 3 full letter grades). Once they have received feedback on two papers, students are free to submit the revised paper at any time by the last day of class.
Citations
All written assignments must employ a standardized citation system (i. e., MLA, Chicago). Students must submit a list of resources consulted for their oral presentations.