A study of important issues connected with America's original music: the art of improvisation; the role of composition; innovation and tradition; individuality and style; instruments and forms. We also consider controversial questions such as the formation of the roots of jazz, issues of race, and the "neo-classicism" of the 1980s and 1990s. Students will learn how to listen, to appreciate jazz if they are unfamiliar with it, and to deepen their understanding if they already enjoy it. 2 or 4 cr. (*)