EL5009 - Literature and Adaptation

What will I learn on this module?

This module explores adaptations of literary texts in modern culture. It focuses on the ways in which classic texts are retold and appropriated in a variety of popular genres, media, and formats. The module thus builds on the knowledge and skills developed at Level 4, particularly those concerning the notion of canonicity and the relations between ‘high’ and ‘low’ culture.

The module introduces you to the current theories of adaptation and teaches you the knowledge and skills necessary for critical analysis of adaptations. It also provides you with the terminology and skills needed for the study of film and other media, as well as non-canonical (popular) literary genres.

How will I learn on this module?

1 x 1 ½ - hour weekly lecture/presentation and workshop session
1 x 1 ½ - hour weekly seminar

This module is taught via a combination of lectures, student presentations, workshops, and seminars. Lectures and student presentations cover foundational information about the set texts and theoretical and critical concepts relevant to analysing literary adaptations. Seminars and workshops give you the opportunity to present your own interpretation and analysis of the texts to the group, to engage with the perspectives of others, and to discuss your ideas with other students and the module tutors.

In addition to learning during contact hours (lectures, seminars, workshops), you will be expected to undertake both directed and independent learning. Directed learning will take the form of preparation for seminars (including reading, watching films, and the preparation of critical responses to the studied topics). Independent learning generally will take the form of further reading and research, reflection on seminar materials and the completion of the assessment. The module will also make appropriate use of the VLE to provide you with module material and links to further resources.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Discussions of material covered in lectures, student presentations, and seminars will develop your academic skills needed to fulfil the module learning outcomes and to enjoy engaging with literary adaptations. The module guide provides details of lectures, seminars, required reading and assessment criteria; PowerPoint slides are made available on the e-learning portal. The module tutor will be available in lectures and seminars, as well as in office hours and on email/phone, to discuss any queries you may have about excelling on the module. Moreover, feedback on formative work and the first summative assessment will serve as ‘feed forward’, giving guidance on how to improve during the module.

In addition, you have a designated Personal Guidance Tutor throughout the entire duration of your programme. The academic side of the Personal Guidance Tutor’s role includes:
• monitoring your ongoing academic progress
• helping you to develop self-reflection skills necessary for continuous academic development
• directing you to further available services which can help them with their academic skills (e.g. Library’s Skills Plus)
You are advised to see your Personal Guidance Tutor at least twice each semester to review your academic progress. The Guidance Booklet, which you receive at the start of your first year, includes structured materials designed to help you develop your self-reflection skills. These materials underpin the academic side of the regular Guidance meetings, helping you to learn how to best use the feedback you receive on your assignments, how to build on your strengths, and improve in the areas where you could perform better.

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:
1. Knowledge of a range of literary adaptations.
2. Engagement with theoretical concepts relevant to the topic of literature and adaptation.


Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Ability to analyse adaptations, engaging with their key thematic concerns and formal features.
4. Ability to organise information and ideas into a logical and sustained oral and written argument, supported by appropriate evidence.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Ability to identify and evaluate relevant information in guided and independent reading and accurately acknowledge sources, conforming to relevant standards of good academic conduct.

How will I be assessed?

Formative (practice, non-graded) assessment

Essay plan (max. 500 words)
This task will allow you to develop and reflect upon key skills in literary analysis, research methods, and essay writing. This will help you feel confident about approaching your summative assessment. Feedback on your plan will be delivered by your fellow students and tutor in the lecture/workshop session, and you will have an opportunity to book an individual tutorial with the tutor, should you wish to discuss it further.

This assessment addresses MLO 1-3s

Summative (graded) assessment

Assessment 1: 10-15-minute long presentation (30% of final grade)
You will choose the topic and the date on which you will deliver your presentation at the beginning of the module. You will receive verbal feedback directly after your presentation, and written feedback within 20 days of delivering your presentation. MLOs 2, 4, 5.
Assessment 2: 2,500-word critical essay (70% of final grade)
You will write a critical essay, applying your knowledge of relevant issues to an analysis of two adaptations. Written feedback will be provided using the Departmental template and comments on the script. MLOs 1-5

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

Please find details of this module in the other sections provided.

Course info

UCAS Code T700

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

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

Department Humanities

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025 or September 2026

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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