ENGL 2240

Last Updated

  • Schedule of Classes - September 22, 2025 1:06PM EDT

ENGL 2240
Comedy: Renaissance and Now

Course information provided by the 2025-2026 Catalog.

What makes us laugh? What made people laugh in the past, and how has it changed? This course will take a long view of comedy, juxtaposing its great popularity in early modern England with its appeal in the present day. Beginning with Shakespeare's comedies of mistaken identity, we will grapple along the way with the diverse pleasures offered by clowns, jokes, satire, the Simpsons, and television sitcoms. Readings will explore how and why humor works and consider themes such as the nature of identity, cruelty and physical comedy, the potential of humor for political critique, and what it means to take pleasure (or discomfort) from a literary or artistic object.


Distribution Requirements (CA-AG, LA-AG), (ALC-AS)

Last 4 Terms Offered 2025SP

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Syllabi: none

  •   Regular Academic Session. 

  • 3 Credits Stdnt Opt

  •  8278 ENGL 2240   SEM 101

  •  
    • MW
    • Jan 20 - May 5, 2026

    • Rosenberg, J

  • Instruction Mode: In Person