Dr. Peter Decherney

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Biography

Peter Decherney is the Edmund J. Louise W. Kahn Endowed Term Professor of Humanities at the University of Pennsylvania, where he teaches Cinema and Media Studies and directs the Penn Global Documentary Institute. An award-winning documentary filmmaker and fine art photographer, Peter has authored and edited seven books, including 'Hollywood’s Copyright Wars' and 'Edison Internet Hollywood: A Short Introduction'. His photography has been exhibited across major cities, including New York and Los Angeles, focusing on global Jewish communities. Notably, his forthcoming book, 'Endless Exodus: The Jewish Experience in Ethiopia', is set for release in Spring 2026. Peter has partnered with African Jewish communities on a series of documentary films, highlighting pivotal histories, such as the Abayudaya community in Uganda. His works have garnered accolades, including recognition at the AT&T Film Awards for his virtual reality docuseries focusing on the artistic responses to Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. In addition to his research and filmmaking, Peter is a recognized educator, with an open online course on the history of Hollywood that has enrolled over 80,000 learners. He holds a secondary appointment at the Annenberg School for Communication and is affiliated with the Penn Law Center for Technology, Innovation, and Competition.

Research Interests

Courses

Virtual Reality Lab London Theatre Experience British Cinema: Film, Television, Transatlantic Screen Culture Television New Media World Film History Copyright Culture Media Fandom Digital Cinema New Media

Requirements for University of Pennsylvania

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.6
GRE General
Verbal
Required:162
Quantitative
Required:162
Overall
Required:162
GMAT
Total Score
Required:728
Overall
Required:728
TOEFL
Total
Required:115
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or equivalent Strong quantitative background
Application Checklist
  • Academic Transcripts
  • Letters of Recommendation (2-3)
  • Resume/CV
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Essays
Specialization Notes

Wharton Doctoral programs cover fields like Finance, Marketing, Management, and Operations, Information and Decisions.