Undergraduate Module Descriptor

POL3258: The Politics of Humour

This module descriptor refers to the 2020/1 academic year.

Indicative Reading List

This reading list is indicative - i.e. it provides an idea of texts that may be useful to you on this module, but it is not considered to be a confirmed or compulsory reading list for this module.

Basic reading:

  • Henri Bergson, Laughter
  • Terry Eagleton, On Humour
  • Norbert Elias, Essay on Laughter
  • Sigmund Freud, Jokes and Their Relation to the Unconscious
  • Shaftesbury, An Essay on the Freedom of Wit and Humour
  • James Beattie, Essay on Laughter and Ludicrous Composition

Comedies to watch:

Nanette by Hannah Gadsby

The Chapelle Show by David Chapelle

Samantha Bee’s Front Frontal

Late Night with Seth Myers 

The Daily Show, by Trevor Noah

Spittin’ Image