Carlos Ramirez, crr97@illinois.edu
Tue, 1:00-3:50 PM
"SOUND AND POWER." This seminar explores the intersections between sound and power, moving beyond music to encompass a range of sonic phenomena. Drawing from Foucault’s foundational theories of power and contemporary critical frameworks—including postcolonial theory, critical race theory, and feminist theory—this course examines how sound is used to reinforce, challenge, and disrupt power structures across various cultural and historical contexts. Students will engage with theoretical and applied approaches to sound’s relationship with identity, space, and technology, investigating topics such as sonic warfare, urban soundscapes, colonial power, and the sonification of the cosmos. Participants will critically analyze how sound functions as both a tool of control and resistance. Guided readings and weekly in-class discussions constitute the primary mode of instruction. The assessment of seminar participants is based on discussion participation and a series of short papers on a topic of the participants’ choice that is related to the seminar theme. No previous knowledge of musical notation or performance is required for this seminar. Graduate students interested in sound studies from any disciplinary perspective are welcome to register.