MUS 1321 - The History of Jazz

Credits: 4

Formerly: Jazz: Social and Musical History
This course covers the development of Jazz as a uniquely American art form. Heavy emphasis will be placed on exploring the “birth” of Jazz in New Orleans at the turn of the 20th century, and the unique social musical context that gave rise to this transformational musical occurrence. From this starting point, steeped in racial and social conflict, we will examine the various trends and developments that have impacted the creation and consumption of this music over the past century. The course will always attempt to examine closely the relationship between this musical evolution and critical political movements that have occurred throughout American history. The global impact of Jazz as a musical revolution and the influence it has managed to exert on other forms of music throughout the world will also be examined in some detail. In short, this course is both a comprehensive survey of major trends in Jazz music as well as a collective critical assessment of how we tell the story of our own unique musical heritage.
Fulfills: AL in LS Core

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