Eng105
Poetry of Jazz; Jazz of Poetry
English Literature Requirement / Elective — 3 units
Beginning with the lyrics of work songs, gospel
and blues, and continuing through the Harlem
Renaissance, pre- and post- World War II, bebop
and the Beats, modern and postmodern, and
the “NOW”, jazz poetry has rhythmic and lyrical
styles nurtured by the music and its players.
This extensive range of poetic and jazz aesthetics
is studied through the voices of Bessie
Smith, Willie Dixon, Langston Hughes, Jack
Kerouac, Michael McClure, Al Young, Michael
S. Harper, Jayne Cortez, Ishmael Reed, Billy
Collins, Quincey Troupe, et al. In depth readings
and analysis, as well as historical and musical
context are emphasized and explored.
3 hours lecture