Examination of photography's role in shaping ideas about race, class, gender, sexuality and national identity in America, from its historical roots to the present. Includes a wide variety of genres, such as commercial photography, portraiture, social documentary, photojournalism, ethnographic and scientific photography, erotica, and fine-art photography. Students will look at images from ethical, cultural, and critical perspectives as they develop visual literacy skills. The honors course offers an enriched and challenging experience for the more talented student, including deeper content, more rigorous grading, and more demanding and creative assignments requiring application of higher-level thinking, writing, and communication skills.