Course content

This course explores the role of opera in culture and society at different times in history and reflects on its relevance for today's audiences. Students will be introduced to current trends in operatic scholarship and opera production, and will be encouraged to consider the contention surrounding gender, allegorical, and political interpretations of opera. Students will develop their skills of argument and debate through in-depth study of two or more repertory operas (in terms of text, music, dramaturgy and critical interpretations) and formal debates, as well as gain insight into the process of opera interpretation and production today through the Trondheim Symfoniorkester og Opera's spring production.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

An examinee with a completed qualification in MUSV3124

• Has a broad understanding of the dramaturgy, conventions and development of opera of different periods and traditions
• Has competence in relating opera to its historical, social, cultural, political, and economic context
• Has critical understanding of the role of culture in shaping musical meaning and practices in relation to opera and opera production today
• Has knowledge of interpretative and methodological debates in this field
• Has a broad knowledge of the history of opera production

Skills:

An examinee with a completed qualification in MUSV3124

• Has the ability to analyse critically and interrogate musical and dramatic texts
• Has the ability to present knowledge, findings and critical insight in a coherent and convincing form both orally and in written form
• Has well-developed oral and written skills of argument and debate
• Can apply acquired knowledge and understanding in their own work

Learning methods and activities

Satisfactory participation in compulsory instruction and activities set out during the course. Compulsory assignments: Satisfactory participation in compulsory instruction and activities set out during the course (minimum 80% attendance). Active participation in 1 group presentation and debate

Compulsory assignments

• Active participation in one group presentation and debate
• Satisfactory participation in compulsory instruction and activities set out during the course

Further on evaluation

The portfolio must contain an essay and an opera review. Essay: the text for the essay should have a length of about 4000 words. Opera review: the text of the opera review should have a length of about 800-1000 words. If the candidate retakes the exam there is no need to retake the compulsory assignments, but it is strongly recommended to follow the complete course again, as the form of evaluation is portfolio assessment.

Specific conditions