Two topics are offered in Fall 2016. Students may take one or both for credit. Section A1: Black Humor in Literature and Film. What is funny about death, misery, and suffering? A lot, according to certain writers and film- makers who respond to the absurdity and futility of mortal existence with a savage hilarity. Weekly screenings. Also offered as CAS EN 375. Section B1: Gender, War and Revolution in the Middle East. A gendered examination of wars and of revolutions that have shaped borders and societies in the Middle East from WW I to the present. Texts include films, Nobel prize winning literature, graphic novels. Topics covered colonialism, modernization, proliferation of technology. Taught in English. Also offered as CAS XL 381 and CAS WS 305.