Alexander Murphy
amm21@rice.edu
Favorite all-time SNL cast member: Will Ferrell
Office Hours by appointment

Eric Groszman
eric.groszman@rice.edu
Favorite all-time SNL cast member: Bill Hader
Office Hours by appointment

Course Description:

This course will dive into the roots of U.S. comedy and its eventual culmination with the hit late-night sketch comedy show, Saturday Night Live. Before we get to the show itself, we will be looking at the cultural background that led to its rise as the comedic institution we know today.  With an initial emphasis on comedic elements, we will dissect venerated comedic works in various performance media in order to discuss and explore “what makes it funny.” The class will then begin analyzing the show itself.  We will discuss SNL’s function as incubator for countless comedy icons, its contribution to comedy in this country, and its cultural consequences. The curriculum will revolve around selected readings and videos about comedy history and technique, analysis of SNL sketches, and what goes into producing Saturday Night Live.

Grading:

At its core, our grading policy is designed to assess whether or not students are truly contemplating the material and formulating their own critical viewpoints.  Are you thinking?  Are you stating your thoughts well?

Your grade for the course will be determined as follows:

Attendance and participation in class discussions: 40%

Students may miss two class periods no questions asked.  After that, every class missed without valid excuse will automatically reduce their attendance grade by 10%.

Weekly discussion questions (when assigned): 30%

Sketch script and performance: 30%

The final class grade is on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory scale, with a “U” equaling a failure.  Any grade below a 65% will result in an Unsatisfactory grade.

Communication:

If we need to get in touch with you guys, we will most likely use the Owlspace email tool, which should send you a message directly to your Rice Gmail.

Materials:

All required and recommended readings/viewings will be posted to the website (snl.rice.edu).

Honor Code:

Guys, come on.  Do it.

Disabilities:

If you have a disability requiring an accommodation, you may get in touch with us after class in full confidence.  Additionally, you have to contact Disabled Student Services in 111 Allen Center.

Field Trip:

There will be at least one week during the semester in which we will not have a formal class and will instead go to a stand-up or other comedy show in Houston.  This might be during the normal class time, but it also might not.  We will let you know well in advance the specific time and date of the trip.  If you have a car, this is your time to shine. Attendance will not be mandatory.