Histories of Jazz and Improvised Music

ARTS-2510

Since its emergence over a century ago, the energy, vitality, and challenging nature of jazz have had a significant impact on music throughout the world. The question of "what is jazz" remains a lively and contentious discussion to this day. This course charts the emergence, evolution, and expanded influence of jazz and jazz-inspired music, as well as the many controversial musical, social, and philosophical questions it continues to provoke. Through listening, analysis, discussion, writing, and creative projects, students will develop a greater appreciation and understanding of improvised music in a great variety of contexts, and the crucial role American jazz played in revitalizing improvisational practice throughout the 20th and 21st Centuries. No musical background is required.

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