Suggested topicsThe medical benefits of humor The medical benefits of humor have been documented at least anecdotally or incidentally. What are the data in peer-reviewed research that support this phenomenon and its underlying mechanisms? Coverage of this subject will approach untested areas with an eye toward what would be necessary for confirmation or refutation of the therapeutic benefit. The sociology of humor What is the role that humor plays in our normal interactions with other individuals and within groups? What are the purposes of humor between strangers, between friends or in the face of tragedies? How does humor help groups manage social interactions in hierarchies? The psychology of humor Why do humans laugh? What roles do laughter and humor serve in psychological health and normal mental processes? Why does laughter enter into even our most solemn and stressful interactions? How does humor help us interpret and understand our world and ourselves? The mechanics and practice of comedy Seminars and workshops will address the anatomy of what is perceived as funny — the mechanics of humor as it is practiced in the context of comedy. This will build on the theories presented in the psychology and sociology sessions and will add a practical dimension to the subject for attendees. Director’s Forum: The interactive analysis and disussion of performance comedy Join us for the “Groundhog Day” of comedy sketch analysis. Professional actors will perform and re-perform sketches as their directors give you a step-by-step description of their directing decisions describing and acting what works and what doesn’t. This program will be the opportunity for the attendees to see, in practice, the comedic synthesis and implementation they’ve heard and discussed over the course of Colloquium. Got questions about the direction? Discuss them with the directors after the forum, or save them for the panel discussion on Sunday and ask the full panel of speakers. The business of humor How successful is humor when used in advertising or other forms of persuasion? How do corporate trainers use humor to assist people in the corporate environment? The physiology of humor What happens to our bodies when we laugh? What physiological conditions are necessary for us to be able to laugh? How does laughter impact our well-being and decision-making, problem-solving ability? What is the duration of these physiological changes? What are the behavioral effects of laughter and humor?
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