Degree Type
Honors Capstone Project
Date of Submission
Spring 5-1-2009
Capstone Advisor
Anthony R. Golden Ph.D
Honors Reader
Sascha Scott
Capstone Major
Photography
Capstone College
Visual and Performing Arts
Audio/Visual Component
no
Capstone Prize Winner
no
Won Capstone Funding
yes
Honors Categories
Creative
Subject Categories
Photography
Abstract
My Capstone project is an exploration of how children perceive their environment. This exploration stems from my curiosity to know what it would have been like to grow up in a different part of the world. This analysis was executed through the mediums of both photography and writing.
Implementing the use of e-mail communication via the Internet, I got in contact with fifth grade teachers from Overseas Schools in countries across the world. The seven countries currently represented in this project areIceland,Poland,Greece,Lebanon,Sri Lanka,Japanand theUnited States of America. Additionally, studies are currently in the process of being conducted inThailand,Burkina Faso, andPeru.
In coordination with the teachers located in each of these countries, I sent a package with one-time use cameras, as well as other necessary materials and a detailed set of instructions outlining how the project should be carried out. After obtaining permission from a parent/guardian, each child was given a camera and instructed to take photographs documenting his or her life. Exactly what elements to record were not specified; the child was open to interpret this prompt as he/she may.
After taking all available photographs with the camera, the child was then instructed to return the camera to the teacher and, following a provided outline, write an essay providing some information about themselves as well as insight into what they had photographed. After all students completed these steps, the teacher mailed the package back to me in theUnited States.
Upon receipt of the packages, I reviewed all of the photographs and essays. These materials were then made into a website which can be viewed at thecameraproject.com. The implementation of the data into a website allows the data to act as an educational tool for both the students and the world.
In essence, my project accentuates the beauty of the world that connects us to one another, a beauty that is deep and surpasses the realm of aesthetics. I have found that children see the world with purity and innocence. It also serves as a reminder that, despite cultural nuances, we are all so similar – accentuating the importance of experience and human contact. As such, the increased opportunities for this human connection, in light of the interconnectedness of contemporary society, should be continually acknowledged, appreciated and explored.
Recommended Citation
Mulvehill, Erin, "The World Through Young Eyes: A Photo/Essay Exploration of How Children Perceive Their Environment in the Modern Day" (2009). Renée Crown University Honors Thesis Projects - All. 414.
https://surface.syr.edu/honors_capstone/414
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