Since the 1980s anthropologists focusing on the senses have questioned the ocularcentrism of anthropological approaches to objects. They also began to propose alternative multi-sensual research methods.
In this context sound and soundscapes have received more concentrated attention within anthropology. Today Sound Studies have grown much beyond anthropology. It constitutes a multi- and transdisciplinary field that combines the approaches and insights of many areas, such as design, architecture, musicology and media studies.
Sounds are heard every day. However, listening in to sounds, analyzing them, so that they may tell us something about people and places requires systematic listening practice and a theoretical framework.
This seminar trains students to listen more carefully and understand soundscapes in relation to theoretical debates within and beyond anthropology.