Literature and Film: The Challenge of Adaptation (U04134)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : LLC-4-U04134

Since the beginnings of modern cinema, literature and film have mutually inspired one another. From the Surrealists to the Nouvelle Vague, many directors have taken fiction as a starting point for their visual works. This option will provide an in-depth analysis of the interface between the two media. It will examine various types of literary adaptations and assess the strategies and negotiations involved in the move from text to film. Taking into account broader issues of adaptation theory, it will also consider the economics of adaptation, the ideology behind heritage film and the rediscovery of classic authors by the cinema. Seminars will be based on a selection of French adaptations ranging from the heritage genre to avant-garde forms. Topics for discussion will include the question of ‘faithfulness’ to a source text; the translation of thought, subjective point of view and inner speech to the screen and the different ‘language’ of text and film. No prior knowledge of film studies is needed to take this course.

? Keywords : French cinema literature adaptation

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : Pass in French 2 Entry to Honours in French

Subject Areas

Home subject area

European Languages and Cultures - French, (School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures, Schedule G)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 4th year

? Delivery Period : Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 11 weeks

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Tutorial	Tuesday	09:00	10:50	Central

? Additional Class Information : This course will be taught either in semester 1 (blocks 1 and 2) or in semester 2 (blocks 3 and 4). The class session time given above is provisional; its timetable slot should be determined by DELC to optimise choice for students.

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

Intended learning outcomes specific to this course are:

- A familiarity with a body of interdisciplinary theories as well as with major French films and fictions of the nineteenth- and twentieth centuries
- understanding of the interface between film and literature and of the various types of adaptation and their underlying strategies and ideologies
- an understanding of the different semiotic status of film and literature and how it is negotiated in adaptation
- an ability to conduct in depth critical analysis and multidisciplinary studies of a body of works across the two art forms
- an understanding of the economical issues behind adaptation practices

By the end of the course, students will be expected to show the ability:
• to demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of the subject;
• to recognise and acknowledge the complexity of the subject;
• to show a good understanding of, and apply competently, complex conceptual frameworks;
• to construct coherent arguments which demonstrate an awareness of the problems posed by the texts and issues which they are studying;
• to demonstrate a high level of expression in both written and oral presentations;
• to demonstrate the mastery of relevant technical terminology and research methods;
• to offer alternative perspectives, identify and accommodate ambiguities and show an awareness of nuance;
• to develop original ideas;
• to demonstrate an awareness of the research agenda relating to the topic.