ENGL 9040 - Mark Twain and American Humor

3 cr.

This course surveys several of Twain’s works, with a focus on his performance as a humorist and as a wry commentator on and critic of American life. The course explores Twain’s treatment of such serious issues as race and cultural conformity through the medium of laughter. Humorists who share the Twain legacy, such as Kurt Vonnegut and stand-up comics, are also studied.