25-A204 Steampunk: The Era of Steam gets a Makeover – Mike Perschon
Goggles on top hats! Corsets bedazzled with cogs! What is this thing the kids call steampunk?
Coined in 1987 by author K.W. Jeter, steampunk imagines worlds where old-timey technology gets a makeover as advanced, steam-powered gadgets. Today, steampunk is more than just a whimsical subgenre of science fiction: it’s a lens through which we explore creativity, innovation, and the relationship between technology and society. From fashion and literature to film, video games, and DIY projects, steampunk continues to influence modern design and pop culture, inviting us to rethink the past and imagine the future. We’ll look at all these expressions over our time together in a survey from the roots of steampunk in the twentieth century to its new expressions today. Join us on this voyage to a history that never was in an exciting course you won’t forget.
Instructor Biography:
Mike Perschon is an associate professor of English at MacEwan University and specialises in the science fiction, fantasy and horror we read, watch and play. Perschon is one of the foremost academic voices on steampunk, and has published many academic and popular articles on the subject, culminating in the release of his book, Steampunk FAQ: All That’s Left to Know About the World of Goggles, Airships and Time Travel in 2018. A dynamic speaker, Perschon presents on speculative fiction at a variety of events, from academic conferences to fan conventions. He is the host of the podcast Triple Bladed Sword.
