Courses Detail Information
ENGL1530J – Novel into Film
Instructors:
Angela Gehling;Nicholas Scott Welch-Bolen
Credits: 3 credits
Pre-requisites: ENGL1000J Obtained Credit
Description:
The complex relationship between these two forms of media have been central to the film industry since its inception. This course will consider literary adaptation from several angles: fidelity to the text, the author’s intent and involvement in production and the strengths and weaknesses of each medium.
Course Topics:
- An overview of the history of Western film –from the silent era to the multiplex.
- The fundamental role of the novel in Western cinema’s development.
- Writing for the page and the screen –the different demands of the book and film formats
- Editing, abridging and expanding material –what content makes the cut?
- Adapting historical texts for modern audiences.
- The question of textual fidelity.
- “Elevating” material -do you need a good book to make a good film?
- The novelist’s original intent and involvement in production. Can an adaptation hated by the author be considered successful?
- Audience reception, in 2 different mediums.
- Adapting across cultures