Skip to content

Module Catalogue

Breadcrumbs navigation

MU3002   Richard Wagner's 'The Ring of the Nibelung'

Academic year(s): 2023-2024

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 9

Semester: 2

Planned timetable: To be arranged

The Ring of the Nibelung can be approached in numerous ways. It is not only one of the most ambitious dramas of the nineteenth century, and one of the most important pieces of music ever written, it is also the ultimate interdisciplinary artwork: in its creation Wagner drew on a huge range of philosophical, political, literary and philological texts; its realisation was innovative in several theatrical disciplines (scenography, lighting, choreography, direction); its influence extends far beyond music. This module is for students from a variety of major disciplines with a strong interest in music and opera. It combines detailed examination of the four dramas with consideration of their historical, philosophical, literary and musical contexts; it also considers how The Ring has been received and interpreted and its influence on subsequent artists. Neither fluency in German nor advanced score-reading ability is necessary for this module, though some prior study of music will be helpful.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must have taken at least one Music (MU) module.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 1 lecture (x 11 weeks), 1 seminar (x 11 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours: 36

Guided independent study hours: 264

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 100%

As defined by QAA
Coursework: 100%

Re-assessment: Coursework = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr M J Downes
Module teaching staff: Dr Michael Downes
Module coordinator email mjd14@st-andrews.ac.uk

Intended learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate a knowledge of the text and music of Wagner's 'The Ring of the Nibelung'
  • Understand the significance of the work within the history of music and within a broader cultural context
  • Undertake a detailed interpretive reading of selected passage(s) of the work
  • Demonstrate a understanding of the literary, musical and philosophical influences on the creation of The Ring
  • Discuss the influence of The Ring upon subsequent writers, musicians and other artists