Let’s Talk Adaptation in Theory and Practice

elective courses

The class is intended for students interested in adaptation studies and contemporary popular culture. The analysis of adaptations allows for the multidisciplinary approach, combining elements of literature, culture, and media studies.

The aim of the course is to familiarize students with the theory and practice of adaptation studies, combining elements of literature, culture, and media studies.

The topics include theoretical issues relating to the development of adaptation studies as a field (Adaptation 3.0+, Theory and theorists) and medium (non)specificity. We discuss ways of analysing history, True Crime, as well as audience engagement and studies (Fanfiction, Audiences and Reception). Depending on a given group’s interests, the list of topics may be altered.

The final part of the course is based on students’ analysis of selected adaptations in the form of presentations followed by a Q&A session, which will also serve as the basis for the assessment.

Cutchins, Dennis, Katja Krebs, Eckart Voigts (eds.). The Routledge Companion to Adaptation. Routledge 2018.

Elliott, Kamilla. Theorizing Adaptation. OUP 2020.

Grossman, Julie. Literature, Film, and Their Hideous Progeny: Adaptation and ElasTEXTity. Palgrave Macmillan, 2015.

Hutcheon, Linda. A Theory of Adaptation, 2nd ed. Routledge 2013.

Leitch, Thomas (ed.). The Oxford Handbook of Adaptation Studies. OUP 2017.

Sanders, Julie. Adaptation and Appropriation, 2nd ed. Routledge 2005.

Stam, Robert. "Beyond Fidelity: The Dialogics of Adaptation." Film Adaption, ed. James Naremore. Rutgers UP, 2000. 54-76.

Szwydky, Lissette Lopez. Transmedia Adaptation in the Nineteenth Century. Ohio State Press, 2020.

Szwydky, Lissette Lopez and Glenn Jellenik (eds.). Adaptation Before Cinema: Literary and Visual Convergence from Antiquity through the Nineteenth Century. Palgrave Macmillan 2023.

Wilkins, Christina. Embodying Adaptation: Character and the Body. Palgrave Macmillan 2022.

Knowledge

Students will be able to:

- identify and characterize on an advanced level the place and status of adaptation studies (K_W01)

- describe on an advanced level the current trends in adaptation studies (K_W02)

- characterise on an advanced level the principles of research design in adaptation studies and the application of methods and tools in formulating research problems (K_W04)

- identify the notions and principles pertinent to intellectual property and copyright (K_W05)

Abilities

Students will be able to:

- apply advanced terminology and notions pertinent to adaptation studies (K_U01)

- apply advanced research methodology within adaptation studies, respecting ethical norms and copyright law (K_U02)

- apply knowledge obtained during the course to account for and solve a problem, thereby completing a research task related to adaptation studies (K_U03)

- analyse literary and cultural phenomena and draw generalizations on their basis in the context of societal and historical factors on an advanced level (K_U04)

- discern alternative methodological paradigms within adaptation studies (K_U05)

- find information in various sources and critically assess its usefulness for research (K_U06)

Social competences

Students will be ready to:

- apply knowledge and skills obtained during the course to undertake lifelong learning, as well as personal and professional development (K_K02)

- take responsibility for performing one’s professional duties, with due respect for the work of others, obey and develop the ethical norms in professional and academic settings (K_K03)

- assess critically one’s own knowledge and skills related to adaptation studies (K_K04)

- value cultural heritage and cultural diversity as well as individual opinions (K_K06)

Education at language level B2+.

- attendance

- participation in discussions

- presentation

3 absences are allowed.