Humanities Arts Cultural Stu 0284 - Comedy as Artistic Strategy

This course is structured around the tropes of comedic aesthetics: stand-up, slapstick, situations, puns, pratfalls, and pity. Taking aesthetic and thematic cues from comedians and funny situations rather than from a specific artistic medium or technique, students will utilize video, audio, photographs, diagrams, performance, and sculptural props to create and document new artworks that are informed by the aesthetics and practices of humor. Concurrent threads of pathos, performance, identity, and language will also be explored in examples of historical and contemporary artworks and performances. Weekly screenings and readings will be organized by type of comedic strategy or format (stand-up, slapstick, ensemble, wordplay, radio/audio recording, television, concrete comedy, skits/sketches, parody, impressions, etc.) In addition to major self-directed and collaborative artmaking assignments, assignments will include exercises, field recordings, and texts.

Independent Work Students will be expected to spend approximately 8-10 hours per week in preparation and work outside of class. Lab Fee $80. Students may spend additional money depending on personal projects