MUSC 128 - Jazz: America’s Artform

Credits: 5
Variable Credit Course: No

Lecture Hours: 55
Lab Hours: 0
Worksite/Clinical Hours: 0
Other Hours (LIA/Internships): 0

Course Description: This course provides a general survey of the development and evolution of jazz from its roots to the present. The student will explore the background, history, characteristics and significant performing artists of the major jazz styles.

Prerequisite: ENGL 099 with a C or higher (or placement into ENGL& 101).
Distribution Requirements:

Humanities Distribution Requirement

General Education Requirements:

Fulfills Engage General Education Requirement

Meets FQE Requirement: No
Music Lesson: No
Integrative Experience Requirement: No

Student Learning Outcomes

Identify basic jazz harmony, form, and instrumentation.
Recognize the leading jazz composers and performers for the past 100 years.
Describe the relationship of this music to mass media, cultural, and racial attitudes.
Analyze jazz music based on historical, social, and cultural differences.

Course Contents

Music: basic music theory: I, IV, V progression and 7th, 9th, and 13th chords.
Basic form analysis: song form and 12, 16, 32 bar blues.
Advanced form analysis: head, chorus, and bridge structures.
Recognition of the leading composers and performers for the various jazz genres.
Cultural analysis: how cultural, societal, and historical issues affect jazz artists and listeners.

Instructional Units: 5