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JPN370: NOH THEATRE PERFORMANCE
Atsuyoshi Asano, Kanzeryu Nohgakushi
Michael Rich, Associate Professor of
Japanese
office: Anderson 34 phone: 8202
FALL 2012
Meets: T/R 9:30-10:45
Cooke Ballroom
office hours: by appointment
Description: THIS COURSE WILL IMMERSE STUDENTS IN THE ART OF SINGING AND PERFORMING NOH
THEATRE, THE WORLD'S OLDEST CONTINUOUSLY PERFORMED THEATRICAL TRADITION, DESIGNATED BY
UNESCO IN 2001 IN ITS FIRST LIST OF WORLD INTANGIBLE CULTURALHERITAGE. THE COURSE WILL BE
CO-TAUGHT BY PROFESSIONAL NOH ACTOR AND MUSICIAN, ATSUYOSHI ASANO, AND MICHAEL RICH,
WHO WILL INTERPRET FOR MR. ASANO AND PROVIDE BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND CONTEXT IN
ENGLISH. THE STUDENTS WILL BE TRAINED ACCORDING TO TRADITONAL METHODS USED IN JAPAN TO
DEVELOP PROFESSIONAL AND AMATEUR NOH ACTORS AND MUSICIANS.
Objectives:
 To learn the fundamentals of Noh dance and movement
 To learn the fundamentals of Noh singing and vocal ornamentation.
 To learn the hiragana and katakana syllabaries in order to read Noh musical
notation
 To learn the fundamentals of Noh costuming and stagecraft.
 To learn the types of Noh plays and their aesthetic ideals
 To learn the history and development of Noh theatre
 To learn to appreciate the artistic forms of another culture.
Texts:
Shelley Fenno Quinn, Developing Zeami, University of Hawaii 978-0824829681
Royall Tyler, Japanese No Plays, Penguin Classics 978-0140445398
Also required – tabi for recital, approximately $25, fan (provided by instructor)
Relationship to the Foundations and Core Requirements:
This course will enable the student to cultivate skills in inquiry and analysis, critical and
creative thinking, and cultural awareness abroad.
Upon successful completion of JPN370, the student will attain the following Learning
Outcomes primarily through the assessments indicated in parentheses. Students will:
 Understand the function and ideals of Noh theatre (through written assignments
and performance)
 Be able to dance several short dance pieces-shimai (in class performance)
 Be able to sing several short Noh songs-utai (in class performance)
 Be able to identify the types of Noh plays (written response)
 Be able to identify the various modes of music used in Noh (oral response)
 Be able to read and write hiragana and katakana, the Japanese syllabaries used
in Noh musical notation (written response)
With regard to the CAA flag, students will be immersed in the art of performing Noh
theatre by training with professional Noh actor, Atsuyoshi Asano, and GC professor,
Michael Rich, and learn to read and write Japanese script.
Attendance: Students are required to attend all classes. Absence from more than two
classes will deduct ten points from the students’s grade, five or more absences will
result in an automatic F for the semester.
Requirements:
Assignments:
Written - Students will submit three written assignments, worth 10 points each.
1. Journal assignment containing notes and comments on daily practice (due on last
day of class)
2. 5 page literary/theatrical critique of a Noh play (due in eighth week of class)
3. 7 page research paper on any aspect of Noh – to be developed in consultation with
instructor.
Participation 30 points. Criteria for participation include punctual attendance, diligence
in practice, and politeness and attention to instructor.
Recital 20 points. All students will perform in a recital at the end of the semester.
Performance -10 pts each (two) All students will attend two performances staged by
professional Noh actors.
Final Exam – 10 points Students will be required to demonstrate familiarity with
hiragana and katakana writing systems and Noh terminology.
Grading:
The grades will be determined by a combination of work done in class, related research
conducted outside class, attendance and the students’ overall work discipline and
application of techniques taught. The final grade will be the average of these marks.
(see attendance policy, as well)
A and A/B will be reserved for those designs that literally display excellent and
consistent performance.
B and B/C will be given to designs that show ability but are inconsistent with
respect to the specific approach or process being attempted.
C indicates that most areas of the designs need improvement but the individual
is applying him/herself and can probably do with practice.
D and F are reserved for designs that show little or no promise for
improvement or indicate lack of involvement and effort.
Grade Scale: The total number of points that can be earned in this course is 100.
Therefore, the following scale refers to total points, over the course of the semester:
92-100: A 88-91: A/B 82-87: B 78-81: B/C 70-77: C 60-69: D 59 and below: F
However, special consideration in assigning a final grade will be given to those cases in
which a student's performance either steadily improves or deteriorates during the
course.
Cell Phones: No cell phones, texting, iPods or other similar devices. Make sure you turn
them off completely (not switched on silent) and put them away before class. The cell
phone use will disrupt others and the flow of class. An intentional violation will result in
a dismissal and an absence for the day. I will let you know if there is a free time in which
you can use such devices.
Academic Honesty: Plagiarism, submitting work that is not your own, or copying of
another's work will result in an "F" and/or dismissal from the course. The College-wide
Honor Code applies.
Accommodation: Any student that requires special accommodations should notify me
in writing as soon as possible, please include in the letter what assistance you desire.
We will do the best I can to accommodate your needs.