This course explores the ever-evolving concept of identity as a cultural arena reflecting collective attitudes, lifestyles, aesthetics, and social perceptions that occur in visual culture. Class discussions and presentations illustrate personal portrayals as well as social and political readings associated with gender-based representations, the depiction and meaning of subcultures, feminist aesthetics, and works committed to the expressions of diverse cultures. The photographic and conceptual genres examined include portraiture, documentary, photojournalism (both classical and post-modern), and fashion. Assignments encourage students to explore and experience how representations pertaining to identity differ according to the context and intention of the artist.