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Curricular information is subject to change
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
- appreciate opera as an intermedial art form;
- view opera as an important historical, social and cultural contribution to a nation;
- reflect on the translation and transformation processes involved in adapting a literary work for the opera house;
- interpret opera using theories of translation, adaptation and librettology;
- engage critically with the appropriate works in the theoretical and secondary literature;
- express critical opinions (orally and in writing) in an appropriate register and style.
We will look at 4 well-known operas, whose libretti are adaptations of seminal German literary works, including the Grimms' tale 'Hänsel und Gretel' and Goethe's masterpiece 'Faust. Der Tragödie erster Teil'. In addition to looking at the process of translation and transfer from literature to libretto, we will also look at contrasting productions and consider issues of performance.
Student Effort Type | Hours |
---|---|
Seminar (or Webinar) | 24 |
Specified Learning Activities | 100 |
Autonomous Student Learning | 86 |
Total | 210 |
Very good reading and comprehension skills in another language (ideally, but not necessarily German) up to B2/C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference.
Learning Recommendations:BA (Hons) in German or equivalent.
An interest in music, theatre/performing arts, very good reading skills in another European language (ideally, but not necessarily, German), ability to deal with texts analytically. It is not necessary to have an ability to read music or have any prior knowledge of/exposure to opera.
Description | Timing | Component Scale | % of Final Grade | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Essay: Essay of ca. 4,500-5,000 words | Coursework (End of Trimester) | n/a | Graded | No | 75 |
Presentation: Oral presentation in class | Varies over the Trimester | n/a | Graded | No | 25 |
Resit In | Terminal Exam |
---|---|
Spring | No |
• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Peer review activities
• Self-assessment activities
Drafts or outlines of the presentation and essay may be submitted in advance for comment prior to the submission of the summative assessment. Self-assessment criteria will be drawn up in conjunction with students beforehand, and class presentations will be peer-reviewed.