Print syllabusFilm Adaptations of American Literature
General data
| Course ID: | 3301-LA2229 |
| Erasmus code / ISCED: | (unknown) / (unknown) |
| Course title: | Film Adaptations of American Literature |
| Name in Polish: | Adaptacje filmowe literatury amerykańskiej |
| Organizational unit: | Institute of English Studies |
| Course groups: |
(in Polish) Fakultatywne przedmioty dla studiów dziennych z literatury amerykańskiej |
| ECTS credit allocation (and other scores): |
(not available)
|
| Language: | English |
| Type of course: | elective courses |
| Prerequisites (description): | - BA level - The aim of the course is to introduce students to film language and theory as well as adaptation theory. - level of English: B2+ |
| Mode: | Classroom |
| Short description: |
The course offers an introduction to film language and adaptation theory. The first part consists of theoretical content whereas the second part of the course is devoted to an analysis of novels and adaptations. The course takes place on Hoża unless the pandemic situation changes. |
| Full description: |
The course offers an introduction to film language and adaptation theory. The first part consists of theoretical content whereas the second part of the course is devoted to an analysis of novels and adaptations. During the semester we will first learn about cinematography, film language, and narration and we will apply this knowledge to produce analyses of short scenes from films. The next step will be an introduction to adaptation theory: what is an adaptation, different definitions, and criteria. Finally, we will analyze several literary texts and study their adaptations. |
| Bibliography: |
Kamilla Elliott, “Novels, Films, and the Word/Image Wars,” in A Companion to Literature and Film, edited by Robert Stam and Alessandra Raengo. Blackwell Publishing, 2004. Thomas Leitch, Film Adaptation and Its Discontents from Gone with the Wind to The Passion of the Christ. The Johns Hopkins University Press, 2007. Linda Hutcheon, A Theory of Adaptation. Routledge, 2006. “Adaptation and Mis-adaptations Film, Literature, and Social Discourses,” in A Companion to Literature and Film, edited by Robert Stam and Alessandra Raengo. Blackwell Publishing, 2004. F. Scott Fitzgerald. The Great Gatsby. Cambridge University Press, 1991. The Great Gatsby. Directed by Jack Clayton, performances by Robert Redford, Mia Farrow, and Bruce Dern, Paramount Pictures, 1974. The Great Gatsby. Directed by Baz Luhrmann, performances by Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, and Carey Mulligan, Warner Bross, 2013. Edith Wharton. The Age of Innocence. Oxford University Press, 2006. (1-5 chapters) The Age of Innocence. Directed by Martin Scorsese, performances by Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Winona Rider, Columbia Pictures, 1993. Eugenides, Jeffrey. The Virgin Suicides. Picador, 1993. The Virgin Suicides. Directed by Sofia Coppola, performances by James Woods, Kathleen Turner, A J Cook, Kirsten Dunst, and Josh Hartnett, Paramount Pictures, 1999. Anne Proulx, “Brokeback Mountain,” from Close Range, Wyoming Stories. Scribner, 1999. Brokeback Mountain. Directed by Ang Lee, performances by Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Linda Cardellini, River Road Entertainment, 2005. Tony Kushner, Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes. Theatre Communications Group, 2013. Angels in America. Directed by Mike Nichols, performances by Al Pacino, Meryl Streep, and Emma Thompson, HBO, 2003-2004. Bibliography: Bordwell, David. Narration in the Fiction Film. The University of Wisconsin Press, 1985. ---. The Way Hollywood Tells It: Story and Style in Modern Movies. University of California Press, 2006. Bordwell, David, and Kristin Thompson. Film Art: Introduction. McGraw Hill, 2010. Boswell, Parley Ann. Edith Wharton on Film. Southern Illinois University Press, 2007. Braudy, Leo, and Cohen Marshall. Film Theory and Criticism. Oxford, 2009. Grant, Barry Keith. Film Genre: From Iconography to Ideology. Wallflower, 2007. Miller, Toby, and Robert Stam. A Companion to Film Theory. Blackwell, 2004. Paryz, Marek, and Leo R. John, editors. The Post-2000 Film Western Contexts, Transnationality, Hybridity. Palgrave Macmillan, 2015. Slethaug, Gordon. Adaptation Theory and Criticism: Postmodern Literature and Cinema in the USA. Bloomsbury, 2014. Stam, Robert, and Alessandra Raengo, editors. A Companion to Literature and Film. Blackwell Publishing, 2006. Villarejo, Amy. Film Studies: The Basics. Routledge, 2007. Williams, Linda Ruth, and Michael Hammond, editors. Contemporary American Cinema. McGraw Hill, 2006. |
| Learning outcomes: |
