Understanding the human experience starts with the arts. At the University of Guelph’s College of Arts (COA), this idea is woven into every part of the learning experience. Here, programmes move between the humanities and the visual and performing arts to examine the diverse ways humans create meaning and understand the world.
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Programmes that lead to meaningful impact in a rapidly changing world
Programmes that lead to meaningful impact in a rapidly changing world
Human health, wellbeing and behaviour
Explore how the mind works and why people think and act the way they do.
Society, environment and global change
Examine the social, economic, and environmental forces transforming our world.
Social justice, law and public policy
Discover how justice, law, and governance affect people and communities.
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“Even though I don’t work directly in theatre, the knowledge, skills and experiences I gained from my arts degree have shaped every part of my professional life,” he says. “I’m a stronger project manager, writer, presenter and people leader because of my arts training and background.”
Daniel Poulin
Before finding his place in theatre, Daniel Poulin was studying environmental science at U of G. After three semesters, he decided to switch to Drama (now Theatre Studies) — and it ended up being the right move. “I chose to stay because I appreciated the supportive nature of the U of G community and I loved that the drama programme emphasised individual creativity and artistic development," he says. “I also really appreciate the emphasis on Canadian theatre and alternative forms of production.”
That sense of creative freedom carried into one of his most impactful experiences: working on “425,” a fourth-year course in which they were responsible for putting on their own production.
Daniel Poulin
Programme of study: BA (Honours) – Major: Drama Minor: Geography
Hear from a COA graduate
“Being trusted with department resources — the theatre, wood shop, and costume shop — helped me develop confidence in bringing together everything I had learned,” he explains.
The smaller class sizes made the experience even better. “For example, I had a strong interest in costume design. When my design instructor learned this, he suggested I complete a special study in production and act as his assistant costume designer on the show he was working on,” shares Poulin.
After graduating, Poulin went on to earn a Postgraduate Certificate in Arts Administration and Cultural Management. He then spent five years with the Guelph Dance Festival, first as an office manager and then as assistant general manager. He got involved in peer support programmes at U of G too. Today, he's the university's Manager of Experiential Learning Development and Recognition.
“Even though I don’t work directly in theatre, the knowledge, skills and experiences I gained from my arts degree have shaped every part of my professional life,” he says. “I’m a stronger project manager, writer, presenter and people leader because of my arts training and background.”