Philosophy of Humor - What makes something funny? Can humor be defined and understood? If so, how? This summer, explore these questions and more in PHIL 369, as you examine various psychological and philosophical theories of humor and the causes of laughter. Examples from different media, including stand-up comedy, podcasts, television, and film, will be used to test competing theories.

"I try to change the content up a little every time I teach the course," says professor James Thomas, "but I will show clips from Dave Chappelle, Norm MacDonald, Buster Keaton, Chris Rock, Jim Gaffigan, Anthony Jeselnik, and John Mulaney. There will probably be some Monty Python and SNL stuff in there as well." 

Special attention will be paid to the ethical implications of offensive humor. Readings will be drawn from historical and contemporary sources, such as Charles Portis, Philip Roth, Kurt Vonnegut, and Paul Beatty.

PHIL 369 fulfills the Arts & Humanities GEP requirement.