Study Notes on Student-Centered Reading of Lewis Hine's Photographs

Student-Centered Reading of Lewis Hine's Photographs

Source Information

  • Author: Kate Sampsell-Willmann

  • Published In: The History Teacher, May 2014, Vol. 47, No. 3, pp. 387-419

  • Published by: Society for History Education

  • Stable URL: JSTOR Stable URL

  • Access Information:

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    • All use subject to JSTOR Terms of Use

Overview of Student-Centered Learning

  • Contextual Importance:

    • Engaging students with primary sources has become a critical approach in teaching history.

    • Photographic images, specifically, can effectively capture student attention and imagination.

  • Methodological Approach:

    • Employing a contextualized and systematic method of image analysis in history education enhances student engagement and encourages the use of alternative research sources.

    • Emphasis on viewing photographs as primary historical sources—moving beyond merely illustrative uses.

The Legacy of Lewis Hine

  • Beginning of Social Documentary Photography:

    • Lewis Wickes Hine (1874-1940) is recognized as the father of social documentary photography.

  • Activism through Photography:

    • Hine’s work focuses on social justice issues prevalent during the Progressive movement:

      • Expanding education

      • Combating nativism

      • Addressing urban poverty

      • Improving working conditions

      • Abolishing child labor

      • Promoting equality in work environments

      • Celebrating the dignity of work.

  • Personal Background & Education:

    • Influenced by John Dewey’s progressive educational philosophies at the University of Chicago.

    • Taught at New York's Ethical Culture School (ECS) before pursuing photography full-time in 1908.

  • Notable Works:

    • Portraits of child laborers and construction workers, notably at the Empire State Building.

    • Shifted from social to interpretive photography post-1920 after adapting to changes within the Progressive movement.

Methodology for Analyzing Hine's Images

  • Benefits of Including Photographs in Curriculum:

    • Encourages visualization and stimulates creative thinking among students.

    • Facilitates comprehension of social or cultural histories, particularly during the early 20th century.

  • Student Engagement Techniques:

    • Begin with visual observations: students should list observable elements without jumping to conclusions.

  • Capstone Exercises:

    • Assign in-class writing projects or collaborative group discussions focused on analyzing content within each photograph.

Steps for Photo Analysis

  1. Initial Observations: Report only visual aspects (e.g., light, objects present) without making assumptions about the narrative.

  2. Descriptive Exercises: Describe elements and connections within the image (e.g., the child’s size in relation to adult workers).

  3. Examining Background Information: Consider elements of the image that might be omitted by the photographer and reflect on why certain choices were made.

  4. Patronage and Purpose: Identify who commissioned the image and the photographer's intent behind it.

  5. Contextual Understanding: Ground analysis within historical context; interrogate how Hine's background influences the message.

Detailed Insights into Photograph Interpretation

Has a Specific Patron

  • Hine’s work generally aligned with various patrons (like NCLC) across different themes (factory work, child labor).

  • Hine also utilized various tactics to gain access for photographing children at work (e.g., disguising himself as a different type of photographer).

The Role of Lighting and Composition

  • Analyzing the impact of lighting in photos to discern between typical natural light and artificial source use can signify operational conditions (often needed to ascertain child labor scenarios).

  • Students should note what elements are included or excluded in the composition, as Hine's intentional framing conveys deeper narratives.

Focused Case Study: Analyzing Hine’s ‘Laura Petty’ Photograph

  • Visual Captivation: Start by examining Hine’s photograph of Laura Petty, a child laborer.

  • Initial Impressions: Identify what elements attract attention in the context of child labor, potentially evoking discomfort/spiritual engagement from viewers.

  • Overall Environment: Use this image to critique social norms and child labor ideologies during Hine's time.

Further Activities in Image Use

  • Comparative Studies: Students can analyze the relevance of Hine’s photographs with contemporary images, examining social conditions and child labor today.

  • Exploration of Historical Relevance: Accompany Hine’s photographs with discussions of current labor laws and struggles, reinforcing their importance in today's discourse on labor reform.
    Overall, the article emphasizes that with careful teaching of photographic interpretation, students develop critical thinking skills necessary for engaging with historical and modern visual artifacts in their studies, enhancing their educational journey far beyond mere academic requirements.

Conclusion

  • Students equipped with skills for interpreting images as primary historical sources can meaningfully engage with the complexities of history as presented through visual documentation.

  • Hine's portfolio serves as an impactful introduction to the analysis of images, encouraging cross-disciplinary thinking and promoting sustained interest in historical studies.