The Enduring Power of Laughter: Re-evaluating Comedy’s Place in History

Despite its prominent role in ancient Greece, comedy has often been overshadowed by other genres in theoretical discourse. A new course aims to rectify this, delving into the reasons behind this academic neglect and offering a comprehensive understanding of the genre through the works of the celebrated playwright, Aristophanes. This exploration seeks to illuminate comedy’s significant, yet often underappreciated, contributions to society and culture.

Course Overview: Unpacking the Comic Genius of Aristophanes

This course offers a deep dive into the world of classical comedy, focusing on Aristophanes and the theoretical frameworks that shaped its development.Participants will analyze key texts and explore the social and political functions of comedy in ancient Greek society. The curriculum extends beyond Greece, examining the evolution of the comic genre in the Latin world and its eventual change within early Christian contexts.

Key Objectives

• Identify the defining characteristics of comedy and its socio-political role within Greek society, as articulated in Greek theory and texts.
• Recognize the essential elements of classical comedy as exemplified in the works of Aristophanes.
• Evaluate the lasting impact and evolution of the genre in the Latin world and early Christian thought.

Course Content highlights

• aristotle’s perspective on comedy in his Poetics.
• The evolution and significance of the comic genre in Latin literature.
• The culmination and transformation of comedy within the Christian world.
• In-depth analysis of Aristophanes’ plays, examining their text and ancient context.

A Hands-On Approach to Learning: Engaging with the Texts

The course employs a theoretical-practical methodology, emphasizing active learning through the close reading and analysis of primary texts. This approach encourages participants to engage directly with the material, fostering a deeper understanding of the nuances and complexities of classical comedy.

Registration Details and fees

Interested individuals can register for the course through the provided link. The fee structure is as follows:

• Students: $1,500
• Teachers, Graduates, and Support Staff: $2,250
• General Public: $3,000

Registration is available at: https://autoteion.ffyl.uncu.edu.ar//eu

Organizers

This course is a collaborative effort between the Ancient World Free Chair, focusing on Languages, Myths, Symbols, and Primitive Beliefs (Calima), and the Secretariat of University Extension of the FFYL of the UNCuyo.