SOC 344 - Stereotypes and Humor (=COM 344)

This course centers humor communication and comedy studies with a focus on stereotypes in various public and mass communication realms, including entertainment media, stand-up comedy, interpersonal and small group settings. Theoretical frameworks on prejudice, discrimination, intersectionality, social and personal identities, and backstage/frontstage racism will anchor the course towards a critical understanding of how stereotypes, as mental shortcuts and oversimplified kernels of truth, function in their many communicative manifestations. The particular focus on the intersection of stereotypes and humor interrogates a context in which anything goes and even the most otherwise controversial, sensitive hot button topics are given a pass under the guise of humor. Many types of stereotypes take center stage in this course with special attention to those that undermine and marginalize underrepresented populations. We will consider the great potential stereotype humor holds to impact intergroup interaction dynamics in the real world. This is a discussion-based course that relies heavily upon student participation in each class meeting. The participation basis is a major component of the course grade composition. Furthermore, this is a permission-only course. If you are interested in enrolling in this course, please contact ammartinez@davidson.edu.

Satisfies Communication Studies major and minor requirement.
Satisfies Sociology major requirement.
Satisfies Social-Scientific Thought requirement.