Research Topics

Please post a brief description of your research project including the following: 1) name of photograph(s) and/or photographer, 2) brief description of photograph's subject/context, and 

3) what you will argue this photograph(s) social, cultural, political, and/or historical impact has been.

An Oblique Glance

Lister and Wells assert that context and the venue in which it a particular image is encountered by the viewer influences his/her interpretation of it.  This photograph by Robert Doisneau was taken in 1948 post WW II Paris.  It depicts a couple looking into an art gallery window.  What is your interpretation of this photograph?  Is there anything unusual/interesting about it?  What?  Why?

Photographs

In their essay Seeing Beyond Belief:  Cultural Studies as an Approach to Analysing the Visual Lister and Wells explore how culture, social circumstances, history, and semiotics impact how meaning, pleasure, and power are articulated through specific images.  Examine the photograph at right and comment on what you see.  What does this photograph mean to you?  Why?

Fact or Fiction?

Angela Carter skillfully weaves fact and fiction in her account of the Fall River Axe murders.  After reviewing newspaper articles and/or trial testimonies from 1893, how well do you think she used factual details to support her fictional version of events?

Fact or Fiction?

Angela Carter skillfully weaves fact and fiction in her account of the Fall River Axe murders.  After reviewing newspaper accounts and/or trial transcripts from 1893, how well do you think she used fictional details about factual events in order to support her argument?