First Year Seminar: Remixed & Remade: Literature Into Film

3 units

The process of turning literature into film, i.e. adaptation, is one of the most dynamic processes in storytelling. The course examines adaptation as both a creative and critical practice. It begins with an introduction to film language and adaptation theory before moving through a series of case studies that explore a wide range of literary (and game) adaptations, from classic novels to contemporary works. We will examine how filmmakers translate written narratives into visual storytelling, how adaptations can alter cultural meaning, and how audience expectations influence the reception of adapted works. Through an exploration of key theoretical frameworks students will analyze how texts evolve across different media, genres, and historical contexts. In addition to theoretical engagement, students will develop their own creative adaptation concepts through a writing exercise that challenges them to reimagine a literary text in a new form. By the end of the course, students will have developed a deeper understanding of adaptation as an artistic and cultural process, acquiring analytical tools that can be applied across literature, film, and comparative studies. Students are required to enroll in both the class and the screening component of the course.