Adaptation module (EN51045)

This module will enable you to develop an understanding of practices of adaptation across media. You will closely examine screenwriting, script-writing for comics, and writing for video-games.

There will be an emphasis on adaptation between media including film, comics and games. You will explore concepts such as transmediality and intermediality.

You will delve into a range of examples of writing produced for various media, including:

• scripts for films
• television
• comics
• video games

You will also explore print and digital resources. This will include collections of resources held within the University archive. This will allow you a unique opportunity not available anywhere else. This will enrich and support your learning during this module.

You will read and view the final creative outputs produced from these scripts. You will also work on with a range of scholarship work related to these creative practices and their role within the creative economies.

Your skills will be developed and tested in written responses and participation in seminars. This will equip you with the necessary knowledge to establish a career in the creative industries.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• apply knowledge and understanding of adaptation through analysis of a range of texts, with particular focus on:
  • critical debates
  • formal and thematic analysis
  • genre
• examine the relationship between these elements and:
  • professional practices
  • cultural practices and creative practices
• explore how these relate to the relationship between different media

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• show an understanding of the scope and defining features of writing for the creative economies. You will be able to do this in the context of adaptation, transmedia and intermediality through engagement with a variety of media
• show a critical understanding of the principles, theories and publishing context of writing for the creative economies in the context of adaptation
• show knowledge about the historical development, contexts, and cultural influence of the works studied. You will be able to do so in order to engage with a series of critical debates about creative writing and the creative economies

Assignments / assessment

• creative assessment (50%)
• research essay (50%)

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable

• two-hour seminar, every two weeks
• online sessions
  • These will include content-based discussions and opportunity for module-related academic questions
• discussion boards
• on-demand module materials to work through at your own pace

Self-driven study time will include:

• reading and completing associated tasks
• engaging with a wide range of online materials to support self-study
• writing and working towards your final assessment
• peer-to-peer learning opportunities