ENGL 235 - Film and Literature

(ARTD, GEIR, GEEL, GCP)

A comparative study of films and the literary sources upon which they are based. Special attention is given to the practical and theoretical problems of adapting literature to film and the basic differences between the two. The course explores how character development, plot, narrative, symbols, and language are translated from literary texts to film, and considers the limitations of film adaptation. Students read, analyze, and respond critically to literature and films in class discussions, examinations, and essays. PREREQUISITE(S): A grade of C or better in ENGL 101 or ENGL 101A or consent of department. Three hours lecture/discussion each week, plus film viewings.

3 semester hours

Course Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course, a student will be able to:

Identify the fundamentals of film making and analysis to study film as a genre in the literary tradition.
Use various literary and cinematic terms to discuss, interpret, and analyze representative texts.
Respond to, analyze, and evaluate films as literary texts.
Demonstrate critical reading of texts and use a style appropriate for academic discourse by writing multi-page papers.
Show an understanding how the political, socio-cultural, and historical contexts of literature translate into film making and analysis.
Synthesize connections between individual texts and a variety of literary and cinematic interpretations.

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