SOCY 465: Visual Sociology
Prerequisites: SOCY 110 or SOCY 121
Credit Hours: (3)
Do you like looking at pictures? And taking pictures? Are you interested in studying
the social world through your camera? Is photography art, science, or something else?
In Visual Sociology we鈥檒l be sociologists with cameras and we鈥檒l employ photography
as a social science research tool.
This course examines the impact of visual imagery on the social world and studies the various ways in which visual imagery may be employed to investigate the social world. Additionally, the history of photography and sociology will be reviewed, with consideration of the methodological issues arising from the use of visual research methods in social science. This course will provide firsthand experience merging photography and sociology.
Note(s): Humanistic or Artistic Expression designated course.
Detailed Description of Course
Lectures, with slideshows, cover the historical development of photography and sociology
and how the two have sometimes been connected but mostly have not. Lectures and readings
along with examples 鈥� including emerging work on the Internet as well as established
works 鈥� address methodological issues relating to the use of photography as a visual
research method. Students鈥� own photographic projects are discussed in critique sessions.
Also included are relevant sociological fundamentals, as well as instruction in photography
and Photoshop software.
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
The course is lecture based, with considerable interaction in the classroom. In addition
to lecture, methods include multiple student presentations; critique and discussion
sessions during which we evaluate both completed work and work-in-progress; computer
lab instruction; and use of audio-visuals including PowerPoint presentations, slideshows
and web browsing.
Student Goals and Objectives of the Course
Having successfully completed this course, the student will be able to show competence
in the following areas:
1. Employ a wider variety of research methods to gather data and analyze the social
environment by practicing this relatively unconventional kind of qualitative research.
2. Connect theory and research by explaining research topics in terms of sociological
theory and concepts.
3. Demonstrate a broader appreciation for the development and practice of sociology
and the scientific principles on which it is based, particularly regarding its potential
for objectively studying human behavior.
Assessment Measures
A typical assessment plan might include one or two exams, a few short photographic
assignments, a written book review, and progressive multiple-part term project.
Other Course Information
In addition to the above assessments, students may be expected to complete (perhaps
6-8) brief written responses to weekly readings. The following tentative reading list
is an example of the kinds of readings that may be used:
1. Masur, Louis P. (2007) 鈥淗ow the Truth Gets Framed by the Camera.鈥� The Chronicle
Review 54: 13:B6-B8.
2. Harper, Douglas (1988) 鈥淰isual Sociology: Expanding Sociological Vision.鈥� The American
Sociologist, Spring 1988: pp. 54-70.
3. Becker, Howard S. (1986) Ch. 13 鈥淧hotography and Sociology,鈥� pp. 223-71 in Doing
Things Together. Evanston, IL: Northwestern University Press.
4. Becker, Howard S (2007) Ch. 3 鈥淲ho Does What?鈥� pp. 30-53 in Telling About Society.
Chicago: The University of Chicago Press.
5. Becker, Howard S. (1986) Ch. 14 鈥淒o Photographs Tell the Truth?鈥� pp. 273-92 in
Doing Things Together. Evanston, IL: Northwestern University Press.
6. Becker, Howard S. (1986) Ch. 15 鈥淎esthetics and Truth, 鈥減p. 293-301 in Doing Things
Together. Evanston, IL: Northwestern University Press.
7. Becker, Howard S. (1986) Ch. 16 鈥淚nside State Street: Photographs of Building Interiors
by Kathleen Collins,鈥� pp. 307-17 in Doing Things Together. Evanston, IL: Northwestern
University Press.
Review and Approval
December 11, 2012
March 01, 2021