Humanities Arts Cultural Stu 0237 - Listening to Japanese Sound Cultures

"Listening" occupies a special place in Japanese cultures. Whether it be in literature, folklore, or everyday activity, indications are plentiful that listening has been nurtured as a multisensory experience and that it encompasses a wide range of phenomena, beyond so-called music. This course explores Japanese sound cultures, with special attention to the underlying unique conceptions of "listening": how have people in Japan cultivated distinct sensibilities in listening, and how, in turn, such sensibilities have constituted Japanese sound cultures. This is a cultural studies course and music training is not a prerequisite. However, the required coursework includes listening exercises, various analysis assignments, and occasional hands-on activities. Through these exercises, selected readings, and class discussion, students are invited to open their ears, senses, and minds to unique cultural values, sensibilities, and practices of listening in Japanese sound cultures and rigorously question their own practice and conception of "listening."

This course includes both in-person and remote elements, but can accommodate fully remote students. Students in this course can expect to spend 6 to 8 hours weekly on work and preparation outside of class time.