Skip to main content
Department of English
Search
Log in
Navigation
About
Current Office Hours
Diversity Resources
English Library
Faculty Statement Archives
Internal Dept Resources
Medieval and Early Modern Studies
University Writing Program
Video Guides & Worksheets
Visit us on Facebook
Major/Minor in English
Advising
Creative Writing Application
Honors Program
Internships
Literary Magazines
Major Requirements Guide & FAQ
Minor Requirements
Study Abroad
Why Major in English?
MFA in Creative Writing
Admissions
Events, Prizes, and Resources
MFA Program Faculty
Newly Admitted Grad Students
Resources
Ph.D. in Literature
About
Admissions
Newly Admitted Grad Students
PhD Alumni Directory
Resources
Courses & Schedules
People
News & Events
Off the Syllabus Podcast
Recent News
Contests
Contest Winners
Previous Contest Winners
Newsletters
You are here
Home
»
Courses & Schedules
English 40-1 - Spring, 2020
Introductory Topics in Literature
Topic: Comedy
Class Information
Instructor:
Shershow, Scott
CRN:
63985
Time:
TR 1:40-3:00
Location:
229 Wellman
Description
This course considers comedy both as an ancient tradition and a vital instance of contemporary popular culture. On the table will be fundamental questions that have always been asked and never really answered, such as: what is a joke? why do people laugh? what makes something funny?
We?ll study a variety of comic plays from Shakespeare to Shaw, and a few examples of modern film and television comedy. Along the way, we?ll also read some highlights of the long history of comic theory from Aristotle to Freud. Finally, we'll consider the history and practice of so-called "standup comedy."
NOTE: the "standup comedy" performers we will study in this class sometimes address "mature" themes and use colloquial language of a kind that can be offensive to some people and in some contexts. Registering in this class will be taken as your agreement that you have no objection to studying such material in a serious way. Our own code of conduct, with regard to the language we use in our classroom, will remain unchanged.
Grading
Evaluation will be based on two papers, a midterm examination, and a final exam.
Texts
The Taming of the Shrew
, William Shakespeare
Other texts on electronic reserve
Endgame
, Samuel Beckett