Music 205 - TOPICS IN POPULAR MUSIC

Topics course. The course will combine exploration of jazz music with examination of topics in the social and cultural history of jazz. Musically, the development of jazz will be traced from the early styles that took root in New Orleans and Chicago to the challenging "free jazz" sounds of the 1960s and the 1970s, and into the current "postmodern" moment of jazz history. Historically, the course will consider such issues as the key importance of race to the social development of jazz, the shifting status of jazz as "popular" or "art" music, and the nature and significance of improvisation as a medium of creative expression in twentieth century American culture. Some previous knowledge of African American music and history or permission of the instructor required. Enrollment limited to 20.

Topic: Improvising History: The Development of Jazz.