What does it all mean?  Is there any purpose?  The 20th-Century movement of Absurdism attempts to answer those questions. Through the drama and short fiction of authors such as Camus, Beckett, Stoppard, and Pirandello we will attempt to find some reason or purpose behind the human experience.  When we need a breather from that, we’ll examine how these authors use the techniques of humor, impossible events, and questioning (oh, so much questioning), to push their audiences towards introspection without making them too uncomfortable.  If you are in search of meaning in modern life, these authors may not necessarily have answers for you but they will help you on your way. 

Departmental approval is required for this course.