ENGL 54.02 Arts of Laughter: Comedy and Criticism
What makes us laugh? Does laughter have the power to change the world? Can comedy transform society? These are only some of the questions that this course addresses. This course examines literary works, stand-up comedy, rom-coms and classic Hollywood comedy, and sit-com television (among other comedic forms) in order to consider the capacity for comedy to criticize the status quo and effect social change. It also investigates theoretical approaches to comedy and laughter, such as Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic interpretation of jokes and Henri Bergson’s philosophy of laughter, which ask why we laugh in the first place. Literary works and films may include Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, Samuel Beckett’s Waiting For Godot, Charlie Chaplin’s Modern Times, and Judd Apatow and Amy Schumer’s Trainwreck. We will also discuss stand-up performances by the likes of Aziz Ansari, Louis C. K., and Margaret Cho; sit-com programs including I Love Lucy, Blackish, and Fresh Off The Boat; and skit shows such as Saturday Night Live and Chappelle’s Show. Students will have the opportunity to not only write about comedy but also produce and perform comedy. Enrollment limited to 30.
Department-Specific Course Categories
Course Group IV