3 Credits

Strategies and techniques of writing with humor

Class meets on Taylor University Fort Wayne campus Saturdays February 14, March 14, April 18 and May 9, 2009.

Learning results

This class will focus on the theory and practice of humor in writing for both religious and secular publications. The course will consist of four class periods with lecture, group discussion and writing assignments.

Optional texts

Comedy Writing Secrets by Melvin Helitzer. Writers Digest Books, 1987.The text includes many off-color examples, so it will be used selectively as the basis of lectures, but is not required reading.

The Humor of Christ by Elton Trueblood, Harper & Row San Francisco, 1975. (Out of print but available at amazon.com)

The Christian Writers' Market Guide by Sally Stuart, Waterbrook Press, Annual.

Integration of faith and learning

Proverbs 17:22 teaches, "A cheerful heart is good medicine," while Job 8:21 promises, "He will yet fill your mouth with laughter." And Jesus used hyperbole—intentional exaggeration, which was the humor of the day—throughout His teaching. Christian writers can provide humor that heals and redeems, rather than the world's humor which hurts and demeans.

Learning documentation

To determine if the course learning results have been attained, students document their learning by their contribution to class discussion and submitting the following assignments:

Assignment 1

Select a humor book by your favorite author (Dave Barry, Erma Bombeck, etc.) and analyze his or her techniques. Include excerpts and examples of how the author carries off the humor based on the techniques discussed in first class lecture. 1,500-2,000 words, deadline: class period March 14.

Assignment 2

Write a 750-word humor piece based on the lecture and discussion in second class. Deadline: class period April 18.

Assignment 3

Rewrite Assignment 2 based on peer review in the third class. Deadline: class period May 9.

Assignment 4

Write a humor piece for a Christian magazine (use The Christian Writers' Market Guide by Sally Stuart as a resource). Follow the word count prescribed by the magazine. Deadline: class period May 9.

Assignment 5

Write a summary paper of what you learned in the class including details of the theory and practice of humor, types of humor and how humor and faith can be integrated in writing. 1,500-2,000 words. Deadline: May 16 Email assignment to jim @ jameswatkins. com.

Celebrate

Please let me know, as well as Dr. Dennis Hensley (dnhensley@tayloru.edu), director of the professional writing major, of any published work as a result of this class. We want to celebrate your success.

Learning Evaluation

The evaluation for this course is based on the following point system: major papers 25 points each, humor pieces 10 points each and class participation 20 points. Total possible points: 100.

To sign up for class, call Taylor University Fort Wayne at 800.233.3922.
Copyright © James N. Watkins