Fear and Laughing in Campus Literature: Contemporary Messages from a Comedic Tradition

Authors

  • Katherine Reynolds University of South Carolina
  • Robert Schwartz Florida State University
  • Beverly Bower Florida State University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11575/jet.v34i1.52606

Abstract

Twentieth century American literature has presented us with an impressive body of humorous fiction situated in the work and culture of higher education. An examination of some of the most popular and noteworthy texts in this genre reveals important messages that locate such fictional humor as complaint, comedy, and catharsis. However, in its determination to both vent and entertain, this literature generally does not rise to the instrumental levels of pure satire. Rather, it acts more as a wake-up call than a call to arms concerning the peculiarities, sometimes absurdities, of academic life.

Author Biographies

Katherine Reynolds, University of South Carolina

Katherine Reynolds is Assistant Professor, College of Education, University of South Carolina. She received a .Ph.D. in Educational Administration from the University of Utah. Her teaching, research, and writing emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, especially drawn from the humanities, in the investigation of historical and philosophical issues in education. Her most recent book is Visions and Vanities: John Andrew Rice of Black Mountain
College (1998, Louisiana State University Press).

Robert Schwartz, Florida State University

Robert Schwartz is Associate Professor, Florida State University, and teaches courses in higher education administration and in college and university student life. His research and publications include studies in the history of higher education, women and minorities in education, and student life. Dr. Schwartz holds a Ph.D. from Indiana University.

Beverly Bower, Florida State University

Beverly Bower, Assistant Professor and community college
specialist, is a member of the higher education faculty at Florida State University. Her publication and research interests focus on the mission of the community collect, women in higher education, and "broadcast education." She completed her Ph.D. at Florida State University in the Department of Education Leadership.

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Published

2018-05-17

Issue

Vol. 34 No. 1 (2000)

Section

Articles

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