54-3709 Humor as Political Communication

Using research and methods of analysis, this course will investigate audience reactions to political comedy from pre-Revolutionary days through contemporary campaigns. We will examine how humor and comedy affect the media agenda to makes the political candidate accessible; how issues in politics and government are represented by animated television programs to influence public action; and, how politics and politicians are influenced by humor. We will question how late-night comedy has replaced traditional media as a source of news for Millennial Generation voters, and the rationale these voters use for rejecting or accepting the party’s candidates.

3 Credits
Requirements 60 Credits Completed