Humanities

MUSI2021 Jazz History

This module will study many aspects of jazz including the 'birth' of jazz and swing as popular music.

Module Co-ordinator: Dr Tom Irvine

Module Details

Title: Jazz History
Code: MUSI2021
Year: 2
Semester: 1

CATS points: 15 ECTS points: 7.5
Level: Undergraduate

Pre-requisites and / or co-requisites

MUSI1005 or consent of course co-ordinator

Programmes in which this module is compulsory

n/a

 

The aims of this module are to:

  • examine key issues in the study of jazz (both American and international)
  • problematize both specific moments in the history of jazz, and the way this history is told

consider ways in which our understanding of jazz and its histories reflects, or is shaped by, larger political and societal concerns

The module will be taught in six thematic blocks. These will include topics like: The ‘birth' of jazz; swing as popular music; bebop and myths of creative genius; jazz and gender; jazz as ‘America's classical music'; jazz and race; British jazz; free jazz and avant-garde culture; jazz and world music; constructions of the jazz canon; jazz and critical theory; and economies of jazz.

Study time allocation

Contact hours: 2
Private study hours: 10
Total study time: 12 hours

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures, in-class discussions, small-group blog discussions

Assessment methods

Two essays (70%); Small-group blog discussions (30%)