This module will explore U.S. comedy television from one of the earliest televised sitcoms, I Love Lucy (CBS, 1951 – 1957), to present-day post-broadcast shows such as BoJack Horseman (Netflix, 2014 – 2020). Taking a roughly chronological approach, each week will focus on different popular sub-genres such as the network sitcom, the late-night show, the dramedy, the adult animation, and the stand-up special. Lectures will situate the programmes within a historical context while seminars will allow students to discuss the texts more closely, with an emphasis on close analysis. Previous experience in television studies isn’t required as the module will utilise the skills of analysis, criticism, and theory covered in the final four weeks of the MA core.
Assessment will be a presentation in the final week (10% of overall grade) and a 5000-word essay on a relevant topic (to be discussed with me beforehand).