Semesters
ENG203 Adaptation and translation
Year course in English or equivalent (60 credits)
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.
In accordance with the national qualification framework, the student has achieved the following learning outcomes after completing the course:
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
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
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
Teaching is provided through lectures, discussions and individual supervision.
70 % attendance is a requirement. In addition, the student must complete:
- A term paper of 4-5000 words
- An oral presentation
- 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.
Sensur blir gjennomført i samsvar med Forskrift om opptak, studium og eksamen ved Høgskulen i Volda.
The course will be evaluated in accordance with the University College’s routines for quality assurance.
- English - specialization
- Language and Literature - bachelor
| Assessment Form | Grouping | Duration | Grading scale | Proportion | Comment | Support Materials | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 |