John Trafton

John Trafton is a Visiting Assistant Professor in Media Arts & Culture at Occidental College. He holds a PhD from the University of St. Andrews (Scotland), an M.S. from the University of Edinburgh, and a B.A. from Chapman University. His academic journey includes lecturing in Film Studies at the University of St. Andrews and serving as a departmental research coordinator, followed by an Instructor role in Film Studies at Seattle University and the Seattle International Film Festival’s education program from 2017 to 2023.

Dr. Trafton’s research and teaching focus on the intersections of visual culture, film history, and art practice. His recent book, Movie-Made Los Angeles (2023), examines how pre-cinema visual culture in Southern California (1880–1920) shaped Los Angeles as a cultural economy and cinematic hub. Current projects analyze Mexican Muralism and its influence on art education and film production design in the 1930s.

He maintains an office in Weingart 204 and holds office hours on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:00–3:45. His affiliation with Occidental College began in 2023.