GE2131 - Humour and Everyday Life

Today’s world is globalized economically yet still culturally divided. If a person possesses a good sense of humour, it is more likely for him/her to get over various barriers in the process of communication. Humour is both a cultural attitude and a special “art” to make life better. Humour can be revealed through a creative representation of everyday situations or an unconventional take of the mundane life. This course will introduce concepts and practices of humour in everyday communication with an East-West comparative perspective, examine how humour is represented in various media, and offer students chances to conduct psychological surveys regarding how humour is perceived and practiced among people within and outside their local communities and environments. By incorporating materials from visual media into the lectures and by encouraging students to present humour through creative works and group surveys, the course aims to enhance students’ appreciation and sense of humour.