Thomas W Collier
Extensive overview of important musicians, composers, arrangers, and stylistic periods of jazz history from emergence of the first jazz bands at the turn of the twentieth century through post-modern bebop era of the 1990s.
By completing this course, students will gain relevent historical perspectives on the chronological history of jazz, as well as an awareness of the social, cultural and political interactions that played a role in defining various musical stylistic branches of jazz that emerged throughout the 20th century.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Three primary methods of instruction are offered in this course: 1. class lectures - lecture / listening / discussion 2. textbook reading assignments - parallel class lectures and listening 3. listening assignments - on reserve in the media center in the OGUL, or on-line (URL will be provided on the first day of instruction)
Try listening to jazz on FM radio (KPLU plays jazz most of the day)
Class assignments and grading
Due to the large size of the class, outside assignments involve reading and listening. Listening assignments will comprise approximately 1/3 of each exam. Attending one "live" jazz performance and writing a paper on that performance is required.
Grades are calculated from (1) concert report, (2) midterm exam, and (3) final exam.