Jazz, Gender, and Justice: Diasporic Considerations
This course will examine the intersection of jazz, gender, race, diaspora, and justice through a critical consideration of jazz as a tradition, art form, and performance practice. We will investigate notions of gender within jazz as well as the implications that carries for music and society. This course will also explore the role of women in jazz and their full contributions, while also considering topics such as power, activism, artistry, race, African diaspora, innovation, impact, and genius. Emphasis will be placed on both historical and current perspectives in efforts to trace paradigmatic shifts over time through the analyses of recorded music, oral history, archival records, film, video, live music performance, music journalism, and scholarship. Selected geographic areas will include North America, West and Central Africa, East Africa, South Africa, Brazil, and Cuba.