Discovering Opera

Course Title: Discovering Opera

Type of Course: Adult Education

Credit: Not credit bearing

Taught Hours: 40

Session Titles

1. Introduction

2. Singers

3. Dancers

4. Orchestra

5. Staging

6. Musical Structures

7. Text

8. Direction

9. Technology

10. Art

11. Politics

12. Nationalism

13. Religion

14. Other Times

15. Other Places

16. Other Worlds

17. Class and Status

18. Gender

19. Anti-Opera

20. Opera on Screen

Course Overview

The aim of this course is to give you new ways of listening to opera, whether you are getting to know the form for the first time or you are already familiar with it and looking for something unusual.

Together we will explore a wide variety of operas and their social and cultural contexts, ranging from the eighteenth century to the present day, catering to all tastes. If you are new to the genre, you will get to hear some of the most famous works in the form. If you are more familiar with opera, you will gain fresh perspectives on the works you already know, and will have the opportunity to discover some less well-known works as well.

The course will introduce the various elements of opera production in the first term, and will explore some of the more general ideas around opera in the second term. In each class we will take a single work as a case study, outlining some of the general history of the composer and of the background to the opera, looking at all of the relevant social and cultural context. We will also go into some depth on the nuts and bolts of the opera itself, discussing the plot, the characters, the music, and different approaches to staging, all illustrated with plenty of audio and visual examples.

Required Previous Experience (if any)

None required.

Required Reading Material or Special Equipment Needed (if any)

None required.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this course you will be better prepared to:

• Understand some of the historical events and stories associated with opera and the development of the performance of opera.
• Identify some of the themes that have appeared in opera and why.
• Understand some of the ways in which opera has been shaped by the social and cultural context of the time in which it was produced.

Teaching and Learning Approach

The teaching and learning approach for this course combines tutor-led instruction, group activities, and independent study supported by individual guidance from the tutor. Classes are conducted face-to-face in an online setting and utilise diverse teaching methods, including presentations, multimedia resources, online discussions, and interactive activities.

These methods are selected to engage students, accommodate varied learning styles, and support effective understanding of the subject matter. The approach is also designed to recognise and be responsive to the diverse experiences, backgrounds, identities, and cultural perspectives represented within the student cohort, fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.

Additional Information

This course descriptor may be subject to change during the delivery of the course, depending on the specific direction and nature of the learner cohort, and is intended to be responsive to the group dynamics as they emerge during the delivery of the course.