Introduction to Parody Writing with James Folta

Learn how to write parody articles! In this three-week course with writer, editor and comedian James Folta, we’ll discuss how to create longer and shorter print projects, how to write close to the voice and tone of what you’re parodying, and how to use these tools to make a point with your work. We’ll analyze parody as well as write and workshop your work. You’ll get an introduction to techniques for analyzing and writing parody, and leave class with a draft of a short parody piece. (Some humour experience is preferred, but not required.)

Sold Out: Email to Join Waiting List

TAKEAWAYS:

• What makes good parody
• How to come up with ideas for parody pieces
• Techniques for planning and outlining
• A workable draft for a short parody piece, or a plan for a longer project

COURSE SCHEDULE:

7–9pm ET, Dec. 8, 15, 21 & 22*

*The last two days are back-to-back work-shopping sessions

• Class 1 (Dec. 8): Terminology, concepts, and writing exercises
• Class 2 (Dec. 15): Longer parody projects; outlines and beginnings; starting your short parody
• Class 3 (Dec. 21) & Class 4 (Dec. 22): Work-shopping your first drafts together

REGISTRATION

After checkout, you’ll receive a receipt with a link to download your syllabus, which will include Zoom passcodes, pre-class homework, and additional course information. You will also receive an emailed reminder a few days before your first class.

ELIGIBILITY AND PREREQUISITE

This is an introductory course intended for committed students. Some humour experience preferred, but not required. Please be on time, meet your deadlines, and read other classmates pieces to workshop together.

ACCESSIBILITY

Pandemic University is committed to offering a fulfilling and inclusive education. Classes are held via Zoom with Closed Captioning features enabled through auto-transcription technology. A teaching assistant will be present to correct transcription mistakes and assist in other ways. The course includes workshops and class discussions, thus students are required to participate through audio; accommodations can be made for people with speaking or other disabilities if they inform us ahead of schedule. Video is encouraged of all students in order to optimize everyone’s virtual classroom experience.

REFUNDS

Space is limited to sixteen students. Anyone wishing to cancel their registration have until Nov. 31, 2020 to receive a guaranteed refund. If you cancel after Dec. 1 but before Dec. 8, we will only offer a refund if and after the vacated spot is filled. No refunds whatsoever will be offered after the course begins on Dec. 8. Violations of the Code of Conduct may also result in your removal from the course without compensation.

Although PanU is technically a fake university, we’re committed to high standards of artistic integrity, quality education, and maintaining a safe virtual environment for students. Abusive behaviour toward classmates or instructors will not be tolerated at any point during the course, including in private messages, and will result in expulsion without refund.

Other violations that could have you expelled from this course include: refusing to participate in group workshops; plagiarism and misrepresentation of others’ ideas as your own; sharing recordings of classes; sharing classmates’ work without their consent; and racism, sexism, homophobia, and transphobia either in your notes feedback to classmates or in your written work.

The final say on whether or not you continue in class belongs to the instructor alone. If you have any questions, email info@pandemicuniversity.com.