An in-depth study of jazz as a true “world music:” from its roots in African communal music and American folk music, through its emergence as a popular dance music in the early 20th century to its present status as an art form.  The course will rely on analysis and discussion of the individual artists who were prominent and essential to the development of the music as well as societal realities and trends that influenced these artists. The course is designed to trace the historical development of jazz and to recognize current trends/ideas/philosophies of performance and pedagogy within their historical context.  Topics covered will include the music’s African and American origins, Ragtime, New Orleans, the swing era, the be-bop revolution, hard bop, the avant garde, fusion, neo-classicism and Contemporary music.