MUS 205 - History of Jazz

WR 115  or designated placement.

WR 115Q  as required.

Course Description: This course surveys Jazz styles from its origins to the present as revealed through the study of the most innovative and influential artists of this uniquely American musical form. Emphasis is placed on building critical listening and comprehension skills through listening to musical examples, in-class discussion, quizzes, class assignments, research, and reading of the text. Fulfills cultural literacy requirement within the Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer degree.

Course Learning Outcomes:

• CLO#1: Describe the important elements of jazz music upon listening to a live or recorded performance.
• CLO#2: Describe the main style periods of jazz and their characteristics. (ILO: Critical Thinking)
• CLO#3: Identify the most important innovators and artists of jazz music and explain their contributions to the history and development of jazz as a genre.
• CLO#4: Describe the roles of the various cultures and their style of music that have contributed to the formation of jazz as the uniquely American musical genre (African, Latin, and European).