This course explores the evolution of contemporary photography from the 1980’s to the present day. We will be looking at a wide range of influences from identity politics, TV and film, social media, and the move from analog to digital technologies. Covering established photographers such as Nan Goldin, Lorna Simpson, Rineke Dijkstra, we will also look at more recent work by Walead Beshty, Florian Maier-Aichen, and Eileen Quinlan among many others. The class format will be weekly faculty lectures accompanied by student research and presentations. Students will keep a journal and complete a midterm and final assignment.