Presents the history and interpretation of photography — as a scientific discovery and as an art form — from its beginnings in Western Europe in 1839 to present-day practice around the world. The course is designed to increase appreciation and understanding of photographic art as it relates to its cultural context and to develop critical thinking and analytical skills in response to visual experience. Attention will be given to geographic areas traditionally ignored in photography survey courses, such as the development of photography on the African and Asian continents.