YFIM6002 Humor, Laughter, and Society (5 cr)

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Study level:
Other studies
Grading scale:
0-5
Language:
English
Responsible organisation:
Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy
Curriculum periods:
2017-2018, 2018-2019, 2019-2020

Description

Content

What makes things funny? Why do we laugh? What do we laugh about? What is the social significance of humor? Everyone is an expert on humor because he or she knows what is funny to oneself. In this sense, humor is universal. However, there are vast cultural differences on what is perceived humorous. Humor in China is presumably different than in Finland, and Finnish humor differs from Canadian amusement. In addition, not every citizen of the same country shares a similar taste in humor. From this perspective, humor is highly individual feature. Solving this paradox of universality and individuality is in the core of this course.

Humor functions in different ways in different societies and historical periods. For instance, the relationship between humor and free speech varies from culture to another. This means that the social significance of humor is not same everywhere; humor can be seen as a tool for social change but it can also further oppression. During the course various kinds of humor scandals will be analyzed, and through examples we will examine how comedians and satirists take part in political processes.

Completion methods

Lectures 20 hours (including group discussions). A writing assignment to be completed after the course.

Assessment details

Active participation in the lectures and group discussions. Writing a learning log (1-2 page(s) per lecture) on topics related to the course.

Grading: 0-5

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this course, student is able to understand and analyze humor and laughter from a scientific perspective. He or she understands the social significance of humor and how humor affects and molds personal lives. Student will be familiar with the classical theories of humor (including Superiority Theory, Relief Theory, Incongruity Theory) as well as on modern theories of humor (including The Benign Violation Theory of Humor, General Verbal Theory of Humor, and Appropriate Incongruity Theory). He or she has a deeper understanding on the relationship between humor and society as well as how humor is related to, for instance, politics.

Study materials

Preliminary readings: To be announced

Course literature: To be announced

Completion methods

Method 1

Select all marked parts
Parts of the completion methods
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Teaching (5 cr)

Type:
Participation in teaching
Grading scale:
0-5
Language:
English
No published teaching