It is tempting to dismiss late night television comedy as inconsequential. And yet, empirical research reveals that political humor affects knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. In this class, we will survey extant research findings to evaluate late night political humor's content and effects, using social scientific and rhetorical theories to better understand how, and in what ways, late night television political comedy matters. Speaking and writing projects will be used to achieve course objectives. No prerequisites. Limited enrollment. Dist: SOC. Compton.
