SOAN 181 - FS: First-Year Seminar in Anthropology

Credits: 3 Prerequisite: First-year standing. First-year seminar.

Fall 2020, SOAN 181-01: First-Year Seminar: Art of the Shade: The Anthropology of Insults, Sarcasm, and Back-Handed Compliments (3). Prerequisite: First-year class standing only. What does TheRock have in common with the Dowager Countess of Downton Abbey? Other than their charm and charisma, they are masters at talking trash and throwing shade at their opponents. We explore the anthropology of insults, sarcasm, and other types of pointed forms of comedy, and see how anthropologists study insults, sarcasm, and jokes. We also discuss what these types of comedic performances tell us about our need to express our feelings about social difference, form social bonds, or just have a moment in the spotlight. Let the shade throwing begin! (SS4) Narayanan. FDR: SS4