MUH 150 - History of Jazz

The History of Jazz explores the origin and development of the improvised American form of music popularly known as Jazz. Special emphasis will be placed on African-American culture-including African traditions- in its broader historical context; how this culture, interacting with the many and diverse elements of American and (imported) European general and musical cultures, led to the development of Jazz. The course will cover its social, as well as the artistic significance. We will study and analyze various Jazz styles; especially through recorded and historical film and video tape, performances by the music’s major innovators and practitioners. In addition, we will examine the most relevant and original contributions by members of all the various American ethnic and religious groups which were influenced by and adopted/adapted African-American musical culture. We will also take into consideration, influential on Jazz-related new world phenomena from the Caribbean and Latin America; for example, Afro-Cuban rhythms. Jazz’ significant global influence will be discussed, an influence initiated by African-Americans who toured and lived in Europe from the end of WWI to the present. If this course was taken under as a topics course in MUS 298, it cannot be repeated for credit.

General Education Requirements: Cultural Diversity and International Perspectives and Artistic and Creative Expressions

Course Typically Offered: Spring

Credits: 3