FT3AD-Adaptations across Stage and Screen

Module Provider: Film, Theatre and TV
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Sarah Bartley
Email: s.e.bartley@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

You will explore contemporary practices of adaptation in performance and on screen through a series of creative experiments and case study analyses. You will also examine the politics and the disruptive potential of adaptation as a process. Areas of exploration may include: relocating narratives in time and space, Intercultural adaptation, queer adaptations, cultural appropriation, transposing stories across form and genre, retelling stories. You will be able to specialise in the discipline of your choice (film, theatre, television), thinking about adaptation in relation the particular area of practice that interests you.  

Aims:

This module aims to develop students’ artistic practice in film, television, and theatre through an exploration of processes of adaptation and an engagement with critical, cultural, and political considerations which surround this practice.  

Further, it aims to expand students understanding of adaptation to encompass a broad range of practices, potentially including: from page to stage/screen; citation of iconic characters; fanfiction and digital reworkings; docudramas and documentary theatre; intercultural retellings and translations; contemporary retellings of historical narratives; and significant reworkings of productions in the same media.    

Assessable learning outcomes:

• Evidence a critical, artistic, and technical understanding to undertake practical experiments in adaptation. 


• Relate practical decisions in creative practice to theoretical, critical and cultural ideas explored over the degree and in this module; 


• Analyse and engage with central discussions around adaptation as an artistic, cultural, and political practice in film, theatre, and television. 


• Demonstrate a critical unde rstanding of adaptation within its wider industrial, technological, cultural and political contexts.  

Additional outcomes:

This module contributes to the development of other skills and competencies which are central to the course, including: 

• Oral communication and argument in group situations; 


• Production/creative work: 


• practical planning and time management; 


• Deployment of research using printed and electronic resources; 


• Critical analysis and coherent argument; 


• Undertaking self-directed, independent work.

Outline content:

Students taking this module will explore multidisciplinary practices and approaches to adaption, specialising in film, theatre or television. Through a series of practical sessions and critical study, you will interrogate processes of retelling, citation, relocating in space and time, digital revisions, and translation (across language and form) to explore what constitutes adaptation in stage and screen practices. Each week we will focus on a specific case study or approach to adaptation to e xplore how we might work with this idea in practice. Throughout the module you will undertake a series of creative experiments in the discipline of your choice that address different models and ideologies of adaptation. 

Global context:

This module is international in scope, including global examples of performance, television, and film and relevant geopolitical issues.  

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Within the weekly class, a range of teaching styles will be used. The primary teaching methods will be practice focused interactive workshops and seminar-based discussions centred around prepared reading of practical approaches, creative materials, and critical debates. This module will offer you an opportunity to undertake a series of practical explorations of the process of adaptation as a creative practice. Additional short lectures may be used where appropriate to introduce critical issue s, screenings will be offered to support students’ engagement with material, and independent rehearsal time will be a key part of this module to enable student led experimentation. 

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		5
Tutorials		1
Practicals classes and workshops		18
Supervised time in studio/workshop		20
External visits		3
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)		20
Wider reading (directed)		40
Peer assisted learning		10
Preparation for performance		40
Preparation of practical report		40
Reflection		3
Total hours by term	0	200	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Portfolio	40
Practical skills assessment	60

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

1. Practical Skills Assessment: A series of practical experiments centred around adaptation (60%) 


2. Portfolio: a series of responses documenting your process (40%) 

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

Submission of additional coursework.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1. Required text books: None


2. Specialist equipment or materials: None


3. Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: None


4. Printing and binding: None


5. Computers and devices with a particular specification: None


6. Travel, accommodation and subsistence: £25 theatre trip

Last updated: 12 October 2021