This course surveys the musical and videographic works of Alfred Matthew Yankovic, better known as “Weird Al”. Beginning with a concise historical overview of Yankovic’s career—from his emergence in the late 1970s, through his sustained cultural relevance in the MTV era and beyond—the course examines the parodilogical and stylistic framework of his songs and videos.

The majority of the course presents Yankovic parodies along with the original music videos they reference, enabling close comparative analysis. Students will learn how parody functions not merely as comedic imitation, but as commentary on popular music conventions, celebrity culture, and the music industry itself.

By the end of the course, students will hopefully gain amusement and perhaps laugh until they cry at least once, to some of the most unique popular works of the late-20th- and early-21st-centuries.