Module: Jazz History, Ethos & Philosophy

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Jazz History, Ethos & Philosophy
Module Code	MC415 (ITS) / MPA1078 (Banner)
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	Theology, Philosophy & Music
Module Co-ordinator	Cormac O'Brien
Module Teachers	Kevin Brady
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

Coursework Only

Description

A module designed to help the learner gain insights into the history of the development of jazz, and its place in contemporary society, and to think independently and on a sophisticated level about their own motivation in pursuing a career as a musician. Taking the form of a discussion workshop, themes are explored such as the cultural significance of jazz in modern society, practical considerations to being a fulltime musician, historical and contemporary challenges for women in jazz, and the wider benefits of being an improviser beyond musical applications.

Learning Outcomes

1. Be aware of the philosophy and ethos of jazz and its place in contemporary society.
2. Develop an awareness of the place of the music in their lives, their own place in the music, and by extension society at large
3. Engage in self-reflection and have an opportunity to contextualise the position of music in contemporary society as well as the learner’s own societal and musical position in this regard

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	24	Weekly, A one-hour weekly lecture-workshop
Independent Study	81	Reading and research on topics related to jazz and society
Assignment Completion	20	Essay on chosen topic
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

The history of jazz and the philosophy and ethos underpinning the music
Learners will develop an appreciation of, and engagement with the history of jazz and the philosophy and ethos underpinning the music. Critical thinking and self-reflection are key facets which will be highlighted over the course of the module. Discussions may focus on some aspect of the philosophy of jazz, or some aspect of jazz in contemporary society. Typical subjects for discussion may include: ° How do you define Jazz? ° The Cultural significance of jazz in modern society ° Practical considerations to being a fulltime musician ° Historical and contemporary challenges for women in jazz ° Wider benefits of being an improviser beyond musical applications ° The effects of negative influences on the ability to create and improvise ° Future developments in the jazz genre and its ongoing cultural relevance

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	0%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Participation	Engagement with the subject during lectures, shown by participation, and the use of critical thinking and self-reflection	40%	Every Week
Essay	3000-word essay discussing some element of jazz and its relationship to contemporary society. Subject matter can come from workshop discussions or some other subject of the learner’s choice	60%	Sem 2 End

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category -

Indicative Reading List

Paul F. Berliner: 1994, Thinking in jazz, University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 0226043819
Ben Ratliff: 0, Coltrane: The Story of a Sound, Picador, 0312427786
Gioia, Ted: 2016, How to Listen to Jazz, Basic Books,
Taylor, Arthur: 1993, Notes and Tones, Da Capo,
Gitler, Ira: 1994, Swing to Bop: An Oral History of the Transition in Jazz in the 1940s, OUP,

Other Resources

None