Jazz History

Introduction to Jazz Studies

Author: 

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

The New Thing

Author: 

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.

Historiography of Early Jazz

Author: 

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:

Jazz Autobiography

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.

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