Module #1 Introduction to Laughter and the Absurd An overview of the concept of laughter and the absurd in philosophy, including key thinkers and themes to be explored in the course.
Module #2 Theories of Laughter An examination of different theoretical approaches to understanding laughter, including psychological, sociological, and philosophical perspectives.
Module #3 The Absurd in Philosophy An exploration of the concept of the absurd in philosophy, including its roots in ancient Greek thought and its development in modern existentialism.
Module #4 Søren Kierkegaard and the Leap of Faith A close reading of Kierkegaards concept of the absurd and its relation to faith and existence.
Module #5 Friedrich Nietzsche and the Will to Power An examination of Nietzsches concept of the will to power and its relation to laughter and the absurd.
Module #6 Arthur Schopenhauer and the Will to Life A discussion of Schopenhauers concept of the will to life and its relation to suffering and the absurd.
Module #7 Albert Camus and the Myth of Sisyphus A close reading of Camuss concept of the absurd and its relation to rebellion and the search for meaning.
Module #8 The Absurd in Theatre and Literature An exploration of the absurd in 20th-century theatre and literature, including the works of Samuel Beckett, Eugene Ionesco, and Harold Pinter.
Module #9 Laughter as Resistance An examination of the role of laughter as a form of resistance to oppression and social control.
Module #10 The Politics of Laughter A discussion of the ways in which laughter is used as a tool of political control and subversion.
Module #11 Laughter and the Body An exploration of the physiological and psychological effects of laughter on the body, including the release of endorphins and the reduction of stress.
Module #12 Laughter and Social Bonding A discussion of the role of laughter in forming and maintaining social bonds, including its role in play and intimacy.
Module #13 Laughter and Cultural Identity An examination of the ways in which laughter is culturally constructed and the role it plays in shaping cultural identity.
Module #14 Laughter and Morality A discussion of the relationship between laughter and morality, including the ethics of humor and the limits of satire.
Module #15 Laughter and Irony An exploration of the role of irony in humor and the ways in which it is used to subvert expectations and challenge norms.
Module #16 Laughter and the Carnival A discussion of the role of laughter and the absurd in carnival and festive cultures, including the works of Mikhail Bakhtin.
Module #17 Laughter and the Grotesque An examination of the role of the grotesque in humor and the ways in which it is used to challenge norms and conventions.
Module #18 Laughter and the Uncanny A discussion of the role of the uncanny in humor and the ways in which it is used to create a sense of unease and discomfort.
Module #19 Laughter and Play An exploration of the relationship between laughter and play, including the role of play in creativity and innovation.
Module #20 Laughter and Creativity A discussion of the role of laughter in creative thinking and problem-solving, including the benefits of humor in brainstorming and idea generation.
Module #21 Laughter and Well-being An examination of the relationship between laughter and well-being, including the benefits of laughter for physical and mental health.
Module #22 Laughter and Spirituality A discussion of the role of laughter in spiritual practices and the ways in which it is used to connect with the divine.
Module #23 Laughter and Power An examination of the ways in which laughter is used as a tool of power and control, including the role of satire in challenging authority.
Module #24 Laughter and the Human Condition A discussion of the role of laughter in understanding the human condition, including its relation to mortality, suffering, and the search for meaning.
Module #25 Course Wrap-Up & Conclusion Planning next steps in Laughter and the Absurd in Philosophy career
