Visual History at the Turn of the 20th Century

Offered by MITx

Course Description

This captivating course, offered by MITx, delves into the fascinating world of visual history at the turn of the 20th century. Using a unique approach that combines visual records and primary sources, students will explore critical historical events, debates, and societal issues through the lens of political cartoons, photographs, and other visual media. The course emphasizes the power of visual communication in shaping perceptions, justifying imperialism, and documenting cultural encounters during a transformative period in global history.

What Students Will Learn

  • How to analyze and interpret visual primary sources in historical context
  • The role of political cartoons in shaping public opinion and historical debates
  • The impact of photography on power dynamics, conquest, and colonization
  • Critical examination of race and prejudice in visual culture
  • Understanding of the Philippine-American War through visual analysis
  • Exploration of ethnographic photography and its implications
  • The use of visual imagery to justify imperial wars and expansion
  • Early applications of cross-cultural photography in mass media
  • Skills in working with visual evidence to construct historical arguments
  • Ethical considerations when engaging with challenging historical sources

Pre-requisites

This intermediate-level course does not have any specific prerequisites. However, a basic understanding of late 19th and early 20th-century history would be beneficial. Students should be prepared to engage in critical thinking, visual analysis, and participate in roundtable discussions.

Course Coverage

  • Introduction to visual history and the MIT Visualizing Cultures project
  • Civilization and barbarism in political cartoons and global imperialism
  • Photography and power in the Philippine-American War
  • Ethnographic photography and its role in colonization
  • Visual representation of US expansion and its contemporary implications
  • Digital history education and the use of visual databases
  • Ethical considerations in working with historical visual sources

Who This Course Is For

  • History enthusiasts interested in visual culture and 20th-century global events
  • Students of media studies, anthropology, and cultural studies
  • Educators looking to incorporate visual primary sources into their teaching
  • Anyone interested in the intersection of photography, politics, and imperialism
  • Individuals seeking to develop critical visual analysis skills

Real-World Applications

  1. Enhanced critical thinking and visual analysis abilities applicable to various professions
  2. Improved understanding of media influence on public opinion and historical narratives
  3. Ability to navigate and interpret visual databases for research purposes
  4. Skills in cross-cultural communication and understanding
  5. Capacity to engage with challenging historical content ethically and thoughtfully
  6. Application of visual analysis techniques in fields such as journalism, marketing, and politics
  7. Enhanced ability to create and analyze visual content for educational purposes

Syllabus

Module I—Introduction

  • MIT Visualizing Cultures project and approach to visual history
  • Overview of course content and methods of visual analysis
  • Background on Philippine and US history
  • Critical questions of race, power, and intercultural exchange
  • Evolution of digital education

Module II—Civilization & Barbarism: Cartooning and Global Imperialism

  • Pro- and anti-imperialist imagery in US and international cartooning
  • Representation of "civilization" and colonialism
  • American perceptions of US colonialism in the Philippines
  • Filipino and US-based critiques of empire
  • Digital forms of history using visual evidence

Module III—Photography and Power I: the Philippine-American War

  • Role of photography in the Philippine American War (1898-1902)
  • Soldiers' representation of war experiences
  • Filipino responses to US colonization through visual images

Module IV—Photography & Power II: How Photography Colonized the Philippines

  • Dean Worcester's photographic archive and colonial governance
  • Relationship between photography and anthropology
  • Cultural engagement through photography
  • Ethics of looking and responsibilities when confronting difficult images

Module V—Conclusion: Images of Power/the Power of Images

  • Roundtable discussion on visual images and US expansion
  • Contemporary implications of teaching and disseminating images in a digital environment