Jewish Studies 362 - SEM IN MOD JEWISH LITERATURE

Topics course. What makes a Jewish joke? Is it about self-deprecation? The deflation of majority culture? Finding humor in tragedy? Explores the evolution of modern Jewish humor, from Yiddish folk types to the influence of Jewish standup comedians, writers and performers on post-war American popular culture. What do contemporary American comic masters such as Philip Roth, Mel Brooks, Woody Allen, Sarah Silverman, Larry David and the Coen Brothers have in common with European precursors such as Sholem Aleichem and Kafka? Also includes critical theories of humor by Freud and Bergson. Sophomores welcome to apply for admission.

Topic: Punchline: The Jewish Comic Tradition. Instructor permission. Not open to first-years, sophomores