2021 Faculty Courses Liberal arts and basic science courses Humanities and social science courses
Special Lecture: Traditional Japanese Theater and Music(Noh and Kyogen)
- Academic unit or major
- Humanities and social science courses
- Instructor(s)
- Mariko Anno
- Class Format
- Lecture
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - 5-6 Thu (W931)
- Class
- -
- Course Code
- LAH.H316
- Number of credits
- 100
- Course offered
- 2021
- Offered quarter
- 3Q
- Syllabus updated
- Jul 10, 2025
- Language
- English
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
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 Noh and Kyōgen, 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 and Noh singing and dancing through oral transmission, integrating theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Course description and aims
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.
Student learning outcomes
実務経験と講義内容との関連 (又は実践的教育内容)
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, Noh, Kyōgen
Competencies
- 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. A final exam will be administered at the end of the term. (Note: Syllabus is subject to change based on the level, needs, and actual number of students.)
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | 1. Introduction to course 2. Overview of traditional Japanese theater and music | identify course aims; acquire basic knowledge on traditional Japanese theater and music |
| Class 2 | Noh: History, genres, characters, and performers | understand Noh’s history, genres, performers, and performative elements |
| Class 3 | Noh: Costumes, masks, and instruments | understand Noh’s costumes, masks, and instruments |
| Class 4 | 1. Quiz 2. Noh Transmission: Instruments, chant, and dance | demonstrate knowledge of course material; learn instruments through oral transmission |
| Class 5 | 1. Noh structure and analysis of Noh Izutsu 2. Analysis of New Noh and English-language Noh | analyze traditional and contemporary Noh plays; identify aspects of traditional and contemporary elements in performances |
| Class 6 | Kyōgen: History, genres, characters, and plays | comprehend Kyōgen’s history, genres, characters, and performative elements |
| Class 7 | 1. Review of course material 2. Final exam | consolidate key concepts; articulate ideas and opinions on issues; demonstrate knowledge of course material |
Study advice (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 OCW-i.
Reference books, course materials, etc.
1. Malm, William P. Traditional Japanese Music and Musical Instruments. Tokyo, London, and New York: Kodansha, 2000. (ISBN: 4-7700-2395-2)
2. Salz, Jonah, ed. A History of Japanese Theatre. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 2016.
3. Hoff, Frank, and Willi Flindt. “The Life Structure of Noh: An English Version of Yokomichi Mario’s Analysis of the Structure of Noh.” Concerned Theatre Japan 2 (Spring 1973): 209-256.
4. Keene, Donald. Nō and Bunraku. New York: Columbia UP, 1990.
5. Tyler, Royall, ed. and trans. Japanese Nō Dramas. London and New York: Penguin, 1992.
6. Nakamura, Masayuki. A Bilingual Guide to Japanese Traditional Performing Arts. Translated by Jeffrey Hunter. Kyoto: Tankosha, 2009.
Evaluation methods and criteria
Class Participation: 30%
Homework and Response Papers: 25%
Quiz: 15%
Final Exam: 30%
Related courses
- LAH.H317 ： Special Lecture: Traditional Japanese Theater and Music(Kabuki and Bunraku)
Prerequisites
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.H317) Special Lecture: Traditional Japanese Theater and Music (Kabuki and Bunraku).