JAZZ AND POPULAR MUSIC IN AMERICA
SYLLABUS
Professor: Dr. Michael Di Liddo
Telephone: (305) 237-3930
Office: 3418-13
Office hours are posted outside of room 3418-13
Email: mdiliddo@mdcc.edu
Department Web Site: http://www.mdc.edu/wolfson/Arts/
Course Identification
MUL 2380
3 Credits
Course Description
“A survey of the development of popular and jazz music with an emphasis on musical styles and
outstanding artists.”
Pre-requisites
None. You will not need any musical background to do well in the course.
Text
Jazz Styles: History and Analysis, by Mark C. Gridley WITH ACCOMPANYING CDs (2)
Rationale
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to jazz music by presenting its principal players,
significant bands (and band leaders), and discuss the various styles associated with the idiom. We will also
survey popular American music beginning from c. 1950s and proceeding up to present day.
Goals
The goals of this course are to meet the above-mentioned rationale by:
1. Being able to name principal players and bands of jazz and American pop music
2. Becoming aware of the different styles of jazz and American pop music
3. Understanding the evolution of the idioms by exploring their respective history
Evaluation, Attendance, and Writing Across the Curriculum
Evaluation
Your final grade will consist of three (3) exams worth 25% each, and four (4) writing assignments totaling
25%. All total as follows:
Three exams
75%
Four writing assignments 25%
A = 100-90%
B = 89-80%
C = 79-70%
D = 69-60%
F = 59% and below
Attendance
Students are expected to attend all scheduled class meetings. The instructor reserves the right to drop any
student who has missed three (3) classes. However, the student is reminded that it is their responsibility to
withdraw if they wish to receive a “W” for the course. If you wish to do well in this course you need to attend
all class meetings.
Writing Assignment
This course is one of several that the college has designated to fulfill the “Gordon Rule.” As such you will
be required to turn in a 2000 word minimum of typewritten work during the term. To that end, you will need
four, 500 word critiques of jazz performances you have attended. Papers are to be typed, double spaced
with one-inch margins. Do not bind or place in a folder. Turn in each critique stapled. Additional guidelines
for these papers will be discussed in class.
Note: A course grade of “C” or higher will be awarded only if you have demonstrated college-level writing
skills. Additionally, if you do not complete this writing assignment you will not receive a grade of “C” or
higher.