MUS 235 - History of Jazz

1 course unit

A study of Jazz that traces its roots and origins from late nineteenth century blues and ragtime to recent innovations in the twenty-first century. Swing, the big band era, bebop, modal jazz, free jazz, and “modern” jazz will be explored through primary and secondary source readings, score analysis, class discussions, writing, and listening assignments that examine technical, cultural, and performance issues. Topics will include gender, race, representation, power, authenticity, and identity. Various approaches to improvisation will be considered relative to compositional and theoretical strategies, historical and cultural trends, and performance practices to facilitate the development of analytical and creative thinking.
Prerequisite(s): Ability to read music or permission of the instructor.
Meets general academic requirement AR and IL.