PHOT 251 History of Photography I This course examines the emergence of photography and the medium's role in both reflecting and shaping the cultural, social, political, economic, and scientific context of modernity from 1839-1940. Emphasis will be placed on acquiring knowledge about this historical period - especially early photographic technologies, the critical response to photography, and the diverse applications of the medium - while also drawing parallels between this history and contemporary issues. Students will be introduced to various methods of historical investigation through a balance of lectures, discussions, field trips to view historic photographic objects, primary and secondary source readings, group projects, writing assignments, and/or tests.