Module: Jazz History, Ethos & Philosophy

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Jazz History, Ethos & Philosophy
Module Code	MPA1078 (ITS: MC415)
Faculty	Theology, Philosophy & Music	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

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

Section Breakdown
CRN	11188	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale		Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category		Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator		Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment 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; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Paul F. Berliner: 1994, Thinking in jazz, University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 0226043819
Ben Ratliff: 0, Coltrane: The Story of a Sound, Picador, 272, 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,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None