Ken Derry

Ken Derry is an Associate Professor in the Teaching Stream at the University of Toronto, specifically within the Department of Historical Studies. His work bridges Religion and Film studies with a focus on Indigenous traditions, colonialism, and violence-religion dynamics.

• Education:
  • PhD, MA, BA in Religious Studies from University of Toronto
• Research Interests:
  • Religion and Film
  • Indigenous Cultural Products
  • Religion and Violence
  • Colonialism and Mimetic Theory
  • Gender and Hermeneutics
  • Postcolonial Pedagogy
• Notable Publications:
  • The Myth Awakens (co-edited, 2018) on Star Wars and myth
  • SPARK (2024) on teaching excellence
  • Multiple articles in Journal of Religion & Film and Religious Studies Review
• Awards:
  • 2013 UTM Teaching Excellence Award
  • 2008–2014 Dean’s Excellence Awards
  • 2009 'Stepping Up' Award for student experience
• Teaching Innovations:
  • Pioneered short film exams for religious studies
  • Public Office Hours in cafes
  • Problem-Based Learning (PBL) implementation