Film of the book

Compare the novel and its film adaptation. Consider obsession and desire in Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby (Clayton 1974 and Lurmann 2012), Nathanael West’s The Day of the Locust (Schlesinger 1975) and The Pumpkin Eater by Penelope Mortimer (Clayton 1964). No class on 9 May 2013.

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Key course information

Dates
11/04/13 - 27/06/13

Day(s)
Thu

Duration
11 weeks

Time
19:40 - 21:40

Fees
Full fee: £123
Senior fee: £123
Concession: £39

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HLT24

Availability
Available
(status updated every 15 mins)

This course has started

It may still be possible to enrol on this course - please call 020 7831 7831 to discuss. Please note that you will have missed some course content and it may not be possible for the tutor to fully cover missed content with you. Please be advised that the published course fees will apply.

Course outline

What is the course about?

We will read works of fiction and view their cinematic transformations, developing your understanding of plot,
characterisation and narrative in a film making context. We will consider and discuss what is lost or gained in
translation of book into film through a consideration of both mediums.

What topics will we cover?

We will focus on three 20th century novels and their adaptation into films by key directors in cinema history. We consider Fitzgerald’s 1925 story of Gatsby, the self –made millionaire who thought he could buy the ‘American Dream’ in all its forms, made into films by the English director Jack Clayton in the 1970’s and the contemporary filmmaker, Australian Baz Luhrmann in 2012; we will consider both adaptations. We will view a second Clayton film adapted from Penelope Mortimer’s The Pumpkin Eater. Written in the early 1960’s, the novel is now reconsidered as an early ‘second wave feminist’ tale. Nathanael West’s ‘Hollywood novel’, The Day of the Locust was written in the 1930’s, dealing with the illusory pull of celebrity in a time of depression. We consider the real and the surreal in the adaptation by the English director, John Schlesinger.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

Identify key aspects in the work of selected writers.
Appreciate the process of rendering the novel into film.
Consider the relationship between verbal and visual language.
Discuss both novels and films of them in an informed and analytical manner.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

You will need an enthusiasm for reading and discussing a range of texts in large and small groups.
You will need an enthusiasm for viewing and discussing a range of films in large and small groups.
You will be willing and able to do some reading and preparation outside the class.
You will be interested in listening to, and learning from, the responses of other students to the work discussed.
You will have a commitment to developing your analytical skills.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

A variety of teaching methods will be used: tutor exposition, large and small group discussion, use of DVDs and readings.
You will be expected to undertake preparatory reading and preparation before the class. No written work required but, should you wish to submit essays, they will be read and marked by the tutor.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Bring a pen and paper. You will need to buy three texts: The Great Gatsby by F.Scott Fitzgerald (Penguin Classics), Nathanael West’s The Day of the Locust (Penguin Modern Classics) and The Pumpkin Eater by Penelope Mortimer (New York Review Books, 2011 – available on Amazon UK).

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 254 of the 12/13 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2652

humanities@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times:

During term-time Monday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30

Non term-time Monday 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

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Humanities