Columbia University
Anthropology, African-American Studies, and American Studies
Fall 2005
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Regular attendance and full participation in the seminar, including a short presentation (15 minutes) in one session
Read the three assigned texts and the xeroxed readings
Write two short papers (3-5 pages)
1) comparing two histories OR two textbooks on jazz chosen from the list on pp. 320-321 of Jazz 101 or in consultation with the instructor
Yale University
Anthropology
Spring 2004
An examination of the new jazz that emerged shortly after the middle of the 20th century. Discussion will include the work of musicians such as Ornette Coleman, Cecil Taylor, Don Cherry, Anthony Braxton, Carla Bley, Albert Ayler, and the Art Ensemble of Chicago; the economics and politics of the period; parallel developments in other arts; the rise of new performance spaces, recording companies, and collectives; the accomplishments of the music and the problems it raised for jazz performance and criticism.
Columbia University
English
Fall 2007
Yale University
Spring 2003
This seminar will undertake critical reading of the earliest commentaries on jazz (including the writings of musicians, literary critics, educators, the popular press, and artists (especially the Futurists, Surrealists, and Dadaists), and of the first attempts at jazz history. Discussion will include the dates and characteristics of the earliest jazz, the role of race in jazz commentary, and the place of jazz in twentieth century discourse. Recordings and films will supplement the readings.
REQUIRED READINGS:
Yale University
African-American Studies
Spring 2002
A survey of the life and music of Miles Davis, examining the social history and musical traditions which shaped his work, and exploring his influence on music, literature and society.
ABOUT THE COURSE
Columbia University
Department of Music
Columbia University
Department of Music
Berea College
Fall 2004
University of Kansas
American Studies/English
Fall 2007
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
How you'll be graded: On two 1250-1500-word term papers, due week 8 & week 16 (35% of your final grade each), eight one-page typed response papers (20%) as explained below, and class participation (10%). We aim to stimulate lively classroom discussion.
Possible paper topics will be discussed in class; check with me to approve a topic before your start writing.
There will be regular quizzes, but no mid-term exam. A final exam is possible.
University of Kansas
American Studies
Fall 2006
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
