History of Art and Visual Culture (HAVC) students explore the historical aspects of art and imagery as they connect to the present. Our program emphasizes and fosters visual literacy and critical thinking—essential skills for navigating our image-driven world.
Courses are innovative, interdisciplinary and thematic, incorporating experiential and collaborative learning that helps students develop a confident, creative voice. Students will have the opportunity to advance these skills in courses such as Socially Engaged Art, Art and the Environment, and Forbidden Knowledge, Dangerous Art.
Acclaimed scholars in their fields, our exceptional faculty are deeply committed to supporting your academic development and preparing you to apply your skills in both advanced study and professional contexts—including careers in museums, galleries, education, arts administration, cultural policy and more.
Students may complete a major or a minor in History of Art and Visual Culture (HAVC). We also welcome students from other programs who wish to take our courses as electives. Please contact the HAVC program liaison, Dr. Keri Cronin ([email protected]) if you have questions about HAVC courses.
Learn more about Visual Arts
Faculty Members
Dr. Keri Cronin, Professor
[email protected], 905 688 5550 x 5306
Introduction to Visual Culture, 19th Century Visual Culture, Visual Culture & Science, Picturing Animals. View professional profile.
Dr. Elysia French, Assistant Professor
[email protected], 905 688 5550 x3749
Socially Engaged Art, Contemporary Art , Art and the Environment. View professional profile
Dr. Linda Steer, Associate Professor
[email protected], 905 688 5550 x3821
History of Western Art, Baroque Art History, The Modern City, Banned Books. View professional profile.
Degrees Offered
How to Apply
Students interested in the History of Art and Visual Culture (HAVC) program apply to the Bachelor of Arts in Humanities – Faculty of Humanities exploratory first year program (OUAC code: BR) and declare their HAVC major during the first year of their studies. Applicants are not required to submit a portfolio.