nonstandard transmissions

it’s been fun teaching this class. i’d do it again any time. here’s my final:

Language & Humor

Final Exam

Spring 2008

Choose one question from each category. Answer each question thoroughly in one page or less. Please write legibly, since I won’t be able to grade it otherwise. Provide thoughtful analysis and examples where necessary or appropriate.

1. Political Humor (30 pts.)

   1. Explain the difference between targeting an individual and targeting an institution in political humor.

   2. Compare and contrast supportive and benign types of humor.

   3. Is a show such as The Daily Show a valid source of news? Explore the boundary between news media and comedy media.

2. Bilingualism & Formulaic Language (40 pts.)

   1. Identify and define the SOURCE and TARGET of the following metaphor:

ARGUMENT is WAR.

2. 2. Compare and contrast code switching and Mock varieties of language.

   3. How do formulaic language chunks develop?

3. Satire (30 pts.)

   1. Give a concise explanation of the purported role of satire in society.

   2. Define irony. Explain its relationship to sarcasm.

   3. Explain the social commentary relayed by the satire in the Wall-Mart episode of South Park we watched.