26-A204 From Silence to Streaming: A Century of Cinema – Mike Perschon
This course surveys the evolution of film from the silent era to the digital age, exploring one landmark film per decade to trace the changing language of cinema. Students will examine how innovations in cinematography, editing, sound, and performance have shaped storytelling across genres and generations. From the glamour of Casablanca to the wit of Some Like It Hot and the spectacle of Jurassic Park, each film reveals how style, technology, and culture intersect on screen. Part historical overview and part introduction to film analysis, the course equips students with the tools to read movies critically – seeing not just what they show, but how they make meaning.
Instructor: Mike Perschon
Dr. Mike Perschon is a scholar of film, literature, and visual culture whose teaching explores narrative in all its forms: telling, showing, and playing. He holds a PhD in Comparative Literature from the U of A where his research examined the aesthetics of steampunk. As an educator, Perschon brings an engaging, interdisciplinary approach to film studies, connecting the evolution of cinematic language to broader cultural and historical movements. His work encourages students to see film not only as entertainment, but as a dynamic art form that reflects—and shapes—the times in which films are made.
