MP6044 - Screen Adaptations

What will I learn on this module?

In Screen Adaptations you will examine the practical and theoretical debates around the translation of a variety of ‘texts’ into films and television programmes. A broad-range of case studies is covered, from adaptations of ‘high art’ such as Shakespeare and literary fiction, to the conversion of popular fiction, comic-books and supposedly ‘unfilmable’ sources. As well as considering issues of authorship and originality, you will consider the complex relationship between film, television and other media forms, from music and video-gaming to theme-park rides. Films and programmes under discussion are likely to include examples such as Adaptation, William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet, Sherlock, The Last of Us, The Walking Dead, Band of Brothers, and The Lord of the Rings franchise amongst others

How will I learn on this module?

You will learn through lectures, seminars and independent learning. Each lecture will be structured around a particular theme and will focus upon a particular case-study designed to develop your comprehension and evaluation of practical and theoretical approaches to adaptation. The seminar will focus upon group tasks and discussion of the theme, programme or set texts. Seminar discussions are also intended to develop your communication skills and ability to develop and respond to ideas in a collaborative environment. You are expected to prepare for the sessions by watching specific film/TV programmes that will be available to watch via links on the e-Learning Portal site, studying the set text(s) for each week, as well as carrying out additional recommended reading/viewing (which will be indicated in the module guide and on the e–Learning Portal).

How will I be supported academically on this module?

The module tutor has weekly office hours during which you can drop in for academic support and further appointments can also be made outside of these times. The seminars will allow you to engage in group discussion and problem-solving with both the module tutor and your peers, thus developing a constructive support learning network. The delivery of the module will be supported with learning and lecture materials that are accessible via the electronic learning portal.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the significance of adaptation within film, television and media culture. (LO1)

• Apply and evaluate theoretical concepts in the analysis of specific case-studies of cross-media adaptation in film and television. (LO2)

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• Produce well-structured arguments supported by visual and textual material. (LO3)
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• The debates covered during the module will encourage you to reflect on your cultural relationship with film and television and what role this plays in in your general engagement with the arts.(LO4)

How will I be assessed?

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT: To prepare you successfully to undertake the summative assessment(s) on this module, formative assessments will be set by the module team. These may take the form of in-class tasks or projects, developmental activities undertaken between classes, or learning exercises/activities set over a longer period. Feedback (written and/or oral) will be provided to help you learn from, reflect on, and develop in light of these formative assessments.

Summative assessment: The summative assessment strategy for this module encourages you to develop a contextually and theoretically informed understanding of adaptation in film and television. This is tested through a 3000 word essay. The essay tests your ability to undertake a more thorough analysis of a programme/film within a particular critical context, and to demonstrate a broader range of knowledge gained on the module (MLO 1-4)

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

Screen Adaptations considers practical and theoretical debates surrounding texts which are converted into film and television programmes. You engage with screenings of case studies that range from adaptations of plays, such as William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet, to works of literature such as Sherlock, to video games such as The Last of Us and a variety of other mediums, to provide case studies for discussions in workshops. You will therefore analyse the adaptation process in a number of media forms and consider what the particular dynamics, issues and problems are of adapting each. You will be expected to conduct research of the topics prior to the workshop sessions. Assessment on this module is via the production of a 3,000-word essay. Screen Adaptations provides you with the opportunity to develop analytical skills that will be beneficial in a variety of career paths.

Course info

UCAS Code P315

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Northumbria School of Design, Arts and Creative Industries, Arts

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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