SW 302 - Politics in TV Comedy

(Same as SW 502.) Prerequisites, SW 127, Dodge College major or consent of instructor. The course will cover how TV comedy has dealt with political and social change, from the ‘60s through the present. We will look at sitcoms, talk shows, variety, politically oriented comedy shows, and stand-up comedy. We will also incorporate class discussions on topics ranging from censorship to the power of TV comedy shows as a force in the public dialogue. Each class will start with an historical timeline by decade to show what was going on in the country and the world. We focus on how TV comedy reflected the times - or ignored them. Over the decades political comedy has shifted from a light-hearted source of amusement, to becoming a legitimate forum for discussion, making a political impact, and even becoming a vital source of news. This has become particularly apparent in our current fractured, political echo-chamber environment. Letter grade with Pass/No Pass option. Repeatable for credit if the topic is different. $75 (Offered as needed.) 3 credits