History of Comedy

Course Code

HCCC 116

Academic Year

2016-2017

Students will get an overview of the history of comedy from the time of the ancient Greeks to the present day. They will gain an understanding of the context of modern comedy (including their own), and of the universal elements in comedy. Special emphasis will be given to Canadian comedy. Subjects covered will include some or all of the following: Greek comedy, Shakespearean comedy, burlesque, vaudeville, music hall, silent film comedy, Picaresque narrative, stand-up, the satiric mask, farce, film and TV comedy, etc.