How did opera speak to its past audiences, and what does it say to us today? In this course we will explore a wide range of operatic repertory and topics that will include performance and genre, voice and celebrity, media and communication, theaters and spectacle, and others. Some work involving study of a live performance will be integrated depending on Madison-area productions occurring this semester (TBD). Assignments include discussions, presentations, in-class work, and a research project. Students are encouraged to pursue projects relating to course topics and themes according to their interests.