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Percussive Rhythm:
The Basis for Understanding Korean and East Asian Culture
In Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Keimyung University
KICKS 2004 (Keimyung International Conference on Korean Studies)
Monday, 24 to Thursday, 27 May, 2004
Percussive rhythm, which has been classified as providing the fundamental Gestalt of
primitive music and forming the basis of Third World music, may also be understood as
underpinning the ¡°universal musical nature¡± of humanity. Percussive rhythm is
perhaps the most important foundation for the formation of human world-views,
lifestyles, and psychological symbols. This fact may well explain the current,
immense popularity in Korea and around the world of the non-verbal percussion
performance Nant¡¯a (Pummelling). It is in this type of performance that the
primitive nature, which relies solely on rhythm, and the modern nature, pursuing
simplicity, can coexist. Percussive rhythm can be found in every corner of the world,
displaying both regional and universal characteristics. The wavelength of human
consciousness and life, as well as the mythical order that forms human ways of life,
and even the original principle of the universe itself are all present within rhythm.
By bringing together scholarly research in the fields of musicology, folklore,
philosophy, culture, history, sociology, psychology, archaeology, anthropology,
religion, art, performance arts, and so on, KICKS 2004 proposes to explore the
original source of both Korean and East Asian culture and even the basis of the human
spirit itself; interdisciplinary approaches are, therefore, strongly encouraged.
The conference will be held from Monday, 24 to Thursday, 27 May, 2004 at the Sŏngsŏ
Campus of Keimyung University in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the
university¡¯s founding. Senior and junior scholars, including doctoral candidates,
are encouraged to participate, and panel proposals composed of papers related to the
topics outlined above are most welcome. All participants selected to present papers
will be provided with free board and accommodation for the duration of the
conference. Support for travel expenses may also be available on a case-by-case
basis. The official languages of the conference will be Korean and English, and those
wishing to participate should send in an outline of their presentation covering no
more than one sheet of A4 paper by 30 November 2003. During the conference period
major performances are planned as well as visits to traditional cultural sites in the
Daegu area, so that conference participants may have the opportunity to experience
both the theory and practice of Korean culture. Applications should be sent by e-mail
to the chair of the conference organizing committee, Dr. Tschung-Sun Kim:
acta@kmu.ac.kr.
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