Course: Music 342-Section #3416, 3 units (upper division)
Jazz History-The study of jazz from its origins to the present. Listening to music is the core of the class; emphasis is on developing skill in recognizing and describing what happens in classic performances. The changing styles of jazz are related to the social and cultural context of the music in each style period.
Day/Time/Location: T-TH
1-2:15, room 35, SSU Campus
Instructor: Pete Estabrook 664-2134 x 2, office hours by appointment (one hour before or after class if a personal meeting is necessary) in room TBA
Text: Essential Jazz the First 100 Years by Henry Martin and Keith Waters (published by Thompson/Schirmer) Book and CD (isbn # 0-534-63810-4). This text and CD are required for the course and it is the responsibility of the student to obtain a copy for his or her own use. Therefore, the text and CD should be purchased online or from the Campus Bookstore prior to the second class meeting.
Grading: Semester grades are based on the standard points and percentage system: A=90%, B=80%, C=70%, D=60%, F=50%. (495 points possible for the semester)
Students accumulate points during the course of the semester in the following ways:
Homework-8 assignments total: one for each chapter in the book: Questions are drawn from the text. Homework is assigned (a printed sheet of questions are given) at the end of class on Thursdays. Homework is due at the beginning of class on Tuesdays. Late homework is not acceptable. No homework assignments will be given early (at the beginning of class or prior class meeting). If the student has a legitimate reason for an absence (see below) a homework assignment may be given (at the discretion of the instructor) via email after the weekly class meeting. Late work may be accepted (on a case by case basis) at the discretion of the instructor based on legitimate absence. Assignments will be graded and returned as soon as possible (ideally the following class meeting). It is strongly recommended that the student keep all homework assignments so he or she may correct any missed questions and keep a running total of points. Homework is designed to prepare the student for class discussion. Points vary for each chapter (185 points total possible)
Listening Quizzes-4 total (consult the class schedule for due dates): Quizzes are drawn from the CD that accompanies the text. The student is responsible for written and auditory identification of all the material on CD. The student must identify a composition by ear (only a short example will be played-usually not from the beginning of the specified track). The student must write (1) the name of the composition, (2) the name of the musician associated with that composition, and (3) make a brief specific statement about some unique characteristic of that composition based on terms given in the text and during class discussion. Points vary for each quiz (70 points total possible)
Concert Report-1 total: During the semester, each student is required to attend one live jazz performance. Several performances occur on this or the SRJC campus. Prior approval of the instructor is STRONGLY advised if the student attends a non-school performance. Pop bands and blues bands are not acceptable as a substitute for this assignment. A short review must be written for each concert that examines at least one specific composition played at the performance and gives specific details using the terms provided in the text and/or discussed in class. Other details should also be included. A list of guidelines will be provided by the instructor. (20 points possible)
Lineage Chart-1 total: The student must create a chart that is supported by documented album information (and background listening) and trace the historical background of his or her primary instrument from New Orleans to the present. This serves as a launch point for later study and listening as well as stylistic performance development. 5 points for the discography; 15 for the rough draft; 30 for the finished product (50 points possible)
Term Paper-The student will be required to turn in one research paper (4-6 pages) during the course of the semester. In general, the student will be asked to profile a musician that plays his or her primary instrument. A list of guidelines will be provided by the instructor. 5 points for the thesis statement; 5 points for the bibliography; 10 points for the outline; 20 points for rough draft; 30 for the finished product (70 points possible)
Mid-term Exam-This is held on a date selected by the instructor (consult the class schedule) which does not necessarily correspond to the campus wide mid-term schedule. Please consult the class schedule. Questions will be drawn from the homework assignments given up to that date (chapters 1-4). Mid-term questions follow the same format as the homework assignments. Failure to take the final exam without notifying the instructor of an absence and legitimate reason may result in the denial of a make-up and/or failure of the course. (25 questions for a total of 50 points).
Final Exam-This is held on May 22nd from 2-3:50. This test is drawn from the questions from the mid-term exam forward only (chapters 5-8). Questions will be drawn from the homework assignments from those chapters. Missing the final exam, without notifying the instructor of an extreme emergency, may result in failure of the course and denial of the ability to request an incomplete. (50 points)
Additional Grading Information:
Attendance and Participation-This is considered as a factor if a student's grade is borderline. Excellent attendance, interest, and verbal participation, which are strongly encouraged, will help raise a student's grade in the positive direction. In general, one missed class is not a problem. Several missed classes may lower the final grade.
Make-Up Work and Exams-The student may take a missed quiz at the END of the following class meeting they attend (if the student has a legitimate reason for an absence). Exams and assignments more than two weeks may be subject to make-up denial.
Credit/No Credit- If this option is available, students taking the course credit/no credit must take all quizzes, complete all written assignments, take the final exam, and receive an overall score of 70% (equal to a C-) in order to receive credit.
General Facility Information: No food or drinks in the classroom (water is ok).