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The 2003 Summer School and Symposium took place successfully. The 4th International Summer School and Symposium on Humour and Laughter will take place at the University of Wolverhampton, UK, in September 2004.

3rd International Summer School and Symposium on Humour and Laughter: Theory, Research and Applications

The International Summer School and Symposium on Humour and Laughter: Theory, Research and Applications will this year be held in Edinburgh, in the School of Informatics at the University of Edinburgh, from 15th - 20th September 2003.

Aims and Objectives
Interest in both research on humour and practical applications of humour has increased sharply in the past decade. For new research students just beginning their research careers or those already-trained researchers considering a first research project on humour, this course will ensure that they enter the field with a strong foundation in existing theoretical and methodological issues, and are well versed in the pitfalls confronting the scientific study of humour. For those interested in practical applications of humour in a variety of applied settings, the course will introduce them to the kinds of approaches that are being used around the world to put humour to work and to deliver the benefits of humour and laughter.

Structure of Course
There will be sessions from Monday morning to Saturday afternoon inclusive, with one afternoon free for relaxation, sight-seeing, etc., and about half a day during in the week for the Symposium. For the rest of the time, classes will be presented by a number of lecturers.

Symposium
The Symposium part of the summer school will take place on Thursday or Friday. This is where participants may present their planned or finished research or ideas on how to implement and use humour in applied settings, in any form they like.

Teaching faculty
Professor Lydia Amir (Tel Aviv University), Professor Christie Davies (University of Reading), Dr Rüdiger Hasenoehrl (University of Hertfordshire), Dr Graeme Ritchie (University of Edinburgh), Professor Willibald Ruch (University of Zurich), & further guest teachers.

See summary of course content for fuller details.

This Summer School is possible through support from the Human Communication Research Centre, School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh.


This Summer School is endorsed by the International Society for Humor Studies (ISHS).