Research Paper

You may start work on your research paper when you choose, but make sure you have begun after
turning in your Unit 4 report. Pick one of the jazz style periods listed and complete a four-part paper as
outlined below. I recommend that you pick the period you are least familiar with--this will help fill in
any gaps in your knowledge prior to the final examination.

Jazz style periods:

• 1910 – 1930
• 1930 – 1950
• 1950 – 1970
• 1970 – 1990

The four sections of the research paper follow with percentages of anticipated content. YOU ARE
REQUIRED TO INCLUDE SECTION MARKERS IN THE PAPER.

Section I 50%
Define the benchmark jazz-related styles inclusive in the period chosen. Discuss why and how the music
changed from the style period prior to the one chosen. If you choose 1910 – 1930, discuss the
contributing factors both social and economic that led up the development of jazz. Define and discuss
the forms of music in the period. Write about the composers and performers, along with important
performance venues and geographical differences. Conclude with a brief discussion of why and how the
music changed to the following style period. NOTE, INCLUDE IMPORTANT PERFOMERS
ASSOCIATED WITH YOUR CHOSEN STYLE PERIOD WITH ANNOTATIONS.

Section II 20%
Define the socioeconomic conditions of the style period selected. Discuss the politics of the period, list
powerful economic centers in the country, tell about the social norms within cultures of your choice, and
define the major events and ideas that shaped culture as a whole. When appropriate, include names of
people who were influential to events covered. Timelines available on the web will be helpful.

Section III 20%

Use your profession or your major if you are in a university course of study or one you would like to be
in and discuss the key elements of this profession during the time-period chosen above. This will be
more obvious for some professions and somewhat obscure for others. If you need some advice, please
contact the instructor. If you picked 1930-1950 and you are in a computer related profession, you would
need to discuss events and inventions that would eventually make it possible for the computer to be what
it is today. I realize that many individuals are in professions that did not exist in the earlier time periods,
but there are connections, pick one to use. Timelines available on the web will be helpful.
Section IV 10%
The closing section of your paper should document how your study in this course has affected your
listening habits. There has to be some effect on how you hear your favorite music, or how you relate to
music in motion pictures or on television. This does not have to be about jazz. The study of music and
listening will change the way you perceive the music in your environment.

Length: 1200–2000 words

Please take care to be concise in your writing.