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2020　Special Lecture: Traditional Japanese Theater and Music(Kabuki and Bunraku)

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Academic unit or major
Humanities and social science courses
Instructor(s)
Anno Mariko 
Class Format
Lecture    (ZOOM)
Media-enhanced courses
Day/Period(Room No.)
Thr5-6(H117)  
Group
-
Course number
LAH.H317
Credits
1
Academic year
2020
Offered quarter
3Q
Syllabus updated
2020/9/18
Lecture notes updated
-
Language used
English
Access Index

Course description and aims

What are the musical principles, building blocks, and performance practices of traditional Japanese theater and music? How are traditional performing arts transmitted from master to disciple? How are they performed today? This course explores the music and genres of Kabuki and Bunraku, which are designated as UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, by tracing their origin and development throughout history and by investigating their influences on traditional and contemporary theater forms. The course aims to give students the skills to critically analyze audio-visual recordings of compositions and performances, identify the driving forces onstage, and recognize the space for improvisation within the rigidity of tradition. Students will participate in oral transmission of the instruments, integrating theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Student learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students will have an appreciation of traditional Japanese theater and performing arts. They will understand the characteristics of Japanese theater and music and will be able to discuss them with colleagues in academic and non-academic settings.

Course taught by instructors with work experience

✔ Applicable How instructors' work experience benefits the course
An instructor with work experience as a performer will provide hands-on experience in the performing arts, based on practice in the field that fosters critical thinking and encourages creativity and self-expression.

Keywords

traditional Japanese theater and music, Japanese performing arts,Kabuki, Bunraku

Competencies that will be developed

✔ Specialist skills ✔ Intercultural skills ✔ Communication skills Critical thinking skills Practical and/or problem-solving skills

Class flow

The course focuses on class discussions. Students are expected to read the appropriate materials before class to prepare for discussion and to write response papers on the reading and class materials. At the end of the term, students will give a presentation on some aspect of traditional Japanese performing arts based on the paper they will submit on the last day of class. (Note: Syllabus is subject to change based on the level, needs, and actual number of students.)

Course schedule/Required learning

  Course schedule Required learning
Class 1 1. Introduction to course 2. Overview of traditional Japanese theater and music identify course aims; acquire basic knowledge on traditional Japanese theater and music
Class 2 1. Kabuki: History, genres, performers, instruments, instruments, and music 2. Analysis of performances understand Kabuki’s history, genres, performers, and performative aspects; analyze performances
Class 3 1. Bunraku: History, genres, performers, instruments, and music 2. Analysis of performances understand Bunraku’s history, genres, performers, and performative aspects; analyze performances
Class 4 1. Analysis of art forms: Comparison of Noh, Kabuki, and Bunraku Dōjōji 2. Final paper proposal due: 75- to 100-words analyze traditional Noh, Kabuki, and Bunraku plays; identify aspects of traditional and contemporary elements in performances; prepare paper proposal
Class 5 Comparison of Art Forms: Noh, Kabuki, and Bunraku Ataka analyze traditional Noh, Kabuki, and Bunraku plays; identify aspects of traditional and contemporary elements in performances
Class 6 1. Oral Transmission: Instruments and music 2. Comparative analysis of traditional Japanese performing arts in contemporary settings experience oral transmission of instruments from teacher to student; identify aspects of traditional and contemporary elements in performances
Class 7 1 Final Presentations 2. Final paper due in class consolidate key concepts; articulate ideas and opinions on issues; demonstrate knowledge of course material; deliver a presentation

Out-of-Class Study Time (Preparation and Review)

To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.

Textbook(s)

Handouts and reading materials will be provided in class and/or uploaded into OCW-i.

Reference books, course materials, etc.

1. Malm, William P. Traditional Japanese Music and Musical Instruments. Tokyo, London, and New York: Kodansha, 2000. (ISBN: 4-7700-2395-2)
2. Salz, Jonah, ed. A History of Japanese Theatre. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 2016.
3. Keene, Donald. Nō and Bunraku. New York: Columbia UP, 1990.

Assessment criteria and methods

Class Participation: 30%
Response Papers and Homework: 30%
Final Paper proposal: 10%
Final Paper and Presentation: 30%

Related courses

  • LAH.H316 ： Special Lecture: Traditional Japanese Theater and Music(Noh and Kyogen)

Prerequisites (i.e., required knowledge, skills, courses, etc.)

No experience in theater or music is required. Skills in reading and discussing materials in English are needed.

Other

Attendance at the first class is compulsory for students planning to take this course. It is recommended that students take this course in sequence with (LAH.H316) Special Lecture: Traditional Japanese Theater and Music (Noh and Kyōgen).

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