Course Details

What is the relationship between laughter, comedy, wonder, and happiness? Often in this fast-paced, technological American society of the 21st century we forget to be content with the subtle humor hidden in our daily lives, both at work and home. This course surveys recent psychological, anthropological, sociological, and motivational literature on happiness, especially groundbreaking studies of the last decade. Simultaneously we examine the history of comic theatre, from its roots in Ancient Greece to stand up routines found in todays urban and suburban comedy clubs. Be prepared to take the subject seriously, and you will likely complete the course having found an inner smile. (Start 6/22 - End 7/31)