A significant number of films and television programmes are adapted from other sources, and adaptation frequently arouses powerful responses from viewers and critics. This course explores this phenomenon, providing the close study of screen adaptations taken from a variety of other media which may include theatre, classic novels, short stories and comics. This course will provide an overview of adaptation studies, by addressing the particular questions that relate to adaptation, considering the connections and differences between distinct media, focusing on key features such as the manipulation of time and space, characterisation, point of view, style, voice, interpretation and evaluation. Students will be encouraged to consider adaptation within an industrial context and the creative and practical implications of adapting works for the screen. Within the remit of the course, there will be opportunities for students to develop their own creative interests within adaptation studies in conjunction with a deeper understanding of the key theoretical concepts underpinning the discipline.
Private Study: 267
Contact Hours: 33
Total: 300
Main assessment methods
Essay (2,500 words) (40%)
Project (60%)
Reassessment methods
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The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages: https://kent.rl.talis.com/index.html
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Demonstrate a systematic knowledge of different forms of adaptation in film and television through analysis of the debates around industrial, aesthetic, social and cultural trends, and the ability to coherently articulate their understanding of the relationships between these developments;
2 Display an understanding of the different modes of analysis made possible by key methods of enquiry and be able to demonstrate their relevance to the study of adaptation in film and television;
3 Demonstrate the ability to devise a discussion of adaptation through a sustained engagement with key theoretical concepts;
4 Examine the interplay between aesthetic choices and technological innovation deployed in adaptation through their research into relevant scholarly literature and the consideration of the practical implications in adapting texts for the screen;
5 Evaluate adaptation as an industry and reflect upon the significance of this context upon the artistic choices made during the process of adaptation.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Develop skills of critical and historical analysis of the moving image, together with generic intellectual skills of synthesis, summarisation, critical judgement and problem-solving, that will allow for the construction of original and persuasive arguments;
2 Express their own ideas clearly via a variety of methods;
3 Read critically, analyse and use a range of primary and secondary texts;
4 Experience both teamwork and working alone to organise their private research.
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