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.
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.
✔ 該当する | 実務経験と講義内容との関連(又は実践的教育内容) |
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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. |
traditional Japanese theater and music, Japanese performing arts, Kabuki, Bunraku
✔ 専門力 | ✔ 教養力 | ✔ コミュニケーション力 | 展開力(探究力又は設定力) | 展開力(実践力又は解決力) |
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.)
授業計画 | 課題 | |
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第1回 | 1. Introduction to course 2. Kabuki: History and genres | identify course aims; understand Kabuki’s history and genres |
第2回 | Kabuki: History, genres, characters, music, and performers | understand Kabuki’s history, genres, performers, music, and performative elements |
第3回 | Bunraku: History, genres, performers, and puppets | understand Bunraku’s history, genres, performers, and performative aspects |
第4回 | Lecture-demonstration on Shamisen | understand the shamisen; learn instruments through oral transmission |
第5回 | Analysis of traditional and contemporary Kabuki and Bunraku performances | analyze Kabuki and Bunraku plays; identify performative elements in performances |
第6回 | 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 |
第7回 | Final Presentations (2) | consolidate key concepts; articulate ideas and opinions on issues; demonstrate knowledge of course material; deliver a presentation |
学修効果を上げるため,教科書や配布資料等の該当箇所を参照し,「毎授業」授業内容に関する予習と復習(課題含む)をそれぞれ概ね100分を目安に行うこと。
Handouts will be uploaded into T2SCHOLA.
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.
Class Participation: 30%
Homework and Response Papers: 35%
Final Project (Final Paper and Presentation): 35%
No experience in theater or music is required. Skills in reading and discussing materials in English are needed.
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).