What is the course about?
This course will introduce students to the longstanding phenomenon of film adaptation and the remake by considering its prevalence from cinema’s earliest moments through to the present day. Often subject to value judgments recent work in the field has sought to articulate theoretically informed considerations of the processes at work in the production and reception of film adaptations. Issues of status and originality continue to inform popular debates; this course will enable participants to consider these concerns in their historical, cultural and industrial contexts through encounters with a range of recent theoretical and interventions in the field. Participants will have an opportunity to explore a number of adaptations and remakes and examine their sources.
This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.
What will we cover?
The course will explore the historical development of the film adaptation and remake, while considering broader concepts of cultural appropriation. There will be a consideration of a range of theoretical approaches to both adaptation and remaking and an exploration of the centrality of the remake to the development of film form and filmic concepts such as genre. The syllabus will include:
• Exploration of the adaptation and remake during the silent era and the significance of these practices for the development of film form and genre
• Cultural practices of adaptation and remaking that have historically influenced cinema
• Hollywood remakes of European film
• Transnational cinema
• Televisual practices of adaptation and remaking
• Theories of adaptation and remaking
• Borrowing, mixing, recycling and remaking.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Knowledge of the development of adaptations and remakes since cinema’s beginnings
• Evaluate a range of ways of thinking about adaptation and remaking in the cinema
• Demonstrate a critical appreciation of cinematic adaptations and remakes.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is designed for those who have a passion for literature as well as film and for those who would like to deepen their knowledge of film history. It is also very much for those who enjoy discussing the merits or otherwise of film adaptations and remakes.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course will be delivered via informal lectures and group discussion. Short film extracts will be screened throughout. Some reading of literary texts may be beneficial but not a requirement.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Any additional materials required will be provided by the tutor in the form of links to online resources.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Please see other Film Studies courses on our website at www.citylit.ac.uk under History, Culture and Writing/Film Studies.
