Jazz: The Improvisatory Spirit

Subject MUSI10202 (2012)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2012.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 1 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

Semester 1, Southbank - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: One 2-hour lecture per week (24 hours)
Total Time Commitment:

96 Hours

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Mr Alex Pertout

Contact

Faculty of the VCA and Music Student Centre
Ground Floor, Elisabeth Murdoch Building (Bldg 860)
Southbank Campus
234 St Kilda Road, Southbank, 3006

Enquiries
Phone: 13 MELB (13 6352)
Email: 13MELB@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

Jazz: The Improvisatory Spirit examines improvisation as it has manifested itself in Jazz and other African American Music. It is a lecture-based subject focused on the spirit of improvisation and its essential nature taking into account the concepts of imagination, freedom and individual expression.

Objectives:

On completing this subject students will:
• have an understanding of improvisation in the broader sense and more specifically how it has evolved through Jazz music;
• have a basic understanding of the formal, rhythmic and harmonic aspects of music;
• be able to identify specific eras of Jazz music as well as the musicians that helped shape each era in Jazz history;
• be able to describe and comment upon the various philosophical and conceptual attitudes that have shaped the evolution of Jazz.

Assessment:

1. Attendance and active participation in weekly classroom experiences (20%);
2. 30 minute listening test in week 6 (40%);
3. Critical appraisal of 3,000 words on improvisation as it has manifested itself in the Jazz tradition, due in the second last class of the semester (40%).

Late submission
* Unless an extension has been granted, for essays/assignments submitted after the due date, the mark a student is awarded for their work will be reduced by 10% for each day the work is late. Using electronic submission means work may be submitted on any day.
* Unless an extension has been granted, assignments submitted later than 5 working days (or 1 week if due on a weekend) after the due date will not be marked, and will receive no marks.

Hurdle requirements: Students must attend 80% of all scheduled classes and attempt all elements of assessment to be eligible for a pass in this subject.

Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

On completing this subject students will be able to:
• demonstrate an open and independent attitude towards contemporary cultural developments;
• critically and creatively engage with topics of cultural significance across the broader community;
• understand and appreciate how the arts connect with the broader society and culture.

Links to further information: http://handbook.unimelb.edu.au/breadth/
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Fine Arts (Contemporary Music)
Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)
Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television)
Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre)
Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production)
Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre Practice)
Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)

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