Semesters

ENG203 Adaptation and translation

Course code: 
ENG203
Duration: 
1 semester
Credits (ECTS): 
15
Level of study: 
Specialization level (bachelor’s degree level)
Teaching semester: 
2025 Spring
Assessment semester: 
2025 Spring
Language of instruction: 
English
Required prerequisite knowledge

Year course in English or equivalent (60 credits)

Course content

The course explores how stories, events and myths travel between different eras and different media. Its point of departure are forms like novels, comic books, fairy tales and theatre plays, and it proceeds to explore what happens when these are adapted or "translated" into other contexts or forms, like films, video games, comic books and so on.

The main focus of the course is on original literary works adapted into film versions, but it may address many types of work in many different guises. The student will come to understand how and why filmic adaptions differ from their literary equivalents. Texts and adaptations will be selected from different historical periods and from across the English-speaking world in order to demonstrate how different media are not solely defined or constrained by their separate sets of artistic techniques, but that they are also influenced by the historical, social and cultural environment from which they emerge and with which they engage.

Learning outcome

In accordance with the national qualification framework, the student has achieved the following learning outcomes after completing the course:

Learning outcome knowledge

After completing the course, the student should possess:

  • advanced knowledge about the formal properties of various media and genres (including novels and plays) and multimodal texts (including films and comics)
  • extensive knowledge of reception and adaptation theory, including knowledge about which formal, societal and cultural factors shape adaptations
  • knowledge about a selection of central adapted works in the cultural history of the English-speaking world
  • knowledge about reserach, theory, reserach ethics and methodology
Learning outcome skills

After completing the course, the student is able to:

  • analyse the structure and artistic techniques of a selection of literary works and films
  • present and make use of adapation theory
  • understand how and why filmic adaptations differ from their literary sources
Learning outcome qualification

After completing the course, the student is able to:

  • discuss individual texts and adaptations, as well as the relationship between them, using the standard terms developed in literary studies and film studies
  • write and talk persuasively and effectively about texts and their adaptation in academic English
Working and learning activities

Teaching is provided through lectures, discussions and individual supervision.

Assessment requirements

70 % attendance is a requirement. In addition, the student must complete:

  1. A term paper of 4-5000 words
  2. An oral presentation
  3. A short reflection note

The topic for the essay is set by the lecturer(s), but students may choose topics of their own in cooperation with the lecturer(s). The oral presentation provides the opportunity to receive feedback on ideas from students and lecturers at an early stage of the term paper writing process. Each student has the right to one individual meeting with their supervisor, and to receive written feedback on their first draft. It is mandatory to write and submit a short reflection note that details how the student has worked on the essay, incorporating the feeback received. All work requirements must be submitted or performed within the deadlines provided, and need to be approved before the student may sit for the exam.

Evaluation system
Evaluation

The course will be evaluated in accordance with the University College’s routines for quality assurance.

Maximum number of students: 
30
Person in charge: 
Marie Nedregotten Sørbø
Used in other programs
  • English - specialization
  • Language and Literature - bachelor
Assessment FormGroupingDurationGrading scaleProportionCommentSupport MaterialsScope
Oppgave
Individual
1 Semester
A-F, A is the best grade and E is the lowest passing grade
Adjusting oral examination
Individual
45 Minutes
A-F, A is the best grade and E is the lowest passing grade
100
Approval signature: 
Arne Myklebust