For many animals, including humans, sound is one of the primary components of their perceptual world. Soundscapes—acoustic environments—can affect the physiology, behavior, cognition, and geographic distribution of animals. The world around us is increasingly dominated by noises generated by human activities, which can alter the interactions between organisms and the environment.

This program will explore local acoustical environments, changes in human behavior, and their relationship to a broad range of disciplines, including ecology, animal behavior, sensory neuroscience, human psychology, sociology, music, the arts, and architecture. The first half of the program—geared towards Vassar faculty and students—will showcase academic research on sound and soundscapes, and an exhibition of student work. The second half of the program—open to both the campus and local communities—will include workshops on recording and analyzing sound, a tour of virtual and actual soundscapes, and the screening of a film on human-generated sounds affecting our oceans.

Register to reserve your space.

This Signature Program of The Vassar Institute for the Liberal Arts is convened by: Megan D. Gall, Associate Professor of Biology and Director of Neuroscience and Behavior, and Justin Patch, Associate Professor and Chair of Music.