The camera is a tool to engage, socially and politically, the world around us. Students will immerse themselves in documentary practices to craft stories with photographs, video, sound, and text. Through close readings of photographic essays, a historical range of photojournalism books, and news reportage, students will learn how to read photographs to gain an understanding of "visual literacy." Our emphasis will be on process (drafting proposals, conducting research, gaining access), as well as practice (editing and building sequencing skills). Through trial and error, students will learn which ideas translate visually, which do not, and why. Students should be prepared to make mistakes, learn by weekly photographic assignments and for the second half of the term, iteration: returning to the same photographic subject matter over and over. Collaboration will be encouraged as we use the classroom as a lab to critique each others' work. Students must have access to a digital camera, smart phone or SLR, and a basic familiarity with an editing application. This class is strongly recommended for all Journalism + Design majors.