Overview

The Visualizing Crim Project brings criminological theories and rare archival photos together to showcase the power of theory for seeing and understanding the world. Like a camera lens, theory makes visible some aspects of life. And both theory and photography allow us to reimagine the world.

Drawing on criminological theories and historical research, students write gallery labels to accompany the archival photos. These labels offer viewers a particular context for interpreting the significance of the photographic image. We invite you to visit our Virtual Gallery and experience the diversity of theoretical approaches to visual material.

The Visualizing Crim is an innovative Community Engaged Learning and Teaching (CELT) project envisaged by Dr. Anne-Marie Singh, Department of Criminology, Faculty of Arts, Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), and Dr. Reena Tandon (CELT) in collaboration with Ms. Chantal Wilson and Ms. Anna Jedrzejowski, The Image Centre  Archives at TMU.

The class-based partnership between The Image Centre Collection and Criminology MA students in the CRM: 8002: ‘Critical Engagement with Criminological theories' course afforded students an exciting learning opportunity to deploy their understanding of criminological theories to archival photographs and materials in order to develop museum labels for inclusion in The Image Centre's searchable data-base.

This transdisciplinary approach of the project extended graduate student learning in significant ways. Students developed analytical acumen to apply theoretical concepts to representations of lived reality, professional skills to work with archival material, ability to conduct historical research, and to integrate this knowledge to produce museum labels for public engagement. 

Please visit our Virtual Gallery to explore the project’s journey to visualize criminology.