In this survey course, we will look at both traditional photojournalism and newer forms of image making that are expanding the medium. The primary goal of this class is to engage in the language of visuals: students will learn to make images and to write about them, but most importantly, to think critically about the photographs and representations we see in newspapers, magazines, and online every day. We will begin with a brief overview of the role of images in making our modern media, and then each class will be dedicated to discussing one region or topic: the wars in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan; representations of life in Africa and elsewhere; photographing violence against women; community approaches to documentary photography; picturing poverty and development; and more. Classes will involve direct visual analysis combined with background from course readings. Guest speakers will be brought in to discuss their work. Students will have the choice of conducting a semester-long photography research project that focuses on both visual analysis and contextual meaning, or of doing a hands-on photo project in a diaspora community in New York. No prior photography experience is required.