Toward a humor-enhanced classroom
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The Department of English seeks to provide all university students with the skills of effective communication and critical thinking, as well as imparting knowledge of literature, creative writing, linguistics, speech and technical communication to students within and outside of the department.
History
The Department of English and Speech was formed in 1939 from the merger of the Department of English and the Department of Public Speaking. In 1971 its name changed to the Department of English.
Dates of Existence
1939-present
Historical Names
- Department of English and Speech (1939-1971)
Related Units
- College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (parent college)
- Department of English (predecessor, 1898-1939)
- Department of Public Speaking (predecessor, 1898-1939)
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Abstract
The inclusion of humor in public discourse has become more prevalent in recent years. While some teachers have worked to include humor in their classrooms, they often fall short of realizing the full potential of humor as a tool for reflection. This thesis examines the mechanisms of humor, beginning with ancient Greek and Roman philosophy and rhetorical considerations of humor through enlightenment and modern-era theories of humor. Ultimately, the text identifies how philosophical hermeneutics, as considered by Hans-Georg Gadamer, can illuminate the reflective qualities of humor. The thesis then imagines a unit in a foundation-level composition course which utilizes humor and hermeneutics in the service of eliciting critical thinking from students as they produce their own humorous texts.