MUS3051 : Richard Wagner and Wagnerism
MUS3051 : Richard Wagner and Wagnerism
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Eric Doughney
- Lecturer: Dr Bennett Hogg, Professor Ian Biddle
- Owning School: Arts & Cultures
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
This module aims to introduce students to the Music Dramas and operas of Richard Wagner and their aesthetic and musical legacies (up to the present day). The module will cover a range of approaches to this topic, including (but not limited to):
The philosophical background to Wagner’s musical ideas
The historical and political contexts
Strategies for understanding the musical materials (analytical approaches)
Approaching Wagner’s musical works as a historiographical problem
Outline Of Syllabus
The syllabus will cover Wagner’s musical output and his impact on subsequent musical thinking, especially in Europe up to the present day. Themes covered may include:
- Wagner and antisemitism
- Wagner and imperialism
- Wagner and the Nazis
- Wagnerism and anti-Wagnerism
- The Ring Cycle and its legacy
- Opera and Music dramas: two distinct genres?
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
Familiarity with Wagner’s oeuvre
Familiarity with the musical legacy of Wagner’s oeuvre
A working knowledge of late tonal and chromatic harmony
Familiarity with the historical and cultural contexts for these musical works
A working familiarity with some of the philosophical ideas played out in Wagner’s works
Intended Skill Outcomes
Analytical approaches to opera, especially narrative analysis
Intensification of analytical skills already learned in other modules
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 12 | 2:00 | 24:00 | Each lecture will last 2 hours |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 12 | 1:00 | 12:00 | PiP seminars. Number of seminar groups dependent upon size of cohort. |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 164:00 | 164:00 | N/A |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures deliver core materials and seminars allow students to explore musical (and other) materials in more detail and in a more “hands on” manner.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 2 | M | 100 | 3,500 words |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portfolio | 2 | A | Essay proposal: opportunity for students to start developing their final research essay (essay) |
| Portfolio | 2 | M | annotated bibliography for research essay |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The module will require students to develop two research essay (2000 and 2000 words), based on the core topics covered in the module, but exploring one of them in depth (in the second essay). In the run up to the second essay, students will be set a number of formative written assignments (see above) which will be helpful in developing ideas for the final essay.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- MUS3051's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- MUS3051's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue
This is where you will be able to find all key information about modules on your programme of study. It will help you make an informed decision on the options available to you within your programme.
You may have some queries about the modules available to you. Your school office will be able to signpost you to someone who will support you with any queries.
Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.