PHOTO-140 - History of Photography - Chris Bassett

Introduction

Welcome to History of Photography! I'm Chris Bassett, your instructor and an artist who makes photographs. When I’m not teaching, I’m often outside running, mountain biking, or climbing. I'm excited to have you join me and share not only photographic history, but the way it intersects with art, society, and the world.  

This class covers a full semester of material in five weeks. It will be intense but the history of photography is interesting and worth the effort.  

Course Description

Explores the history and appreciation of photography from the nineteenth century to present. Assesses the relationship between photography and history, culture, technology, art, social values, and other concerns. 

What to Expect in this Course

This is a lecture course, not a lab course. Most of the assignments will not involve making your own photographs. 

Because it is a five week course, please plan to spend approximately 10-12 hours of time per week and check into Canvas every day. This course is designed to include collaborative learning and will require group work to complete successfully. 

The weekly workload will be similar to this: 

• Read three to four (3-4) chapters from your textbook 

• Review lectures online 

• Participate in an online discussion 

• Contribute to a group essay online 

• Take an exam on the week's content. There are five exams total. 

There are also two projects during the course that happen over multiple weeks. 

You will need to be comfortable accessing and working in Canvas. A computer or tablet is typically more comfortable to work with than accessing the course on a phone. For one project, you will need some way to makedigital photographs. This can be a cell phone camera or any other digital camera you have access to. 

Types of Assessments

• Group Short Essays 

• Group Wikis 

• Online Discussions 

• Unit Exams that include multiple choice and essay answers 

• Projects 

Textbook Information

Photography: A Cultural History by Mary Warner Marien. ISBN: 978-1786277855 (5th Edition) 

The current edition (as of 2026) is the 5th edition. You can use older editions as well. The 4th edition or newer is recommended, but the 3rd edition will work. 

Other Relevant Course Information

If spaces open in the class in the first few days, I will add students in the order of the waitlist. If you are on the waitlist, watch your email starting a few days before class to see if you are able to add the class. With each week being equivalent to three weeks in a full semester class, it's important to have all adds processed right away.

Per education code, I have to drop non-participating students, so be sure to sign in to Canvas and participate on the first day of class. There is an introductory assignment that you must complete in the first two days to remain in the class. 

I send a welcome letter to all enrolled students the week before the class begins, as I know how easy it is to forget when a late start class begins. 

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: 02/21/2026 Sub#: 2033 Sub ID: 208266