Special Lecture: Traditional Japanese Theater and Music(Kabuki and Bunraku)

Academic unit or major

Humanities and social science courses

Instructor(s)

Mariko Anno

Class Format

Lecture

Media-enhanced courses

-

Day of week/Period
(Classrooms)

Class

-

Course Code

LAH.H317

Number of credits

100

Course offered

2025

Offered quarter

4Q

Syllabus updated

Mar 19, 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 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.

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,Kabuki, Bunraku

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. 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.)

Course schedule/Objectives

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 made available on T2SCHOLA.

Reference books, course materials, etc.

1. Salz, Jonah, ed. 2016. A History of Japanese Theatre. Cambridge: Cambridge UP.
2. Nakamura, Masayuki. 2009. A Bilingual Guide to Japanese Traditional Performing Arts. Translated by Jeffrey Hunter. Tokyo: Kodansha. (ISBN: 978-4-473-03572-1)
3. Malm, William P. 2000. Traditional Japanese Music and Musical Instruments. Tokyo, London, and New York: Kodansha. (ISBN: 4-7700-2395-2)

Evaluation methods and criteria

Class Participation: 30%
Homework and Response Papers: 35%
Final Project (Final Paper and Presentation): 35%

Related courses

• LAH.H316 ： Special Lecture: Traditional Japanese Theater and Music(Noh and Kyogen)

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.H316) Special Lecture: Traditional Japanese Theater and Music (Noh and Kyōgen).