Read Jonathan Sternes introduction in The Sound Studies Reader (p. 1-17) and pay specific attention to how he defines sound students' work as a particular kind of scholarly activity. Note down the central concepts in his description of sound studies. 

Consider these questions:

1) Sterne uses the concept of sonic imagination (introduced p. 5). What does it mean? and how is the concept useful to Sternes argument?

2) Sterne distinguishes two, and maybe three different approaches to the study of sound and listening on p. 7-8. Be sure you understand how the first two approaches differ, and consider how the third, identified with the work of Veit Erlmann, relates to the two former approaches. 

3) Sterne does not go through a long argument for the relevance of sound studies. He simply departs from its existence. Consider the relevance of sound studies: why does it make sense to have a "central meeting place where sonic imaginations go to be challenged, nurtured, refreshed and transformed"?

If possible discuss the questions with your fellow students.