The course provides a comprehensive study of major periods, styles, genres and films starting with the early silent films and culminating with the advent of sound. Among the issues discussed: Thomas Edison, the Lumiere Brothers, George Melies, D.W. Grifith, Chaplin and the silent comedy, the birth of Hollywood, German expressionism and Soviet montage.

The course is accompanied by screenings of relevant film excerpts (but not full length films).