The Jazz of Modern Physics

Catalog description

This course, aimed at both students in the humanities and sciences, will explore the myriad surprising ways that jazz music is connected to modern physics. No background in physics, mathematics or music is required, as all of these foundational concepts and tools will be introduced. The Jazz of Physics has three interconnected components: (1) Using concepts and analogies from music and acoustics to explore the key conceptual ideas in modern physics such as quantum mechanics/information, general relativity, particle physics, dark energy and big bang cosmology. (2) Exploring the parallels between jazz and physics through the lens of 20th century physics and jazz history, as well as key innovations in both fields with an eye towards future innovations. (3) Students will learn the tools of signification in physics and develop group projects with a final product. The course will consist of lectures, related homework sets, weekly discussion meetings, and a final study where groups of students will select a topic of interest.