Art of Comedy

Is comedy necessary? What calls for comedy? Why does comedy often deal with topics that we think are no laughing matters? When does comedy become obsolete, and how do new comedic voices and figures emerge? We will look at comedies from various historical periods (ancient to contemporary), cultural traditions, and artforms (drama, fiction, film, stand-up). We will study their conventions, plots, props, jokes, and running gags (both physical and verbal) and also read theoretical writings on comedy as we consider its perils and promises.