INQ-271 | Jazz, Media, Race in the U.S.

Full Title: Jazz, Media, Race in 20th Century U.S.

Topic Description:

In this course, we will explore the history of jazz music and its unique position as a commentary on life in 20th Century United States. Through reading and listening, the student will develop a background in jazz music from its nineteenth century origins in New Orleans to the digital era of the late twentieth century. Some of the questions we explore in this course include: How did the evolution of media from records to radio to television affect the trajectory of jazz music in the first half of the twentieth century? How did racism affect the music and its players? Why was jazz seemingly at the crossroads of race and entertainment during much of the century? When and where did racial segregation or integration hurt of help jazz? How was the music and its players received outside America? By studying the music from the musician’s point of view, students learn how jazz history plays a fundamental role in the development of culture in the USA.

Counts as Global? No

Topic Approved: November 2019