How is Sound Democratic?

How does creating meaning together differ from consuming meaning created by others, and what might those differences mean for individuals and communities?

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How do sound, voice, and collective creative expression shape the ways people understand themselves and one another?

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In what ways can listening function as a civic and democratic practice?

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How do social and cultural systems shape who gets heard, who participates, and whose voices are valued?

What is happening to the ways people connect, communicate, and create meaning together?

From protest songs and spoken word slams to choirs and community ensembles, people have used sound to make meaning together. What can collective practices teach us about participating in democratic life today? Conversely, what happens when people have fewer opportunities to create meaning together? Using sound as a lens, students will investigate how shared creative practices shape public life. Through collaborative research and experimentation, students will examine these practices while considering how listening, participation, leadership, and shared meaning-making influence who is heard, who belongs, and how communities respond to social fragmentation and loneliness.

Collaborations

Collaborators TBA

Impact Outcomes

Students will share their findings with the general public in a format of their choosing. Check this page at the end of the semester for updates!