Persuasive Visual Essays: An Introduction to Commercial Photography

Quarters
Summer Open
Location
Tacoma
Class Standing
Freshman
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
Angela Carlyle

This course will introduce students to visual storytelling through commercial photography. As a class, we will investigate current advertising campaigns and analyze why they are effective. We will discuss what makes a compelling story, both on and off the page, and use this as a basis to create our own storyboards. We will write and sketch a visual essay to promote a product or idea. This course will urge students to notice how societal norms are shaped by the advertising world, as we explore trends in the age of social media and influencers. Each student will have an opportunity to present their final project and be given feedback from the class. While this is a creative writing and photography class, no prior photography experience is necessary. Students are welcome to use their phone or a DSLR to create their visual essays.

Anticipated Credit Equivalencies:

4 - Communication in Mixed Media

Registration

Course Reference Numbers
Second Session (4): 40074

Academic Details

This course is relevant for students pursing careers in creative writing, photography, visual arts, marketing, communications, and social media management.

4
25
Freshman
Sophomore
Junior
Senior

Schedule

Summer
2025
Open
In Person (Su)

See definition of Hybrid, Remote, and In-Person instruction

Evening
Schedule Details
Tacoma