Lesson plans centered on this film should begin with a review of the work "Sigurd the Volsun," in which Sigurd must overcome various monsters to win the hand of the Valkyrie Bunhilde in marriage. Common themes and motifs include greed, disguise, and love. The students are asked to recall basic characters, themes, and plot points. It may help to ask a student or group of students to prepare a chart showing how the characters are related to one another. If students are struggling, the teacher should suggest answers to important questions to the class, while allowing them to come to the right answers on their own as far as possible.
Move the discussion toward the topic of Wagner's opera titled "The Ring Cycle." Plans should allow time for the teacher to explain to the class that this work is based on "Sigurd the Volsun." It may be helpful to obtain a copy of the opera and show an excerpt to the class for purposes of comparison.
Once they are familiar with the original story and Wagner's operatic interpretation, students should be shown the animated short "What's Opera Doc?" Plans should allow time for the teacher to explain that while it is based on many operas and on opera in general, "The Ring Cycle" plays a central role. Students should watch for similarities and differences among the original story, Wagner's version and the Bugs Bunny cartoon. They should look for similarities and differences among the characters, plots, and themes.
Finally, lesson plans should allow for 10 or 15 minutes at the end of the class to be dedicated to discussion of the animated short. Teachers should ask the class what the animated short teaches viewers about opera in general, and about this story in particular. It may be helpful to assign the class a short assignment on this topic that will be reviewed the following day or week.