In this course, students explore humor and consider the subaltern perspectives of various historically disenfranchised peoples including Black, Native, and Chicano. A political history of comedy, this class examines the work of comic masters such as Richard Pryor, Lenny Bruce, Bill Cosby, Whoopie Goldberg, Joan Rivers, Wanda Sykes, Paul Mooney, George Lopez, Sandra Bernhardt, Margaret Cho, Dave Chapelle, Chris Rock, and many more. This diversity studies seminar emphasizes work by artists of color and also considers the contributions of minority groups within white culture in their historical context. Students are expected to attend off-campus, comedy-related events (ranging from local comedy clubs to gallery shows) and will have the opportunity to research, witness, and critique contemporary comedy from the perspective of social justice, economic equality, and racial politics in America.

Visit Workday to view this information.