Community Syllabus
This resource was created by Alanna Styer as a part of PGB’s Travelers Residency Program
Why was this syllabus made?
Works steeped in misogyny, racism and non-consensual portraiture are often taught as the keystones of photographic history with little criticism or counter argument. Furthermore, teaching photographic history linearly, tracing the technical evolutions, has led to misunderstandings of it’s global prominence and eliminated non-western artists. For example, most histories of photography begin with the camera obscura and reference its use in European paintings in the 16th and 17th century. However the practice of using light to draw (the translation of the french photographie(y)) dates to pre-contact B.C.E. Therefore, to start the history of photography in the 16th and 17th century erases indigenous uses of light and sets the stage for western/colonial photographic practice to be the authority on what is “good”.
Instead of following these examples, this syllabus will explore the history of photography through thematic groupings. Instead of a text book we have gathered materials by historians, theorists, and artists who have sought out alternative stories and have chosen to highlight artwork made by and for the global majority. This syllabus is an attempt to help educators and independent learners navigate away from traditional White, Euro-centric teachings and lead to discussions about how to be mindful practitioners.
How to use this syllabus
This is a community syllabus which may be used for independent education purposes or supplemental materials for a more formal classroom. In an attempt to make this syllabus more accessible there are no necessary purchases or books or films though some are suggested for those wishing to continue their education and research. Additionally each section contains multiple mediums such as readings, videos, and podcasts to allow for a diversity of learning methods. Sections are thematic and can be approached in any order, though we suggest starting with “Is it possible to “decolonize” photography?”.
Guided discussion questions are listed throughout to help facilitate conversation; if you are working on this syllabus alone, consider using the questions as journal prompts.
At the end of each section are a list of relevant books, photographers and projects should you want to further your education. These additions may be the most beneficial for educators looking to expand their syllabus by trading out traditionally western texts and artistic examples.
How to contribute to the syllabus
This community syllabus is not complete and is intended to evolve and grow. We are open to proposals of further resources to current sections or proposals for future section topics. Please note the community syllabus is currently unfunded and therefore it is worked on sporadically; any additions and changes will take time. To submit additions to the community syllabus or notify us of issues such as a broken link or corrupted document please email Alanna Styer using the bottom below.
About the Appendix
For those who are looking to gain a better understanding of harmful imagery and photographic practices The Appendix contains more resources which are also sorted by theme. The choice to separate out these resources and themes from the core of the lesson was to fulfill the initial ask: to build a resource that benefits the People of the Global Majority. When these communities are taught as "special topics" the gaze, the trauma, and the unethical practices acted upon them are often centered; which once again, means centering Whiteness. Therefore, it was decided to move content focused on Whiteness and histories of trauma to the appendix.
Courses
Photography as a Tool for Freedom and Self Possession
This section instead focuses on how the global majority has used photography for identifying, defining, and documenting their communities.
Consent in an Era of Surveillance and Global Audience
COMING SOON: Commonly these conversations end at the point of legality and consideration of ethics, morality and power dynamics are pushed to the fringes. This section moves these conversations to the center.
Appendix
COMING SOON
Access and Sustainability
COMING SOON
Contribute or Give Feedback
Contact Alanna Styer to find out how to contribute or to give feedback.