Humor and Ecology

4-None

Explores the surprising humor of contemporary literature and film about climate change. From comic horror to satire, surrealism, and absurdism, writers use the traditions of laughter to explore the possibilities of understanding, imagination, playfulness, and engagement in relation to climate change. Students will be introduced to some of the major research on humor, including theories that associate humor with relief, incongruity, playfulness and social connection, and superiority. The course will also introduce current research on climate change in literary studies.