Evolution of Jazz

Catalog description

Study of the origins and development of jazz as an art form. MUSIC 7 Evolution of Jazz (3) (GA;US)(BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements. Evolution of Jazz is a course designed to examine the historical and sociological aspects of the American art form¿jazz. This general education course is for non-music majors. The material covered in this course begins with the precursors of jazz and then emphasizes the African American musical traditions and white American (initially European) influences that have shaped jazz as an American art form. This is followed by period studies of the various jazz styles: New Orleans Dixieland, Chicago Style, Swing, Bebop, Cool, Hard Bop, Modal Jazz, Free Jazz, Fusion Jazz, Neo-Bop, Latin Jazz, and the globalization of jazz. The various jazz styles are examined from musical, sociological, and economical perspectives. The major innovators and performers are identified and studied. As new styles are presented, a careful comparison to the previous style is done to help with classification. A major component of the course is listening. Early in the course listening skills are taught. Students learn how to recognize certain instruments, hear the various sections within a group, and identify forms. Evaluation methods may include quizzes, tests, open forums, discussion boards, a live jazz concert review, and a reflection paper. Students will receive GA credit for this course, as well as US designation. The course will not satisfy any requirements for the major or minor in music. For in-class sections of MUSIC 7 , the course requires high-quality audio playback equipment, computer/projection, and keyboard/piano availability. For those sections of MUSIC 7 offered online, all pieces, excerpts, examples, videos, and texts will be made available to students online.