Write nonsense! From Alice in Wonderland to Spike Milligan

Lewis Carroll's Alice is in a rich tradition of nonsense that encompasses Edward Lear, Spike Milligan and Peter Cook. Explore how nonsense works and write your own through games and exercises.

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Key course information

Date
11/03/12

Day(s)
Sun

Duration
1 week

Time
12:30 - 18:00

Fees
Full fee: £45^NC

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HW107

Availability
This course has finished

^NC: No concessionary fees available as there is no government funding for this course.

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
humanities@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2652

Course outline

What is the course about?

Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland is part of a rich tradition of nonsense writing that includes Edward Lear's nonsense verse plus the comedy of Spike Milligan and Peter Cook. We will explore their work and uncover the characteristics of nonsense writing. We'll also look at contemporary inheritors of the nonsense tradition such as The
Mighty Boosh and Vic Reeves & Bob Mortimer. This exploration, plus games and exercises, will be stimulus to produce our own nonsense.

What topics will we cover?

We will look at excerpts from Carroll and Lear's writing alongside Milligan and Cook's work, tracing the characteristics of nonsense writing. We'll also examine contemporary examples. Topics will include nonsensical juxtapositions, anthropomorphism, nonsense words and monsters. We will draw out techniques and devices used in nonsense writing. Writing exercises and games will stimulate nonsensical ways of thinking and we will write some nonsense of our own.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

- identify key qualities of nonsense writing.
- recognise the influence of Carroll and Lear on modern comedy.
- respond to this tradition in your own writing.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

All levels. No particular skills required. Some writing and reading will be done in the session.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Talks, discussion, pair work, group exercises, games and watching illustrative clips on video.

The Tutor
Chris Head is a director, writer and tutor of comedy. He has run comedy workshops for the BBC and Channel 4, and his comedy teaching has been featured in the press and on television. He has directed and script-edited twelve comedy shows for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, co-writing several of them. He has also directed many shows in London, including at Soho Theatre, and has directed a show for the Melbourne Comedy Festival. He has also written comedy sketches for TV and radio. The Guardian described him as “the ideal person to nurture new talent”. www.chris-head.com

City lit reserves the right to change course tutors or venues from those advertised in this outline. In line with our refund policy we are unable to grant a refund on the grounds of a change of tutor/venue.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

No other costs. You need only bring pen and paper.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made. Feedback will be given on work produced during the course by fellow students and the tutor. Exercises will be completed in class that will illustrate the students' increasing insight onto the material being examined.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

There are a range of City Lit comedy courses including the writing workshops in the Humanities section, which include joke writing, sketches and sitcom.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2652

humanities@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times:

During term-time Monday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30

Non term-time Monday 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.