CHL 419B Genre Study: Humor
This course will examine the many facets of humor in literature for young people, focusing particularly on the literary, historical, and societal significance of making readers laugh. Students will examine the history and philosophy behind humor for children, as well as the uses of humor as entertainment, social commentary, and literary device. The class will also consider how specific humor techniques make a text funny for particular audiences, and how subjectivity, societal influences, and personal preference play a role in judging a comedic work's success.