EU8295: Italian Adaptations from Literature to Film
| School | null |
| Department Code | null |
| Module Code | EU8295 |
| External Subject Code | R320 |
| Number of Credits | 20 |
| Level | L5 |
| Language of Delivery | English |
| Module Leader | PROFESSOR Fabio Vighi |
| Semester | Spring Semester |
| Academic Year | 2013/4 |
Outline Description of Module
The module aims to critically discuss a number of literary texts and their adaptations into film. Both texts (novel / short-stories and film) will be drawn from a wide range of genres in Italian literature and cinema. The course will focus on establishing a dialogue between the two media and assess a variety of issues concerning knowledge transfer and adaptation theory. It will introduce students to key concepts in literary and film studies, psychoanalytic theory and ideology critique, without neglecting in-depth analyses of the historical and socio-political contexts in which the texts are embedded.
On completion of the module a student should be able to
- Demonstrate understanding of key arguments surrounding adaptation theory
- Discuss literary and filmic texts in their historical and aesthetic contexts
- Make use of a range of critical approaches in the evaluation of issues of knowledge transfer concerning written and cinematic texts
- Improve their reading and aural skills in the target language
How the module will be delivered
The module will be delivered via 10 two-hour lectures and 6 seminars. Students will be required to read/watch the appropriate texts before the lecture/seminar. In the course of the lectures, texts will be examined in detail in order to stimulate students’ critical abilities which will be then tested and developed in seminars.
Skills that will be practised and developed
- Reading/aural skills in the target language (Italian)
- Awareness of main cultural trends in contemporary Italy
- Ability to negotiate knowledges from different textual sources
- Ability to develop arguments in oral discussions
- Ability to compare and judge the use of different media on a single topic
How the module will be assessed
|
Exam |
70% |
2 hours |
May-June 2011 |
|
|
Essay |
30% |
2000 word essay |
In Semester |
Assessment Breakdown
| Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam - Spring Semester | 70 | Italian Adaptations From Literature To Film | 2 |
| Written Assessment | 30 | Italian Adaptations From Literature To Film | N/A |
Syllabus content
Mandatory content:
Three literary texts and three films adapted from the literary sources. Students must read the novels/short-stories and watch the films before coming to the lectures. They are expected to engage with critical literature on the given topics. A list of critical texts will be provided in the course-kit.
Non-mandatory areas:
Presentations in groups of maximum 3 students on topics to be selected from a list included in the course-kit.
Essential Reading and Resource List
Marcus, M. (1993) Filmmaking by the Book: Italian Cinema and Literary Adaptation. Baltimore: John Hopkins UP.
Stam, R. and Raengo, A. (2005). Literature and film: a guide to the theory and practice of film adaptation. Malden (MA): Blackwell.
Stam. R. (2004). Literature through Film. Malden (MA): Blackwell.
Naremore, J. (2000). Film Adaptation. London: Athlone.
McFarlane, B. (1996). Novel to Film: an Introduction to the Theory of adaptation. Oxford: Clarendon Press.
Hutcheon, L. (2006). Theory of Adaptation. New York: Routledge.
Horton, A. and Magretta J. (1981). Modern European Filmmakers and the Art of Adaptation. New York: Unger.
Gieri, M. (1995). Contemporary Italian filmmaking: strategies of subversion. Pirandello, Fellini, Scola, and the directors of the new generation. Toronto: University of Toronto Press.