This course will give students an introduction to German opera from the 18th to the 20th century. We will work with operas that played a central role in the growth of a German operatic tradition, including operas by composers such as Mozart, Weber, Wagner, and (Richard) Strauß. By studying opera-related vocabulary and concepts, students will learn to talk about opera both informally and conceptually, and develop their ability to understand German-language opera libretti. Via this musical genre, we will also discuss more general aspects of the cultural, social and political history of Germany. Opera newcomers will have the chance to solidify their spoken and written German skills through this unique cultural genre.

The syllabus is designed to particularly foster students' oral communication skills as well as their creative and active engagement with German opera. We will delve into the subject matter through screenings of performances, captivating readings in German, class discussions, creative writing assignments, pronunciation sessions and a visit to a live opera performance.

Course Requirements:

Course requirements include regular attendance and participation, homework assignments, essays, short oral presentations, and tests (including 2 listening quizzes).