Sonic Ethnography (MSR2213.01) (cancelled 10/6/2023)

Senem Pirler & Joseph Alpar

Sonic ethnography is an emerging field that sits at the intersection of studies of sound and ethnographic methodologies. In this course, we will focus on investigating the “sonic” in relation to social and environmental structures. We will focus on how putting our attention to sound-making, recording, and listening practices can bring innovative contributions to the field of ethnography. We will also cover literature and creative works that explicitly deal with ethnography as a methodology for the study of sound. We will study social histories of sound technologies of the past century and their intersection with gender, economy, class, sexuality, politics, and other topics. Students will get exposed to literature, audio recordings, and practical work that investigates these connections and will produce creative work and research that connect the field of ethnography and sound practices.


Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Gain a deeper understanding of sound-making as a social practice.
- Develop experience in ethnographic research and creative work through individual and group projects.
- Study certain technical aspects of fieldwork through a series of assignments involving recording and listening.



Delivery Method: Fully in-person
Course Level: 2000-level
Credits: 4
W 10:00AM - 11:50AM & W 2:10PM - 4:00PM (Full-term)
Maximum Enrollment: 12
Course Frequency: One time only

Categories: 2000 , All courses , Cancelled Courses , Ethnomusicology , Fully In-Person , Media Studies , Sound Design and Recording , Two Credit , Updates
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