Laughter is a universal expression — one cutting across race, class, gender, culture, and creed — that originated in responses to tickle and play among our primate ancestors. (Some of Darwin’s early explorations on the evolution of emotions involved asking zookeepers to tickle chimpanzees to observe their laughter). Yet despite, or perhaps because of, its universality and ubiquity, we tend to pay attention to laughter more often when it is particularly odd or out of place.

In this seminar on The SCIENCE of LAUGHTER, we will become more attuned to this peculiar yet subsumed behavior with the help of three lenses: laughter in relation to the individual, to interpersonal relationship, and to community. Through reading discussions, self-inquiry, field observations, visual art/theatrical/therapeutic exercises, and the construction of ‘laughter maps,’ participants will learn to pick up on laughter as a signal that can reveal where and how people give their attention. 

No scientific background is required to take this course – open to all who laugh. 

Led by Maia Pujara, Assistant Professor of Psychology at Sarah Lawrence College.