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Syllabus

Description

This class surveys a range of comic texts from different media, the cultures that produced them, and various theories of comedy. Authors and directors studied may include Aristophanes, Shakespeare, Moliere, Austen, Chaplin.

Assignments

  1. Theater review (3 pages); due on or by Lecture 5.

  2. Film review (3 pages); due on or before Lecture 25.

  3. Milton / Shakespeare exercise (3 pp., due in Lecture 8).

  4. Exercise in domestic anthropology; native informants (3 exercises, 2 pp. each, due on Lectures 9, 11, and 13).

  5. Essays on critical paradigms 3 exercises, 3 pages each (due on Lectures 15, 17, 18, and 20).

  6. Final exam; submit draft(s) and final version; counts as 4 pages (date and place t.b.a.).

Grades Policy

ACTIVITIES PERCENTAGES
Class Discussion
(This criterion requires presence in class; if you miss more than 2 classes please bring a doctor's explanation.)
40%
Written Work
(Proofread, printed, collated, stapled and prompt; no late work accepted.)
40%
Final Exam and Quizzes 20%