AI 156 - Film Comedy, American Style

Institution:

DePaul University

Subject:

Description:

Since the beginning of cinema, movies have made audiences laugh, and comedy is still the most prevalent film genre around the world. What were the earliest movie comedies like, and has film comedy gotten more "sophisticated" Is comedy universal (does everyone laugh at the same things) What lies beneath laughter What does it mean for something to be funny What forms of comedy lend themselves particularly well to movies Do great movIe clowns (e.g. Charlie Chaplin, Mae West, and Jim Carrey) or great comedy directors have anything in common This course investigates film comedy from these various perspectives, based on American films ranging historically over the 20th century, and on readings from film critics, psychologists, and philosophers. Students who complete this course will have a good working knowledge of American film comedy-its history, its status as a genre, its social and psychological functions, and some of its landmark films and creators. Through readings, writing assignments, and lecture-discussions, students will also become conversant in a few key theories of comedy, and begin to consider them in the context of films. Competencies: A-1-C, A-1-D, H-1-X, H-2-G. Faculty: Gary Fox

Credits:

4.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.depaul.edu

Phone Number:

(312) 362-8000

Regional Accreditation:

North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Quarter

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