Message from the Chair

Prof. Jill Caskey's photo

Welcome to the Department of Visual Studies at UTM. Our global world is overflowing with images and visual literacy has become a critical skill for living in an engaged and productive way. DVS offers a range of courses and programs that cultivate visual literacy through the study of the history, theory, and practice of art, film and visual culture. Whether looking at a Renaissance painting, medieval mosque, VR application, cult film or shopping mall, we are committed to understanding the meaning and power of images and their impact on our lives and communities.

DVS is home to five undergraduate programs: Art and Art History, a ground-breaking studio art/art history program offered with Sheridan College (Specialist, Major); Art History (Specialist, Major, Minor); Cinema Studies (Minor and Major); Visual Culture (Minor); and Visual Culture and Communication (Specialist). At DVS, students can study with faculty members who are internationally recognized for their research and scholarship and well known for their commitment to innovative teaching. DVS is also home to the award-winning Blackwood Gallery, which hosts student exhibitions as well as curated and international travelling exhibitions.

We invite you to check out our courses and programs and to participate in our events.

Jill Caskey
Professor and Chair
Department of Visual Studies