Jazz Music History
Topic: The choice of a specific jazz music topic for this paper is up to you, based on the following criteria. You may choose to write about an individual musician, a band, an album, a composition, a social movement related to jazz music, a sub-genre in jazz, a specific place in time, or a process of influence and/or the relationship between two or more musicians. If you have another type of idea, please see me and we can discuss it before you begin. You may not write about a piece or an artist that youve previously written about in this class. After you choose a topic and dig in to material, you should should develop an interesting and refined thesis for your paper. Essay Goals and Grading Criteria: Your finished paper should establish in the first paragraph a coherent thesis statement and briefly but explicitly refer to the specific supporting evidence that will be part of your discourse. In the subsequent body paragraphs of your paper, your paper should present and thoroughly examine the details of your supporting evidence. Take your time to craft a well-structured argument that proves and demonstrates your thesis statement. A short concluding paragraph which summarizes your findings is expected. You are writing about the history of jazz music. Be sure to address and not neglect in your discussion the (1) basic musical reality and facts, the (2) immediate social and music context, and (3) the general significance or position in music history of your subject. There may be other important considerations for you, based on your choice of topic, but the above structure should guide you. Bibliography: I expect that you have a bibliography of at least four sources that provide support. One can be our text book. I have demonstrated in class the use of the library resources (including digital sources) and the ways you can search for information. There should be a mix of reference works, history books, monographs, and possibly journal articles that provide information. You may also find useful information also in liner notes, interviews, or old newspapers, trade papers and magazines. I am available for advice on sources. There are many online sources I can assist with.
