What makes the French laugh? Why do the French like Jerry Lewis (and other comedians such as Charles Chaplin) so much?  Why does Hollywood remake so many French comedies? This interactive seminar responds to these questions by examining the comic and humor techniques used in French cinema throughout the years. In addition to watching and analyzing several representative films from different periods, participants will study the cultural and historic roots of French humor and laughter throughout history. Representative films (with English subtitles) and texts are used in our investigation. The forum for exchanging ideas will consist both of lectures and class discussions.