Humanities Arts Cultural Stu 0239 - Hate, Hope, and Humor

Stand up, sketch comedy, satirical news, and memes: How do these and other humor-related cultural forms allow us to speak the unspeakable, to challenge and/or uphold the status quo, and to consolidate community? What are the limitations of these cultural forms? In this discussion-based and writing-intensive course, students will grapple with humor's many social functions, and consider the extent to which humor is an effective means of addressing wars, white supremacy, rape culture, presidential power, and other weighty issues. Course readings will include literature by scholars in communication, media studies, sociology, psychology, political science, and ethnic studies, which students will draw from in analyzing satirical performances, comedic television programs, and digital content in class, blog posts, and essays. Ultimately students will produce a final research paper on a humor-related topic of their own choosing, which they will present to the class.

Media and Technology Students in this course can expect to spend 8 to 10 hours weekly on work and preparation outside of class time.