Who We Are

Collage of Images of UTSC English Professors and UTSC English Alumnis

Meet the UTSC English Community!

We are a diverse and close-knit group of students, faculty, and staff united by a shared passion for the vital work that literature, writing, and film studies do in the world.


Spotlight

Our current spotlight is on Professor Daniel Scott Tysdal

Professor Tysdal

What is your favorite course to teach at UTSC?

All of them. We are empowered to teach what and how we love, so I find it impossible to pick a favourite.

Favorite Book/Movie?

Don DeLillo’s Mao II and Chris Marker’s Sans Soleil.

Favorite place to relax at UTSC?

The Andrew’s Building. I love wandering the halls to take in the architecture and our campus’s energy.

What makes you laugh the most?

Right now? Sloppy steaks.

What’s your favorite sport to watch or play?

Basketball used to be my favourite sport to watch and play, but professional wrestling has surpassed it to watch, and, heck, maybe even to play. Is there such a thing as an amateur professional wrestler? Is forty-three too late to become one?

What song would you sing at Karaoke (your favourite song)?

My go-to Karaoke jams are the jazz standard “Angel Eyes” and Radiohead’s “Fake Plastic Trees.” (Yup, I’m a downer.) My favourite song is “Gone Alone” by Fiver.

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

My dad’s spaghetti and meatballs, and my partner’s roast chicken and taters. And, of course, sloppy steaks.

Who is your favorite author (or filmmaker) and why?

Chris Marker. I love the blend of documentary, poetry, politics, and philosophy in his films. I also admire his distinct career and process. He was mobile and independent while also being collaborative and supportive.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself (maybe a secret skill/special hobby)?

I partied with an absolute gem of an Oscar winner, and, at one point, we stripped our shirts off in the middle of the street so we could “exchange artistic essences.” (It’s worth noting that, after this trade, he won his Oscar and I won the ReLit, which is basically the Oscar for weird poets.)

What was the last TV show you binge-watched?

This term, I’m living alone at a cabin on a lake, so I thought: what a perfect time to binge the Friday the 13th franchise! I spent a Friday in October watching films 1 through 8. I even mustered up the courage to watch VI through VIII outside by the fire.

You can also explore our Spotlight Gallery, and email Dr. Sonja Nikkila if you have suggestions for someone in the department community worth featuring!


Use the links below to learn more about the people who make up UTSC English: