140 - History of Photography - Amy Tierney

Introduction

Greetings!  I am Amy Tierney, an adjunct Photography Instructor and working professional portrait and fine art photographer.  I welcome you to get to know more about my work and the skills I bring to this class by visiting my website www.thriveimages.com.  

I am teaching this class because understanding the history of photography will help you to be skilled as a photographer and knowledgeable about composition.  I am so glad that you are interested in learning more.

Course Description

Explores the history and appreciation of photography from the nineteenth century to present, including the relationship between photography and historical events, culture, technology, art, science, and social values.

What to Expect in this Course

Weekly Course Work Load requires an average of 10 hours per week; approximately 5 for reading and 5 for accomplishing assignments and quizzes per week.  You will need to calendar yourself successfully to read course materials, participate in discussions (group critique), complete assignments, quizzes and your final exam.

Technology required includes students having a computer, tablet or phone with a camera, speakers and microphone capability, and access to the internet. A computer is the preferred method if available. 

The course will require reading from the textbook, weekly quizzes on the reading, 1 short written essay assignment on a photographer, a peer online discussion and critique assignment, 1 oral presentation (video recorded, uploaded) and a final online exam.  The entire course will be delivered in weekly online learning modules via Canvas.

Types of Assessments

• A Short Essay
• Discussion and Critique participation:  For online discussions and critiques, each student will be required to reply online via their Canvas account to at least 2 other students’ work with five fully written sentences per reply.
• 1 oral presentation (video recorded, uploaded)
• Quizzes
• Final Exam: Students will be required to submit a final online exam.

Textbook Information

Photography: A Cultural History / Edition 5, by Mary Warner Marien

ISBN: 978-0205988945

Note: digital version of this book is okay (for instance on Kindle); you will need access to it for the entire course.

Other Relevant Course Information

Adding the class: Students will be sent an add code in the order of the waitlist. Please check your email a few days BEFORE the class begins. Because this is a short-term class, one week is the equivalent to 20% of the course. The course moves too quickly for late adds.

Why You Would Be Dropped:

As per education code, instructors are required to drop students for non-participation. Students who do not complete the first week course work will be automatically dropped from the course. 

Good news!  At College of the Canyons, this online course is offered every 5 weeks. Please check the schedule of classes if you would like to register for a future section of PHOTO 140 Online.

I look forward to engaging with you on your photography journey!

Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

• CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
• CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 08/20/2025 Sub#: 1965 Sub ID: 200597