Thursday, February 11, 2010
Death. Abuse. Violence. Some may find topics such as these to be depressing, perverse, and uncomfortable. Even fewer might consider them to be humorous. However, in the English 203 class, “The Dark Side of Satire,” amusement at these unnerving subjects isn’t only encouraged, but often occurs as an integrated component of the course material. In the class, lecturer Nicole Pope pushes students to question the boundaries of what themes are socially acceptable to discuss, or even further: to laugh at.
Professor Nicole Pope discusses important points of a reading assigned to her class Tuesday morning. Pope teaches The Dark Side of Satire in Smith Hall.
“On the first day of class I say, ‘Okay, let’s brainstorm topics that are taboo. Topics that you wouldn’t normally discuss in polite company,’” Pope said. “And we come up with various unmentionables – everything from sexual abuse to masturbation. I tell them, ‘Look, at some point in this semester, this topic may come up in class.’
Pope uses this initial activity to set the tone for the discussions to come.
“I think that when they approach it in that way, they know it’s going to be dark,” Pope said. “There are some serious topics treated in a very funny way.”
As Pope’s sixth semester teaching the class, she is continuously finding new ways to keep the material fresh and interesting. On any random day, students may find themselves watching clips from cartoons such as The Venture Bros. or South Park as well as reading selections that include Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis.
Laura Asmussen, a sophomore from Agar, South Dakota, finds the combination of contemporary and classic examples compelling.
“She uses a lot of mixed media,” Asmussen said. “I think it’s pretty kick ass.”
Asmussen, who took another class with Pope during her freshman year, grew excited to enroll in the class.
“I love satire and dark comedy,” Asmussen said. “I looked at the books and they seemed really cool. They’ll be fun to read.”
During the class, Pope presents the information in a discussion-based setting. Dylan Conrad, a freshman from Wichita, finds the conversational material to be especially worthwhile.
“She keeps the lectures really fresh,” Conrad said. “Everyone has a chance to insert their opinions.”
It’s precisely this give-and-take method between classmates that Conrad enjoys participating in.
“It gives you a chance to have a lot of involvement,” Conrad said. “Reacting off what other people throw out there. Working off of each other is a good way to learn.”
Through these discussions, Pope hopes to touch on new ground that a straight lecture might not cover.
“I like it when people say something goes too far,” Pope said. “We talk about the writer’s intentions, what they are trying to say. Are they trying to make a bigger point, beyond just having shock value?”
The conversations aren’t only for the students’ benefit, however. Pope often finds herself exposed to new, exciting content as well.
“They do a lot of field work for me in finding real examples,” Pope said. “I show them works they may have never seen before, and they show me things I end up recommending to all my friends. It keeps it fresh.”
This exploration of topics keeps both Pope and her students yearning for more.
“It’s an honor to teach this class,” Pope said. “I consistently get a great group of students. They’re always so open minded and eager to share whatever thoughts they have. It’s just the best job.”
Pope’s students share her sentiments about the class. For any students thinking about enrolling in the class, Conrad offers his recommendation:
“I would definitely say to take it,” Conrad said. “It’s a great learning experience and a fun overall class. There’s never a dull moment.”
— Edited by Kate Larrabee
Five questions
Pope/Snyder: The first-day survival guide that you ...
Kansan Departments
Your guide to surviving the week.
Don’t expect Catholic pope to advocate liberal ...
It's easy being green
KU Hillel members created a documentary to observe other students' reactions to ...
Tablets given away to engineering students
VP of Google Maps and Google Earth and a Kansas electrical engineering ...
New regulations coming for houses in Oread
The planning commission struggles to please both students and other residents.
Students travel to New York to see ...
Students get the chance to see Pope Benedict XVI.
Former astronaut shares telescope knowledge
Professor Steve Hawley will deliver a lecture called “Wild Astronomy” tonight.
Pope & Snyder: You’re Welcome, KU
A fantastical tale of glory found on campus
Students attending comedians' D.C. rally
The group will join thousands at the National Mall to hear Jon ...
Few professors aware of textbook royalty policy
An obscure University policy reaffirms professors’ practice of donating royalties from textbooks ...
Personal Finance class keeps money in your ...
Students learn about how to budget, save for future.
Choice surprises Lawrence
Students face religious dilemmas
At the college level, some students find growth in challenging spiritual beliefs.
Students compete in lax poetry contest
An open forum at the Kansas Union provides poets the opportunity to ...
Carving finds new home in Wescoe Hall
The 94-year-old "Russian Jayhawk" moved from the University Archives to the department ...
The How-tos of KU
Pope & Snyder: We shouldn’t let our ...
More musings from Pope and Snyder.
Climate change will be focus on campus
Wednesday and Thursday about 50 professors from all departments will incorporate the ...
A matter of interpretation: Mimic and freelancer
Kim Bates, KU's interpreter coordinator, spends a significant amount of her time ...
Forget the apple
Give your teacher a chili pepper: the Rate My Professor phenomenon.
Pope/Snyder: Choose your very own opinion page ...
Group sponsors sexuality series
Events include discussions on transexuality, domestic violence and intimacy.
Salon Nouveau to host program on porn
Students get chance to discuss the taboo topic and hear expert statistics.
How we met: Katie Pope and Robert ...
All great relationships had to start somewhere.
Pope/Snyder: You're hot; here's why
Pope & Snyder: Banking on bread or ...
Answering readers' e-mail.
Course creates link with Somali university
KU professor posts lectures online KU and Somali students communicate via Internet
Painted walls blend therapy, artistry
Changing a room’s wall color can improve moods and encourage creativity.
New Web database replaces Spanish books
200-level Spanish students replace printed texts with a cheaper, more interactive alternative.
Pope/Snyder: Are you afraid of the McCollum ...
Book review: L.A. Candy by Lauren Conrad
Reading. It’s not just for textbooks, you know.
McNaughton: Reflection on proper use of speech ...
Question causes reflection speech and sensitivity.
Cool classes: Theatre 111
Theatre class teaches students basics of stage makeup
Flag football season kicks off
Intramural flag football games began Sunday at Shenk Sports Complex. Men’s, women’s ...
Group seeks student input for campus decisions
This year, The Board of Class Officers plans to communicate with students ...
Pope/Snyder: How to not get laid
Because we're experts.
SUA shows Iraqi documentary, hosts panel
Students can see film about Fallujah and discuss with veterans and experts.
Noted Chinese director visits campus
Chen Shi-Zheng will be working with theatre and film students and discussing ...
Kansas Jayhawk fans hold aloft a reproduction of ...
2 comments
Erin Saupe, a Ph.D. student from St. Cloud, ...
1 comment
0 comments
Armed robbers continue to threaten.
3 comments
Lecture from Greg Mortenson, co-author of New York ...
0 comments
KUnited presidential candidate Libby Johnson and vice presidential ...
1 comment
Comments
Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.
Sign in to comment
Or login with:
OpenID