This is a Black humor studies survey course that rhetorically asks three major questions. First, “How can humor be used to write a narrative of redemption without sacrificing the depth and gravitas of a ‘real’ lived experience?” Secondly, “What is lost in our quest for social equality when we default to humor narratives for rhetorical exchange?” And finally, “What is gained when a humor technology becomes the agency for self narration?” We will consider several iconic comedy monologists and academic theorists as a way of creating a template for writing about oneself or others. The course considers the work of Dave Chappelle, Whoopie Goldberg, Richard Pryor, Katt Williams, Chris Rock, and Eddie Murphy among others. As the title indicates, “You’re So Funny” means that students will work on finding ways to write personal humor narrative throughout the semester.

This is a Black humor studies survey course that rhetorically asks three major questions. First, “How can humor be used to write a narrative of redemption without sacrificing the depth and gravitas of a ‘real’ lived experience?” Secondly, “What is lost in our quest for social equality when we default to humor narratives for rhetorical exchange?” And finally, “What is gained when a humor technology becomes the agency for self narration?” We will consider several iconic comedy monologists and academic theorists as a way of creating a template for writing about oneself or others. The course considers the work of Dave Chappelle, Whoopie Goldberg, Richard Pryor, Katt Williams, Chris Rock, and Eddie Murphy among others. As the title indicates, “You’re So Funny” means that students will work on finding ways to write personal humor narrative throughout the semester.