3.0

credits

Average Course Rating

In this course we will explore the uses and abuses of comedy across all genres of the episodic television series. We'll look closely at how comedy works in dramas like Fargo and Breaking Bad / Better Call Saul; in the fantasy Game of Thrones; in surreal stories like Adventure Time, Dr. Who and Twin Peaks; in the horror of Ash Vs. Evil Dead; in the historical fiction series The Knick; in the comedies Enlightened, Broad City and Insecure; and in work suggested by students We'll search for answers to questions like: how can comedy be effectively combined with tragedy, history, emotion, surrealism, violence and political critique? How does a writer find absurdity in truth and truth in absurdity? How does comedic surprise relate to the alchemy of the unexpected and the inevitable? How does the diversity of characters make comedy better? All theory will be channeled into helping students complete at least the first draft of a 30 or 60 minute pilot script. In and out of class readings will be required as platforms for collaborative brainstorming. Other methods of finding ideas through deep research, improvisation and personal introspection will also be explored.