Visual Studies is...
Innovative
Central Park, New York City
©2006 Tracy Xavia Karner
Visual Studies is an exciting new interdisciplinary field that explores all aspects of our visual experience, from fMRIs and nanotechnology to visual methods of scientific data collection, to the increasing visuality of our world in terms of information portals—technology, visual culture, and our social environment.
We look at how visual images shape our knowledge base, our imagination, and our understanding of gender, race, and social class. We teach you how to use, apply, and critically evaluate visual information in terms of understanding social knowledge, communication mechanisms and research.
Interdisciplinary
Visual Studies draws on faculty from more than a dozen disciplines, from anthropology to art, cognitive science, communication, history, literary and media studies, optometry, philosophy, psychology, and sociology.
Our program is one of only twelve in the United States--and the only one in Texas.
Exciting
Visual Studies will transform our curriculum, enrich our campus and community, and create dynamic online resources.
Our team-taught introductory course explores the science of light and vision; the visual arts as rich cultural texts; and visual media as investigative tools.
Student Centered
Visual Studies emphasizes innovative teaching and active, hands-on learning.
Our faculty are researchers and mentors, not simply teachers, committed to creating a learning community that transcends traditional department and campus boundaries.
