Women,Gender,Sexuality Studies 395F - S-Feminism, Comedy and Humor

The popularity of shows like Inside Amy Schumer and Broad City and the clout of performers such as Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Wanda Sykes have arguably put to rest the old stereotype that women aren't funny. More importantly, they have all shown that comedy and humor can be vehicles for feminist messages. In so doing, they have built upon a legacy established by performers, writers, directors, and activists extending back to feminism's "first wave." In this course, we will examine the intersections of feminism, comedy, and humor, and will explore questions such as: Why and how have feminists used humor and comedy for political ends? Why have feminists, and women more generally, been seen as inherently unfunny? In what ways is comedy and humor gendered? What roles do race, class, and sexuality play? And is humor and comedy available to all feminists, and to all feminist causes, or do the stakes and effects vary according to one?s social position and subject matter? In addition to analyzing a wide range of media, we will create and explore our own forms of feminist comedic interventions.