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Module

MUS3061 : Jazz Studies

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Goffredo Plastino
  • Lecturer: Dr Maria Athanasiou
  • Owning School: Arts & Cultures
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 2 Credit Value: 20
ECTS Credits: 10.0
European Credit Transfer System

Aims

The module will introduce the students to the history of Jazz Studies from 1920s up to today; consider the remodelling of jazz scholarship through the cultural critique of the jazz traditional canon; examine the opening towards world jazz and the formulation of the New Jazz Studies, paying attention to the global relevance of jazz theories and practices.

The aims of the module are:

- to introduce students to Jazz Studies theories and methodologies;
- to encourage the students to explore the historical and cultural complexity of jazz scholarship, through case studies from different countries;
- to consider and examine key Jazz Studies works;
- to improve critical thinking about the nature and role of jazz.

Outline Of Syllabus

The module typically covers a range of topics related to Jazz Studies, including:

- Jazz: definitions and origins;
- Jazz historiography;
- The canonization of jazz;
- New Jazz Studies;
- Jazz in Europe / European jazz;
- World jazz;
- Jazz photography, art, film, and advertising.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture102:0020:0010 lectures in Semester 2
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching101:0010:0010 seminars in Semester 2
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesDrop-in/surgery31:003:003 Drop-in/Surgery sessions in Semester 2
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study1167:00167:00
Total200:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures will introduce issues, approaches and concepts, and give the opportunity to discuss and explore these further. Lectures will furthermore focus on the detailed study of selected works from selected scholars, artist, scenes, and cultures; on key issues that arise in the course of such study; and on the various approaches that Jazz Studies scholars may take. Seminars will be an opportunity to explore in depth the issues considered in the previous lecture through a student-led discussion. Drop-in / Surgery one-to-one sessions will be an opportunity to discuss assessment planning matters with the course leader.

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Essay2A1004000 word essay
Formative Assessments

Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.

Description Semester When Set Comment
Case study2M1000 word case study
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The formative assessment will consist of a 1000 word evaluation of a selected case study.

The purpose of the essay is to present a well-informed debate that recognizes theoretical perspectives on Jazz Studies. The students should aim to debate thoroughly key critical issues, using comparative case studies where appropriate. The students should present a coherent argument and should show their ability to bring together information from different sources in a creative manner. The essay should therefore represent a synthesis of their readings and ideas, demonstrating the depth of their understanding of the examples and issues considered during the module.

Reading Lists

Timetable