MUSC 216: The Evolution of Jazz (XC) (ES)

Course Description

This course will study jazz music by tracing its lineage from its roots in slavery, work songs, and civil-war-era spirituals to its evolution into what many regard as America’s greatest art form. All eras of jazz will be discussed, including blues, Dixieland jazz, big band swing, bebop, hard bop, free jazz, fusion, smooth jazz, and modern jazz. Students will be carefully studying recordings throughout the semester and will develop an ability to place the various styles of the jazz music into their important historical and cultural contexts, noting the societal effects on the music as well as the music’s effect on the American society. The course is open to all university students.