Course Description
Introductory course focusing on jazz. Students gain understanding of aims and methods of artistic expression and the role of cultural traditions and artistic value in human society. No musical training required.
Syllabus
Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:
Students successfully completing this course will be able to:
- Critical Analysis of Historical Context and Evolution through the lens of historical development and change in jazz music
- Musical Elements and Techniques: Students will demonstrate the ability to recognize and analyze fundamental jazz elements, including improvisation, swing rhythms and harmony in various jazz compositions, recordings and performances.
- Genre and Style Recognition: Students will be able to distinguish between different jazz styles and articulate the characteristic features of each. This will include instrumentation, rhythms, historical context and melodic approach.
- Students will use coherent, evidence-based arguments to demonstrate the value of many historically significant jazz musicians, which will begin with Active Listening and Appreciation. Students will develop and apply active listening skills to evaluate and appreciate jazz performances. They will demonstrate the ability to discuss and critique recordings and live performances
Course Grading Information:
| Activity/Performance Measure | Percentage/Points |
|---|---|
| Attendance and Participation | 20% |
| Projects, Assignments, and Quizzes | 30% |
| Live Performance Attendance | 15% |
| Artist Presentation | 15% |
You must pass in your work in person, in class, and on time, or early. If you miss an assignment you have until 7 calendar days to pass it in, at a lower letter grade. One week after the assignment is due, it will not be accepted and will be graded as a zero.
Grading Scale
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 92.00-100.00 | A |
| 90.00-91.99 | A- |
| 88.00-89.99 | B+ |
| 82.00-87.99 | B |
| 80.00-81.99 | B- |
| 78.00-78.99 | C+ |
| 72.00-77.99 | C |
| 70.00-71.99 | C- |
| 68.00-68.99 | D+ |
| 62.00-67.99 | D |
| 60.00-61.99 | D- |
| 0-59.99 | F |
Attendance/Participation:
You must pass in your work in person, in class, and on time, or early. If you miss an assignment you have until 7 calendar days to pass it in, at a lower letter grade. One week after the assignment is due, it will not be accepted and will be graded as a zero.
Course Materials Purchased by the Students:
No course materials are required.
Scholarly Perspectives
This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.