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Academic Year 2004/2005

Reading Sonic Black Iconography
ENGL 270 FA
Crosslistings:
AFAM 278
Clusters:

Urban Studies

We will explore the usage of sonic signs to invoke an idea of 'blackness' for the purposes of demonstrating a sense of belonging, marking difference, claiming lineage, and/or making an ironic statement through parody. We will primarily 'read' sonic signs as they appear in film, but we will also explore their work in audio recordings and print. Throughout the semester, we will revisit some of the same texts in order to attend to the values we bring to our readings in different contexts. Depending on the knowledge and experience of the listeners and how they are listening, some of the same sounds may be heard as music, noise, voice, or silence. Depending on the identities and listening habits of the listeners and sound producers, some of the same sounds may be understood as marking difference or claiming lineage. Our work will be to become aware of the ways in which texts direct our hearing and to sharpen our skills for critical listening.

MAJOR READINGS

Chion, Michel AUDIO-VISION SOUND ON SCREEN
Hall, Stuart, ed. REPRESENTATION: CULTURAL REPRESENTATIONS AND SIGNIFYING PRACTICES
Lipsitz, George DANGEROUS CROSSROADS: POPULAR MUSIC, POSTMODERNISM, AND THE POETICS OF PLACE

Copies of miscellaneous essays will be made available through library reserve, course pack, or both.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Students send weekly reflective emails (5 of which will be polished to comprise a portfolio at the end of the semester), lead two class discussions with a formal presentation, and complete a research paper.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

This course meets the English Department's Theory requirement and is a research required course.

COURSE FORMAT: Seminar

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: HA ENGL    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-21-2005

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