School of Humanities  
 
 
ENG-20036 Twentieth Century Novels into Films  
Co-ordinator: Dr Lucy Munro    Room: CBB2.061, Tel:34282  
Teaching Team: Mrs Tracey  Lea, Dr Lucy Munro, Miss Jo-Anne  Watts, Dr Anthony  Carrigan, Dr Neil  Archer  
Lecture Time: See Timetable...  
Level: 2 Credits: 15 Study Hours: 150  
School Office: Tel: 01782 733147
 
 
 
Programme/Approved Electives for
American Studies Dual Honours (Level 2)
American Studies Minor (Level 2)
American Studies Single Honours (Level 2)
English and American Literatures Single Honours (Level 2)
English Dual Honours (Level 2)
English Major (Level 2)
English Minor (Level 2)
Film Studies Dual Honours (Level 2)
Film Studies Minor (Level 2)
Media, Communications and Culture Dual Honours (Level 2)
Media, Communications and Culture Minor (Level 2)
Available as a Free Standing Elective
Yes
Barred Combinations
None
Prerequisites
None
Description

Film has always had a close relationship to the novel through both literary adaptation and novelists who have also been screenplay writers. It has, nonetheless, frequently been framed as the poor relation of the two in terms of cultural value. By examining the distinctiveness and complexity of film language and the relative parameters of literary and film modes of narration, this module will examine some of the key but distinctive questions that need to be addressed when thinking about how film and literature make meaning. The module is specifically focused on the construction of history within narrative and will investigate how the categories of personal and collective memory, political conflict, change, national identity and gender are articulated in three novels and their film adaptations.
Aims
To develop an understanding and evaluation of selected novels and films by
comparison and contrast.

To provide an introduction to film and literary narratives and their critical vocabulary.

To trace the development of selected material from novel through script to film.

To analyze historical and political aspects of novels and films in a critical context.

To foster an awareness of aesthetic modes, schools, and
movements such as realism, modernism, heritage film, British new wave,
and avant-garde cinema.

To develop concepts of authorship, genre, and narration as a means of
investigating differences (general and particular) between novel and film.



Intended Learning Outcomes
Identify the key features of film language and narration and critically evaluate these both orally and in written work will be achieved by assessments: 1,2
Discuss film and literary texts within a comparative framework and identify their respective limitations and potential as representational forms will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2
Deliver an oral presentation to the group using appropriate written and visual aids will be achieved by assessments: 2,3
Work as part of a team to deliver a research-based presentation to the group will be achieved by assessments: 3,2
Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between literary and film narrative and the representation of history and historical events will be achieved by assessments: 1,2
Reflect critically on their work with fellow students and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses as a team member will be achieved by assessments: 3
Study hours
10 x 1 hour lectures (10 hours)
10 x 1 hour small group class (10 hours)
Film viewing (10 hours)
Reading and class preparation (75 hours)
Film analysis exercise (10 hours)
Exam preparation (30 hours)
Class presentation preparation (15 hours)
Description of Module Assessment
01: Essay weighted 60%
Essay from a list of approved questions
2000 word essay comparing one novel and its film adaptation.
02: Group Presentation weighted 20%
10 minute presentation in a group of 2/3
In groups of 2/3 students will make a presentation to the group on an aspect of one film from the course, with particular attention to its construction of history. They will be assessed according to clarity of ideas, attention to film language, appropriate use of excerpts and visual illustrations.
03: Group Report weighted 20%
1500 word report submitted by group.
The group will submit a report based on their reflections of how they worked on their presentations, what they learnt, and what they might do differently next time. The submission will be no longer than 1500 and a single mark will be given to the report which then be recorded as the mark for each student.
Version: (1.06B) Updated: 03/Mar/2013

This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.