What defines New York humor? How is it expressed and performed? The course explores New York humor through a variety of venues: stand-up comedy, television, film, literature, advertising, and personal narratives. What do performers such as Letterman and Seinfeld tell us about New York City? We examine how the City influences its performers and their approach to humor, and how New York humor relates to urban and/or ethnic humor in the rest of the country. Readings include New York humorists (James Thurber, Fran Lebowitz, Woody Allen, etc.) as well as some theory of comedy and humor. Class field trips to performances, films, and other relevant events. (Theatre Studies B)