Art History

Art History offers students an exciting forum for developing critical skills in interpreting visual imagery and understanding the significance of art in a variety of cultures and historical periods, including the contemporary moment. Courses span the history of art from the ancient to the contemporary worlds, and investigate art from Europe, North and South America, and Asia. The Art History programs (Specialist, Major, Minor) train students in foundational methods of interpretation as well as the newest approaches in the field.

Specialization in this program may lead to curatorial work in galleries, museums, or corporations; careers in illustration, advertising, web design, film, and graphic design; journalism; teaching at the high school or university level following graduate study; independent artistic activities; or simply to deeper engagement with, and enjoyment of, art.

Students registering in their first year in Art History are encouraged to contact the undergraduate counsellor during the registration period for guidance. CCIT students considering double-majoring in an art program should also meet the undergraduate counsellor to discuss their studies.

Art and Art History

The UTM and Sheridan joint Art & Art History program is the longest standing partnership of its type in Canada. It combines the study of art history at UTM with studio art courses at Sheridan Institute. The program offers six core studios that students complete in their initial two years of study: drawing, painting, sculpture/installation, print media, design and photography. In these studios, students are introduced to contemporary art practices through problem-based learning, which encourages a range of personal approaches and solutions to visual expression. In the upper-level studios, students go on to further expertise in two of the core-studio streams, developing a body of self-directed artwork in a class environment of discussion and exchange.

At UTM, students in the joint program enrol in Art History courses in the Department of Visual Studies. These courses provide students with the opportunity to engage in the academic study of art and architecture. Students will learn to analyze visual objects, considering their form, materials and techniques, meaning and historical and political contexts. Courses span the history of art from the ancient to the contemporary world, across Europe, North America and Asia.

Students graduate with two prestigious and practical credentials that reflect the program's dual focus: an Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto and a Diploma in Art & Art History from Sheridan. Students must achieve a minimum 2.0 GPA in order to be granted the Sheridan Diploma in Art & Art History.

Many graduates of the program remain involved with education by teaching at the primary, secondary, or post-secondary level; others have pursued graduate studies in studio art, art history, conservation, curatorial practice, or related fields in the humanities, leading to an M.F.A., M.A., or Ph.D. degree. A number of graduates are practicing artists who exhibit their work in artist-run, public, and private galleries, both nationally and internationally. Graduates have also flourished in commercial art, including graphic design, advertising, illustration, web design, and art direction. With its strong art history component, this program has enabled graduates to pursue administrative or curatorial positions in museums and galleries, as well as work in art criticism and journalism.

Students registering in their first year in Art History or Art & Art History (joint program with Sheridan) are encouraged to contact the program director and Art & Art History program coordinator during the registration period if they have any questions. CCIT students considering double-majoring in an art program should also meet the FAH and FAS faculty and consult with them about their studies.