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Unit of study_
JAZZ1022: Jazz History 2
2026 unit information
Jazz History 2 provides the student with a theoretical and practical understanding of the Jazz styles developed, played and composed from the early 1930s to the late 1940s and the historical context in which it was created. The classes will be structured around the use of sound recordings, archival footage with lectures combined group discussion/analysis. Students will be expected to be able to recognise, write about and discuss the major musical contributors of this period and their music, the cultural and socio-economic influences upon and of this music. Aural examinations will be of the 'Blindfold Test' variety. A listening list, suggested reading and research resources, video links and audio examples will be provided.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Sydney Conservatorium of Music
| Study level | Undergraduate |
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| Academic unit | Jazz |
| Credit points | 3 |
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Prerequisites:
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JAZZ1021 |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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None |
| Assumed knowledge:
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None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. Identify and understand musical features, key artists, and important recorded works of major jazz developments from bebop to fusion (c. 1940–1975).
- LO2. Be able to complete a short evidence-based written work that links a specific historical recording/artist/venue/community to broader social, technological, and institutional forces shaping jazz between 1940 and 1975.
- LO3. Demonstrate academic integrity through accurate author attribution, correct in-text citation, and the production of a properly formatted reference list/bibliography using appropriate sources.
- LO4. Critically evaluate competing historical narratives and value claims (e.g., “cool,” authenticity, “freedom,” commercialism, globalisation) by synthesising evidence from recordings, primary sources, and scholarly literature.
- LO5. Gain an awareness of the key musical developments in jazz between 1940-1975, and develop an underderstand of the socio-cultural and economic context in which the music is situated.
Unit availability
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
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Important enrolment information
Additional advice
Non-Jazz degree students will be considered for a place in the class based on enrolment numbers prior to the commencement of the semester.
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