Jazz as Black History: Teaching African American History Through Musicology

This curriculum unit will focus on African American history in the 20th century as it relates to the development of Jazz and its various styles from the early 20th to the mid-20th century. Activities will incorporate art, literature, music and discussions, culminating in a final research project. While United States History is the intended course that this unit will be taught in, it could be modified for a music or cultural studies course. This unit will not only focus on the creation and development of various styles across the realm of jazz music, but also the cultural and historical implications of the music on black history and artistic expression.