What is the relationship between sound and place? How do we experience the everyday sounds of our acoustic environment? What stories can sound tell? This course invites students to engage with Princeton’s soundscape. We will explore a range of topics in sound studies–including acoustic ecology, sound maps, sonification, and historical soundscapes–as well as study, perform, and experience sound art and experimental music that engages with notions of place. Students will make field recordings and work on creative final projects (individual or collaborative) developed in consultation with the instructor.
Sample reading list:
Brandon LaBelle, Background Noise: Perspective on Sound Art
Jean-Francois Augoyard and Henry Torgue, eds., Sonic Experience: A Guide to Everyday Sounds
R. Murray Schafer, Soundscape: Our Sonic Environment
World (excerpts)
Jonathan Sterne, ed., The Sound Studies Reader (excerpts)
Reading/Writing assignments:
Readings, listening responses, fieldwork, a brief essay, and creative projects.
Prerequisites and Restrictions:
Open to all — a background in music is not required. Students of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Other information:
Course activities will include discussion/debate of readings and listening, performances of experimental music, sound-walks, field trips to sound installations, and studio time.
