▶Japanese
Post to SNS
- Home
- > Liberal arts and basic science courses
- > Humanities and social science courses
- > Special Lecture: Traditional Japanese Theater and Music(Kabuki and Bunraku)
- School of Science
-
School of Engineering
- Undergraduate major in Mechanical Engineering
- Undergraduate major in Systems and Control Engineering
- Undergraduate major in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Undergraduate major in Information and Communications Engineering
- Undergraduate major in Industrial Engineering and Economics
- Common courses
- School of Materials and Chemical Technology
- School of Computing
- School of Life Science and Technology
- School of Environment and Society
- 工学院，物質理工学院，環境・社会理工学院共通科目
- Liberal arts and basic science courses
- First-Year Courses
- School of Science
- School of Engineering
- School of Materials and Chemical Technology
- School of Computing
- School of Life Science and Technology
-
School of Environment and Society
- Department of Architecture and Building Engineering
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Department of Transdisciplinary Science and Engineering
- Department of Social and Human Sciences
- Department of Innovation Science
- Graduate major in Technology and Innovation Management
- Common courses
- Liberal arts and basic science courses
- Academic unit or major
- Humanities and social science courses
- Instructor(s)
- Anno Mariko
- Class Format
- Lecture
- Media-enhanced courses
- Day/Period(Room No.)
- -
- Group
- -
- Course number
- LAH.H317
- Credits
- 1
- Academic year
- 2024
- Offered quarter
- 4Q
- Syllabus updated
- 2024/3/14
- 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 learn instruments through oral transmission, 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 assigned materials before class to prepare for discussion and to write response papers on the readings and course material. 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. Kabuki: History and genres | identify course aims; understand Kabuki’s history and genres |
| Class 2 | Kabuki: History, genres, characters, music, and performers | understand Kabuki’s history, genres, performers, music, and performative elements |
| Class 3 | Bunraku: History, genres, performers, and puppets | understand Bunraku’s history, genres, performers, and performative aspects |
| Class 4 | Lecture-demonstration on Shamisen | understand the shamisen; learn instruments through oral transmission |
| Class 5 | Analysis of traditional and contemporary Kabuki and Bunraku performances | analyze Kabuki and Bunraku plays; identify performative elements in performances |
| Class 6 | 1. Review of course material 2. Final Presentations (1) | consolidate key concepts; articulate ideas and opinions on issues; demonstrate knowledge of course material; deliver a presentation |
| Class 7 | Final Presentations (2) | 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 will be uploaded into T2SCHOLA.
Reference books, course materials, etc.
1. Nakamura, Masayuki. 2009. A Bilingual Guide to Japanese Traditional Performing Arts. Translated by Jeffrey Hunter. Tokyo: Kodansha.
2. Malm, William P. 2000. Traditional Japanese Music and Musical Instruments. Tokyo, London, and New York: Kodansha.
3. Salz, Jonah, ed. 2016. A History of Japanese Theatre. Cambridge: Cambridge UP.
Assessment criteria and methods
Class Participation: 30%
Homework and Response Papers: 35%
Final Project (Final Paper and Presentation): 35%
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).
