First-Year Seminars 110NP - Opera and Social Justice

This course investigates the intersection of opera and social justice in the context of American society over the past two decades. We will examine operatic works produced since the early 2000s via lectures, discussions, readings, and multimedia presentations, exploring how composers, librettists, directors, and performers have engaged with and responded to various social justice movements such as those related to civil rights, gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, environmental justice, immigration, and indigenous rights. We will explore the historical, cultural, and political contexts that have shaped these operas as well as their reception by and impact on contemporary audiences, considering the ethical responsibilities of artists, the power of opera as a tool for social change, and the evolving role of opera within contemporary culture. During the course, students will also have behind-the-scenes access to collaborative efforts currently underway to stage two upcoming operatic productions.

Mount Holyoke first-year students only, by placement.