The ability to create humor is a skill many people don't have, yet wish they did. If you're interested in learning how to come up with jokes or witticisms on the fly, punch up dull material for an audience, or make a living as a comedy writer, this course will get you going.

Your instructor, an experienced comedy writer and working actress, will guide you through a wide range of comedic sources. You'll learn how to write a one-liner, use physical humor, target your audience, find the humor in everyday events and much, much more.

Once you've learned some of the methods of creating humor, you'll be ready to apply it to all aspects of your life. Punch up speeches and presentations so that the audience is instantly on your side. Mix laughter with learning in the classroom, and watch your students' attention spans grow. Add some humor to your web page and watch the hits explode as word gets out. Use your newfound sense of humor to entertain your friends, meet interesting people, and even make new friends!

For the aspiring comedy writer, there are invaluable techniques for finding the methods that work consistently and without the worries of whims, moods or blocks. There is even a section on marketing your humor, giving you the inside information you'll need to find your niche.

Learning should be fun, and this course is no exception. Filled with opportunities to laugh as you learn, "Get Funny" promises an entertaining and informative six weeks.

A new section of each course starts monthly. If enrolling in a series of two or more courses, please be sure to space the start date for each course at least two months apart.

All courses run for six weeks, with a two-week grace period at the end. Two lessons are released each week for the six-week duration of the course. You do not have to be present when lessons are released. You will have access to all lessons until the course ends. However, the interactive discussion area that accompanies each lesson will automatically close two weeks after the lesson is released. As such, we strongly recommend that you complete each lesson within two weeks of its release.

The final exam will be released on the same day as the last lesson. Once the final exam has been released, you will have two weeks to complete all of your course work, including the final exam.

Internet access, e-mail, and the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser.

This course includes a knowledgeable and caring instructor who will guide you through your lessons, facilitate discussions, and answer your questions. The instructor for this course will be Joanna Sandsmark.

Joanna Sandsmark graduated with honors from The University of Wisconsin - Madison with a degree in Communication Arts: Radio/TV/Film. As a voice actress, she's appeared in numerous commercial, industrial and animated projects, including the popular animated television series, "Rugrats". As a writer, she has written for DC Comics, was a staff writer on TV's "Weird Science", and has written five books, including "The Wisdom of Yo Meow Ma', and 'A Girl's Best Friend: Why Dogs Are Better Than Diamonds". She has taught both writing and voice-over in various formats, in the classroom and out, and is a member of the Writer's Guild of America, Screen Actors Guild, and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.

“ As a university professor, I have designed and taught online courses myself, so I wanted to see what it was like to be an online student. I have very much enjoyed the course and I have greatly appreciated Joanna's teaching style, her support, feedback and constant encouragement. As a result I have learned a lot, more than I expected to, about many different areas of life, connected by humour. Thank you very much, Joanna. ”

“ I had a lot of fun taking this course, and learned new skills. On first reading the assignments, I was quite intimidated. However Joanna's clear lessons and comments helped me to complete all the assignments, including those I had thought were beyond me. Lots of helpful comments from Joanna, together with great encouragement. Thanks! ”

“ I had no idea there was so much involved in being funny! Not only did I get a better appreciation for humor and its' makings, I have really learned to observe and break down what I see more, therefore helping me to interact more with my world! It's not so small afterall! Thank you for all your expertise! ”

“ I loved this course! It helped me to focus on certain aspects of comedy, which I found very helpful with regard to career goals. I would certainly enjoy taking other courses offered by Joanna, and also further comedy writing courses that may be offered through ed2go. ”

“ I really enjoyed this class. I have already started to put this course to the test, and it is working. I love to make people laugh and it is really happening. Thank you for everything. Keep laughing!! ”

“ Joanna is a very funny gal whose experience in the comedy writing world gives the rest of us insight into how the mechanics of comedy work. I would recommend this class to folks who are looking for a patient, knowledgeable instructor willing to guide them toward more skillful comedy and writing creation. The best part is that they'll have a good time learning! ”

“ Joanna, you've helped me tap into some dormant resource I've never fully exploited. I'm havin' a BLAST!!!! Thank you! ”

“ Thanks Joanna! I enjoyed the course and discovered I was funnier than I ever dreamed I could be. The gift of laughter must be right up there with health and love, and you helped us to discover that gift. ”

“ This class was just what I needed to get ideas that I could incorporate with my short story writing. The instructor was prompt [and] encouraging with her answers. I was exposed to many new ideas! ”

“ Excellent course! The instructor always kept me interested with relevant and useful information. The assignments were tremendous fun! I really enjoyed the instructor's style, and thoroughly enjoyed the course! ”

“ In all the years I've been in show business, no one ever would share these valuable secrets and tools. Comedy is something you can work at and get better at, just like singing or playing. I really appreciate learning this from Joanna. She is a quite gifted writer and teacher. ”