CLS2510

Wit and humour in literature, film and cartoon

Alba Romano

8 points
* 3 hours per week
* Second semester
* Clayton
* Prohibition CHC2510/CHC3510

Objectives Upon satisfactory completion of this subject, students will be able to understand the mechanisms of laughter and will be able to distinguish between humour as a gratuitous social manifestation or as instrument of psychological manipulation.

Synopsis This subject is divided into two parts. The first will study theories of wit and humour from antiquity to the present.. The second will study the practice of wit and humour both in literary genres such as comedy, satire, and parody. Finally, wit and humour will be analysed in films and cartoons.

Assessment Tutorial paper (1000 words): 10%
* Tutorial participation: 10%
* Essay (3000 words): 30%
* Examination (2 hours): 50%

Prescribed texts

Ionesco Rhinoceros, The Chairs, The Lesson Penguin
Jonson B Three comedies ed. M Jamieson, Penguin
Lawson H Joe Wilson's mates Penguin
Molière The Miser Penguin
Plautus The Pot of Gold Penguin
Rabelais The histories of Gargantua and Pantagruel Penguin
Williamson D The Sons of Cain Currency Press, 1985