To increase knowledge of and familiarity with operatic repertoire. To situate operatic repertoire and practices within cultural and political contexts relevant to Europe from the late eighteenth to the early twentieth century. To understand the relationship of operatic works and/or practices to their cultural and political contexts of production in terms of both response to contexts and role in society. To deepen understanding of the major musical developments in opera as a genre, of the forms used within it, and of the subgenres of the repertoire.

(LO1) Students will have the ability to demonstrate familiarity with core sections of the operatic repertoire of the long nineteenth century.

(LO2) Students will have the ability to describeand explain the cultural and political contexts of production and reception of that repertoire.

(LO3) Students will have the ability to explain the relationship between operatic works and/or practices and their cultural and political contexts of production and reception.

(LO4) Students will have the ability to identify, engage with and critically evaluate relevant texts, both academic and musical.

(S1) Research management developing a research strategy, project planning and delivery, risk management, formulating questions, selecting literature, using primary/secondary/diverse sources, collecting & using data, applying research methods, applying ethics

(S2) Communication, listening and questioning respecting others, contributing to discussions, communicating in a foreign language, influencing, presentations

(S3) Literacy application of literacy, ability to produce clear, structured written work and oral literacy - including listening and questioning

Specific topics may vary according to staff expertise and research interest, and to account for other modules within the department, to avoid unnecessary duplication. The syllabus will focus on opera of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries with reference to relevant historical and cultural contexts. Composers covered are likely to include Verdi, Wagner, Puccini and Strauss, and others whose work is relevant to the module's aims.

Teaching method 1: E-lectures - 90 minutes, 12 weeks
Description: Core contextual material (musical and historical). Core textual information (about the week's material).

Teaching method 2: Directed learning (individual) - 120 minutes, 12 weeks
Description: Watching sections of operas and undertaking other preparatory activities as directed.

Teaching method 3: Small group directed learning - 90 minutes, 12 weeks
Description: Students preparing in small groups for seminars.

Teaching method 4: Seminar - 60 minutes, 12 weeks
Description: Face to face seminars.

The majority of teaching will be delivered face-to-face on campus. Online delivery will be used to complement the on-campus delivery and where technology affords a better learning experience.