Really easy class. If you go to lecture, bring something to keep you occupied (like a laptop or something) and just right down musicians, genre, and instrument when he brings them up. You don't need to pay attention to all the other stuff. Or, don't go to lecture and get the information from a friend.

Take this g.e. if you want an easy A, and a laid-back class that you can really enjoy. I took 21 units this quarter, so I was actually glad for the listening quizzes because it forced my attention away from all the science homework I had to do. : P

One of the previous reviews mentioned something about how the listening sections during the exams will have you dancing in your seat. that's so true! it only takes about 3-4 seconds to identify the title and performer and the rest of the time I was just relaxing w/the music and waiting for the next question. it's practically therapeutic.

And it was really nice to be able to get A's on papers without killing myself over them after slaving away to get A-'s in my cluster course last year. Overall, I almost always looked forward to going to this class (although it was a bit slow sometimes) and the tests are nothing to stress over. I haven't gotten my grade yet, but I'm expecting an A or an A+ (if he decides to actually give any of those). Nice g.p.a. booster, nice professor, and my t.a. Kate was very helpful. She actually sat down and briefly went over my first (already-graded) paper just to point out why I got the grade I got and to remind me of some of the writing basics that had slipped my mind after taking all science classes for a quarter. Great course.

jazz 50a

im not interested in jazz at all but i took this class for an easy a. ta grades ur paper based on grammar. midterms were multiple choices including some facts that he mentioned in class(so must take good notes!), listening and instruments. trust me, facts that he tested in class are not bad at all! they are very straightforward

He reminds me of Gus from Breaking Bad...

From what it seems like, Ethno 50B is harder than 50A... because Ethno 50A was super easy. If you put in a full day to memorize all the facts/songs before the midterms (2 midterms, 2nd is not cumulative.. no final!) you will get a guaranteed A. Harrison offers a 3% extra credit assignment - DO IT!!!! The 10% of your grade that comes from discussion really depends on your TA, however. So pray that you get a good TA.

I really liked this class and how it got me back into jazz music. I did learn a lot of material and even bought some of the songs we needed to memorize for the midterm and final. Harrison is very charismatic and will keep your attention during lecture. I regret not going to his OH and getting to know him better. In addition, if you take this class fall quarter, there's the jazz concert towards the end, which he encourages you to go to in order to complete the performance report. But I enjoyed the concert regardless of whether I had to write a report on it or not (I just recorded the performances with Voice Memos and listened to them later when I was actually writing the report). I think if you sort of like music already, you will definitely enjoy this class. The essays are a little painful, but the rest is pretty easy. The people below me are idiots; no shit this class is easy, but it's also a very good GE class.

This was a great class! Not a hard class and it's interesting. You have three easy and short essays. You also have an opportunity to do extra credit by writing a concert report. Professor Harrison is laid back and you can tell he's passionate about jazz. I would definitely recommend this Professor Harrison. In fact, this class made me interested in jazz.

Ridiculously easy class, easier than high school if you can believe. The tests are all multiple choice. Half the class is usually the Ken Burns documentary which you really don't have to take notes on. Just make a list of all the guys he mentions and what instruments they play and you will be set. He's actually a really good lecturer if you go to class, but most people stopped showing up, which I kinda felt bad about. It's a good class, pretty interesting, and doesn't take much of your time.

I took the class Fall 08 and I have to say that the class is very easy and the teacher just makes it even better. Harrison is a jolly fellow and although it's a two hour class, most of the time we get out early or he plays songs that take up class time. Just memorize the songs and lecture notes and you're good to go. And you don't use the coursereader at all unless you want to cite it in the two essays that you are required to do.

I loved his teaching style and the class. He made it very easy to take good lecture notes and his tests were exactly off the lecture. He provided a fun and interesting way to learn about Jazz.