Fall 2008 --> HSP III, American Political Humor Scott A. Sandage, professor, History Arthur Vining Davis Teaching Professor This course presents a cultural history of twentieth-century America. The idea is to understand the controversies and struggles of the last century. We will read, listen to some of America's most astute critics: its humorists. At its sharpest edges, humor addresses central issues of class, gender and race in American life, and offers critiques of mass culture, consumerism, and conformity. We will discuss all of these themes in class. To provide context and analytical tools, we will also read scholarly works of history and theory. For Fall 2008, this class fulfills a requirement in the GenEd category "Reflecting: Societies & Culture"