Before this class, I would have thought that the word soundscape was a made-up word used in a science fiction show that the protagonists would have to journey through to find the secret treasure of the universe. Now, I am very excited to make my own soundscape.
Eckstein and Guzy use soundscape in very different ways. Eckstein uses soundscape as a way to explain the argument while Guzy focuses specifically on identifying soundscapes and giving examples. Eckstein describes soundscape as what gives "context to the argument". Eckstein describes sound almost like an object that you use to create the conditions of an argument. Guzy uses soundscape as the subject of her article. Guzy defines soundscape as "sound when understood in an environment" (Guzy).
With the two different ways in mind, I found Guzy's definition to be much more helpful. It was very straightforward and in layman's English rather than in an academic language. Not that there is anything wrong with academic language, I just find it hard to read. I also felt that I needed to already have an understanding of soundscape before reading the paper. I am the type of person who needs something explained then I need to see an example. Thus Guzy's two articles were very helpful and were actually very enjoyable.
While reading Eckstein, I was having a hard time visualizing what exactly soundscape is but the different and plethora of examples Eckstein provided much-needed clarity. Both the example of lawyers in the courtroom and the casserole strike provide great examples as to how soundscape can shape your argument and even change the way that an argument is going. In both examples, if the people, whether it is a lawyer or people protesting unjust bills, had kept quiet, the change would not have happened. In Guzy's articles, the video examples in part 2 of the three different locations in the Owens-Thomas House. They were intriguing to listen to, both the Historical and modern versions. They provided two unique soundscapes in the same area, allowing the listener to compare and contrast them.
Both articles gave me two different tools for designing soundscape. Eckstein's paper told me to take into context the location I am making my soundscape. Depending on where I am, I have to take into account what is around me and what can possibly make noises. I can also affect the soundscape depending on who else is in the room, though I doubt I will be arguing with anyone for micro-assignment #2. Guzy's articles gave me ideas for different ideas for soundscapes I could do for my project. They both are were extremely insightful for me and created a new interest in the soundscape.
Soundscapes were completely foreign to me before this class as well. This is kind of crazy considering that we are surrounded by soundscapes all the time and we don't even realize that we are experiencing them every time we are actively or passively listening to the environment around us. I found the Guzy article to be much more useful as well in terms of actually getting a feel for what a soundscape is. This was done through the examples embedded within the article which allowed me to really hear a soundscape, which is the purpose of them. I have also become more aware of my surroundings in terms of the sounds surrounding me and how they are making me feel.
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