The aim of the course is to offer a survey of the key approaches and debates surrounding adaptations and to explore what happens to texts, both novels and films, when they are transformed from an entirely different medium into another. After a brief account of the major theoretical approaches to adaptation, the course will examine special case studies exploring the popularity of both ‘high’ and ‘low’ culture texts subjected to the adaptation process. The course will also consider the practice of adaptation in reverse: why novelists tend to incorporate cinematic techniques into their work, or what prompts the novelization of successful or popular films. ìy the end of this course students are expected to have acquired: A general knowledge of the theory of narrative fiction A deeper insight into the theory of media studies and theories of adaptation Basic skills in a comparative analysis of different media-based texts with special focus on modes of adaptation. Course textbook and outline/list of readings (more than 10 key-book titles) as well as relevant filmography are available. Assessment: A 2o hour final exam or take-home upon agreement with instructor.