Knowledge: the graduate will be able to K_W01 Identify the place and specificity of English Studies against the background of other academic disciplines within the humanities and the theory of adaptation K_W02 understand key terminology, well-established methods and theories of linguistics, literary studies, culture studies and film studies within English studies K_W03 describe methodology and recent developments in English literary studies, culture studies, and film studies K_W04 describe the relation between language, literature, and historical and cultural processes on an advanced level K_W05 list the characteristics of English grammar, syntax, phonology, phonetics, morphology and pragmatics on an advanced level K_W06 describe established translation theories and identify intricacies of the translation process K_W07 explain principles of designing literary and culture studies, with special focus on selecting appropriate methods and tools in formulating research questions in the context of film adaptations of American literature K_W08 describe language evolution on an advanced level, with special focus on English, and give examples of language change within its various subsystems K_W09 identify on an advanced level the multiplicity of cultures and their complexity, cultural codes, as well as structural and institutional background of culture, with special focus on the USA and the way they are represented in American visual cultures K_W10 describe on an advanced level the geography, history, politics, economy, as well as cultural and societal problems of the USA K_W11 recall notions and principles pertaining to intellectual property and copyright law K_W12 characterize economic, legal and other factors relevant for various kinds of professional activities related to the study programme K_W13 define the key factors of second language acquisition and describe second language acquisition models advanced within English linguistics K_W14 describe methodology and recent developments in English linguistics K_W15 explain principles of designing studies in linguistics, with special focus on selecting appropriate methods and tools in formulating research questions Abilities: the graduate is able to K_U01 employ the terminology and methodological tools from linguistics, literary studies, culture studies, film studies, and adaptation theory K_U02 employ the methodology of literary, culture and film studies within English studies, respecting the ethical norms and copyright law K_U03 analyze linguistic, literary, visual, and cultural phenomena and draw generalizations on their basis with respect to the social, historical and economic context K_U04 implement knowledge to describe a problem and identify means to solve it, thereby completing a project in literary studies and in culture and religion studies, in particular to prepare a theoretical and formal analysis of a film adaptation of an American literary text K_U05 collect information from various sources, critically assess a source and usefulness of information; analyze and draw generalizations on the basis of information so obtained K_U06 identify and implement cultural conventions in intercultural interactions K_U07 employ modern technology for the sake of obtaining information and using various communication channels and techniques K_U08 plan and organize working alone and in a team to attain goals K_U09 present knowledge and communicate in a cohesive, precise and linguistically correct manner in the English language at level C1 as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages K_U10 demonstrate fluency at level B1 as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages K_U11 design one’s own development K_U12 employ the methodology of English linguistics, respecting the ethical norms and copyright law K_U13 implement knowledge to describe a problem and identify means to solve it, thereby completing a project in linguistics, with elements of film studies and adaptation theory Social competences: the graduate is ready to K_K01 fulfill societal obligations and perform actions benefiting the social environment in accordance with the knowledge, skills and competences obtained in the course of studies at the program “English studies literature and culture”. K_K02 undertake life-long learning and personal development, applying skills and competences to select subjects and projects optimally suiting one’s personal interests K_K03 value responsibility for one’s own work and respect the work of others, adhering to the professional and ethical norms in various projects and other activities undertaken at work, voluntary services, etc. K_K04 apply the skill to critically assess communicated content to think and act independently in various social situations K_K05 function effectively in social and cultural interactions, through various forms and media, thanks to the ability to express oneself in a cohesive and lucid manner K_K06 value cultural heritage and cultural diversity |
| Assessment methods and assessment criteria: |
- 3-4 film analyses - final essay - attendance (3 absences are allowed / 20% of absences are allowed) Retake: final essay on a DIFFERENT topic |
Copyright by University of Warsaw.
