History of Jazz

Pre-requisites: Knowledge of general history from previous academic years/study will be sufficient. Some proficiency in English and computer/internet use.

Course objectives: This course aims to provide students with a perspective on an America that developed individual liberty and freedom of expression, insurpassable and universal cultural forms and values. American and European 20th century history are unimaginable without the alternative cultural and social spheres that existed.

Course description: Jazz isn't only a historical musical form of expression. It was and remains an important social phenomenon in American history and can be viewed through the perspective of its rise in europe, as it grew in intensity and developed into something that european culture would eventually accept as an american influence, part of american life. A fair amount of the course will use documentary films on the history of american jazz, focusing on films by Ken Burns that are full of historical filmed excerpts along with commentary form historians, publicists and jazz musicians. Students will prepare audio-visual presentations for seminar work and a written essay for the final exam.

Learning Outcomes: Students will gain basic information and expertise in terms of validating facts, understanding complex social processes, clearly and critically interpret texts,both orally and in written form, ask questions and pose answers.

Literature/Reading:

• Dž. Kolijer, Istorija džeza, Beograd 1985.
• Scaruffi, Piero: A History of Jazz Music 1900-2000 (Omniware, 2007)
• Szwed, John Francis. 2000. Jazz 101: A Complete Guide to Learning and Loving Jazz. New York: Hyperion. ISBN 0786884967
• Yanow, Scott. 2004. Jazz on Film: The Complete Story of the Musicians and Music Onscreen. (Backbeat Books) ISBN 0879307838
• Ratliffe, Ben. 2002. Jazz: A Critic’s Guide to the 100 Most Important Recordings. The New York Times Essential Library. New York: Times Books. ISBN 0805070680
• Porter, Eric. What Is This Thing Called Jazz? African American Musicians as Artists, Critics and Activists. University of California Press, Ltd. London, England. 2002.
• Mandel, Howard. 2007. Miles, Ornette, Cecil: Jazz Beyond Jazz. Routledge. ISBN 0415967147.
• Kenney, William Howland. 1993. Chicago Jazz: A Cultural History, 1904-1930. New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN 0195064534 (cloth); paperback reprint 1994 ISBN 0195092600
• Giddins, Gary. 1998. Visions of Jazz: The First Century New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN 0195076753
• Giddins, Gary. 1998. Visions of Jazz: The First Century New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN 0195076753