Online Class: Humor Writing 101

During this course you'll not only be given advice on how to write, but what not to write, how to market your material in a way that gives you the best possible chance of establishing a continuing comedy writing career and some tips you can utilize to assist you in writing good humor.

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$120.00 (with CEU Certificate)
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  • 12
    Lessons
  • 20
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 1,398
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 11
    Hours
    average time
  • 1.1
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

The Art and Craft of Comedy Writing: Your Journey from Novice to Pro

Laughter: It's the universal medicine, the magic elixir that has the capability to heal wounds of the soul and uplift the human spirit. Throughout history, societies have lauded those gifted few who possess the prowess to ignite laughter, the jesters, the comedians, and the writers. It is no wonder that many of us admire, and even sometimes, envy those who can spark joy and especially those who have the talent to pen down humor.

Introducing a comprehensive course tailored to provide you with a holistic understanding and appreciation of comedy writing. This program will not only induct you into the world of those adept humorists but will equip you with the tools and skills to master the art yourself.

At the core of every memorable anecdote, captivating sitcom, or side-splitting stand-up routine lies the foundation of well-crafted writing. The pen, in the hands of a skilled writer, becomes a powerful instrument, drawing forth emotions, evoking laughter, and leaving a lasting impact on the audience. Writing that touches the heart requires a keen understanding of rhythm, timing, and human psychology.

Over the course of this meticulously designed program, we will delve deep into various facets of comedic writing:

  • The dynamics of humor: Discover the underpinnings of what makes us laugh and understand the subtle differences between various comedic genres.

  • Essential tools and techniques: From the intricacies of punchlines to the nuances of comedic timing, grasp the essential components that make a piece humorous.

  • Market dynamics: In the age of digital virality, understand how to position your comedic pieces, and identify your niche in the vast realm of humor.

  • The journey of writing: Recognize the importance of preparation, consistent practice, and persistence in molding your unique voice in comedic writing.

Furthermore, this isn't just another course that offers you repetitive exercises or makes tall claims of instant success. Real growth and mastery come from understanding, practice, and consistent feedback. Our commitment is to provide you with a genuine foundation in comedy writing, guiding you step by step as you hone your craft.

Course Breakdown:

  1. Let It Flow!: Dive deep into the rhythm of comedic writing and understand the importance of authenticity.
  2. Yes - You Can Learn to Write Humor: Debunk myths around inherent comedic talent and uncover the trainable aspects of humor writing.
  3. Exactly What is Humor?: From slapstick to satire, explore the vast spectrum of comedic forms.
  4. The Skills You'll Need: Equip yourself with essential tools, from crafting punchlines to understanding comedic timing.
  5. Getting Ready to Write: Understand the preparatory phase of comedy writing, from ideation to drafting.
  6. A 'Hobby' or a 'Career'?: Reflect on your aspirations and align your writing practice accordingly.
  7. Getting in the Flow: Foster a consistent writing regimen, fueling creativity and refining your voice.
  8. Discovering and Establishing Your Particular Market Niche: Navigate the comedy ecosystem and carve a space for your unique voice.
  9. The "Go's" and "Whoa's" of Shortcuts to Humor: Learn the merits and pitfalls of various comedic shortcuts.
  10. The Importance of Starting and Maintaining Your Comedy Journal: Chronicle your growth, inspirations, and comedic ideas.
  11. Marketing You and Your Material: Dive into the world of comedic content marketing, leveraging platforms and building an audience.
  12. Your Exercise Revisited and Renewed: Reflect, analyze, and set forth on continued growth and learning.

In conclusion, if you harbor the passion for comedy and are driven by the desire to master the art of comedic writing, this course is your gateway. Come, journey with us through the captivating world of humor, understanding its intricacies, mastering its techniques, and most importantly, spreading joy and laughter. Your comedic journey begins here.

  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • Printable Lessons
  • Full HD Video  
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.6 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(1,009 votes)

Lesson 1: Let It Flow!

