Course Outline for Music Literature 4
History of Jazz Music

Effective: Fall 2022
SLO Rev: 05/13/2021
Catalog Description:

MUSL 4 - History of Jazz Music

3.00 Units

History, trends, and influences of the phenomenon of jazz beginning with pre-Dixieland early 1900's covering the various eras including Swing, Be-Bop and post Be-Bop to present day. Course explores Afro-Cuban and Afro-Brazilian influences on modern Latin Jazz music. Attendance at concerts and listening to a variety of music is required.
1004.00 - Music
Letter Grade Only
Type Units Inside of Class Hours Outside of Class Hours Total Student Learning Hours
Lecture 3.00 54.00 108.00 162.00
Laboratory 0.00 18.00 0.00 18.00
Total 3.00 72.00 108.00 180.00
Measurable Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. communicate in technical aspects of the art through terminology;
  2. value the music as a form of self expression through creativity and cultural influences;
  3. explain the similarities and differences between spirituals, gospel music and the blues;
  4. understand the importance of design and form in music in regard to structure;
  5. have improved their listening ability and sensitivity to the various jazz styles through informed listening and analysis;
  6. identify major Jazz artists.
Course Content:
  1. Jazz Terminology
  2. Historical cultural influences
    1. Contributions From Africa
    2. Contributions From Europe
  3. Spirituals, Gospel music and the Blues
  4. Form and Structure
    1. 32-Bar Standards
    2. 12-Bar Blues
  5. Jazz Styles
    1. Blues
    2. Piano Styles
    3. Dixieland
    4. Swing
    5. Bebop
    6. Cool/Third Stream
    7. Hard Bop/Funky/Gospel
    8. Free Form/Avant Garde
    9. Fusion
    10. Contemporary Trends
  6. Major Jazz artists
Methods of Instruction:
  1. Lecture/Discussion
  2. listening
  3. Live performances by Chabot ensembles
  4. Video presentations
  5. Visiting artist performances
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
  1. Prepare written assignments and oral discussions of general characteristics of the major stylistic periods and the constructional devices that assume major proportions in developing significant musical forms.
  2. Prepare for discussion and assignments on the elements and materials of music.
  3. Concert attendance and an accompanying report emphasizing feel and style of each piece.
  1. Quizzes
  2. Midterm Examination
  3. Final Examination
  4. In-class discussion and demonstration
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. communicate the historical importance of the art form and its origins;
  2. identify the basic elements of musical form and structure;
  3. synthesize factual information and historical evidence through informed listening, analysis, evaluation and discernment of musical elements, form, and repertoire.
Textbooks (Typical):
  1. Paul Tanner and David Megill (2018). Jazz 13th ed. McGraw-Hill.
Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:
History, trends, and influences of the phenomenon of jazz beginning with pre-Dixieland early 1900's covering the various eras including Swing, Be-Bop and post Be-Bop to present day.