126-464 German Humour

This subject is taught in German. Formerly available as 126-075. Students who have completed 126-075 are not eligible to enrol in this subject. This subject will only be run if there is a minimum of six participants.

37.5 points of second/third-year subjects in German language. European studies students wishing to enrol in this subject would normally have completed 37.5 points of European studies at second/third year, see Prerequisites.

This subject considers the questions: What do Germans consider funny? How does the concept of humour change over time on a European and on a German scale? Are there things like humorous universals that are being laughed at in all cultures? Students who complete this subject should have an acquaintance with the most important European traditions of humour as they are echoed in the German traditions; have a familiarity with linguistic and literary techniques of humorous communication; have the capacity to analyse forms of humour that are specific to a certain epoch according to their respective cultural backgrounds; and have an understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of cultural studies.

• have acquired skills in research, critical thinking and contextualising information;

• have developed skills in communicating knowledge intelligibly through oral presentations and essays in German.

A 1000 word class paper 30% (due during the semester), and an essay of 3000 words for third year students, 4000 words for fourth year students 70% (due at the end of the semester).

A subject reader will be supplied by the Department.