COMM1320 (How to Be Reasonably Funny) course reviews and ratings at Northeastern (NEU). Average rating 4.5/5. Compare professors with RateMyProfessor reviews.
Introduces the principles and techniques of humor theory and practice. Critically tests humor models in class and applies them to humorous artifacts (critique), as well as uses them as guidance for humor production (creative practice). Contrasts these humor models with theories of ethics, reasonableness, and power to assess limits of reasonable and ethical use of humor, as well as best practices for humor production and evaluation. Brings together theory and practice at the intersection of humor, ethics, and reasonableness as a way to explore the wider field of contrasting communicative norms as a whole. Examines when and why humans feel humor, as well as how humor interacts with ethics and reasonableness.
Data updated October 2026.