Topics in Media Writing (360-0-27)

Topic

Confessions of a Comedy Writer

Instructors

Ralph Farquhar

Meeting Info

Annie May Swift Hall 219: Mon 10:00AM - 12:50PM

Overview of class

After four decades of writing television comedy, Ralph Farquhar remains as relevant today as he was when learning from the great Garry Marshall on "Happy Days" (1981). He began his military career at West Point, before following his true passion — writing sitcoms. His credits include writing Al Bundy jokes on "Married with Children" (1990-1992) and co-creating "Moesha" (1996), the first prime-time comedy from a Black teenager girl's point of view. As executive producer, Mr. Farquhar shaped "The Proud Family" for the Disney Channel and its award-winning reboot, "Louder and Prouder (2022-2026). Currently, he is in an Overall Production deal at Disney+. Utilizing Mr. Farquhar's characteristic wit, humor, and wisdom, this course is a master class in crafting timeless television humor.

Class Notes

Professor Farquhar is an LA-based writer and producer coming to NU this spring to share his expertise in comedy writing as our Hiatt Visiting Professor of Comedy. Bio here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_Farquhar

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Undergraduate students must have completed RTVF 260-0 in order to register for this course (concurrent registration is not allowed). Writing: MFA or Documentary Media: MFA students may register for this course.