FM302 Adaptaion: Fiction Into Film

Course Objective:

This course explores the interplay between film and literature, in particular, the transposition of different forms of literature to the movie screen. Using short stories, plays, novellas and novels, students will study and analyze how the screenwriter and director adapt source material to make the film version of that story. Students will read the original works before watching the resulting film and discussing the differences and the reasons therefor.

Required Reading:

The books for this class are: (1) Adaptations: From Short Story to Big Screen; (2) Different Seasons by Stephen King; and (3) Cool Hand Luke by Donn Pearce. Students will also purchase two plays from Samuel French Publishers and a novel to be assigned for their final project.

Attendance:

I expect you to attend every class and to be on time. If you miss a class, it will be your responsibility to contact another student in the class to obtain notes and assignments. Your attendance will be one of the factors in determining your final grade.

Participation:

Contributing to class discussions is an important part of the learning process. You are expected to participate and your participation will be a factor in computing your final grade.

Assignments & Grading:

There will be two exams, each worth 20% of your final grade. As a final project, you will also be required to read a novel which I will assign and watch the film adaptation and write a paper giving your analysis of the adaptation. This will be in lieu of your final exam and represent 40% of your grade. Class participation and attendance will make up the final 20% of your final grade.

Office Hours:

You may see me after class to schedule a time and place to meet.

Adapted Short Stories to be Covered:

The Killers by Ernest Hemingway

Rear Window by Cornell Woolrich

Adapted Play to be Covered:

The Philadelphia Story by Philip Barry

Adapted Novella to be Covered:

Stand By Me by Stephen King

Adapted Novel to be Covered:

Cool Hand Luke by Donn Pearce

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