11 Points
You may already have written a funny skit or story or you may have one in mind. Just start writing!
  • Lesson 1 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Humor Writing Course; Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete Assignment: An Introduction
  • Assessment: Lesson 1 Quiz

Lesson 2: Yes - You Can Learn to Write Humor

35 Points
Everybody tells jokes and, let's face it, wisecracks are common; you can find humor and funny lines just about everywhere and everyplace you go.
  • Lesson 2 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 2 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Quiz

Lesson 3: Exactly What is Humor?

35 Points
Humor, or a joke, is anything that makes people laugh.
  • Lesson 3 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 3 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 Quiz

Lesson 4: The Skills You'll Need

35 Points
A sense of humor involves the capacity to appreciate incongruity, absurdity, an unexpected future, a pleasant surprise, being startled, or possibly even the recall of an issue of emotional chaos.
  • Lesson 4 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 4 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Quiz

Lesson 5: Getting Ready to Write

10 Points
Most, if not all, writers who have risen to any prominence are all people who have been avid readers.
  • Lesson 5 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Quiz

Lesson 6: A 'Hobby' or a 'Career'?

35 Points
Whether we pursue something as a hobby or as a full or part-time career can be determined either by personal choice or necessity.
  • Lesson 6 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Career or Hobby?
  • Complete: Lesson 6 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Quiz

Lesson 7: Getting in the Flow

10 Points
Keep a list. You never know when a creative thought may arise and any points or thoughts at all should be added to your list immediately (not later, as you'll most likely forget at least part of it.)
  • Lesson 7 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 7 Quiz

Lesson 8: Discovering and Establishing Your Particular Market Niche

34 Points
Discovering and establishing your particular market niche and writing to that audience = e.g. topical, political, slapstick, etc.
  • Lesson 8 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Humor Markets
  • Complete: Lesson 8 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Quiz

Lesson 9: The "Go's" and "Whoa's" of Shortcuts to Humor

10 Points
This course will be of great assistance in preparing you for the task of not only writing humor but in deciding which particular niche within that genre you will concentrate your efforts on.
  • Lesson 9 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 9 Quiz

Lesson 10: The Importance of Starting and Maintaining Your Comedy Journal

35 Points
If you aim to be successful at the writing of humor (whether as a hobby or on a part-time or full time basis) you will need to pay close attention to the level of your preparation.
  • Lesson 10 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 10 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 10 Quiz

Lesson 11: Marketing You and Your Material

35 Points
When you have written and rewritten, rehearsed and re-rehearsed your material and had the experience of several performance reviews, that is when you commence to market you and your material.
  • Lesson 11 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 11 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 11 Quiz

Lesson 12: Your Exercise Revisited and Renewed

25 Points
It is now time for you to revisit the sketch you were asked to write in Lesson 1 of this course.
  • Lesson 12 Video
  • Lesson discussions: End of Course Poll; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments
  • Complete: The Final Assignment
310
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Recognize that you can learn to write humor.
  • Define what humor is.
  • Describe the skills you'll need.
  • Prepare for writing humor.
  • Determine whether or not to write for fun or profit.
  • Demonstrate basic humor writing techniques.
  • Discover and establish your particular humor niche.
  • Maintain a comic journal.
  • Describe ways to market your material.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: Humor Writing 101
Course Number: 9770557
Lessons Rating: 4.6 / 5 Stars (1,009 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: You can take this course online in every U.S. state including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. International availability includes English-speaking countries like Canada, Australia, the UK, and South Africa.
Last Updated: April 2024
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 1.1 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Instructor: Dana Kristan
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

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Student Testimonials

  • "I just needed some guidance and practice and viola! I have confidence that I can get some things published." -- Eileen Z.
  • "I FOUND THE COURSE TO BE CHALLENGING WITH THE VARIETY OF LESSONS FROM WEEK TO WEEK. I WANT TO THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART. THE COURSE AND INSTRUCTOR WERE BOTH VERY PROFESSIONAL. GOD BLESS AND HAVE A GREAT DAY !!!" -- DON L.
  • "What an excellent instructor. She is readily available when I have questions and her instructions are easy to understand!" -- Donna N.
  • "Overall, the material used to present course is excellent. I was very please with course and instructor and would recommend the course to anyone." -- Marty S.
  • "It was a great experience!" -- Luwana J.

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