ENG 200 – Novels into Film
Spring 2016
Monday and Wednesdays from 2:30-3:45
Dr. Ryan Stryffeler
Number of Credits: 3
Transferability of Course: Within the state of Nevada.
Prerequisite: ENG 101 and ENG 102 or consent of the instructor.
I. Course Description
This course studies film and novel genres to examine the transformation in genre when novels are made into films. Students read novels and view films based on those novels to examine the relative impact of each form upon the audience as well as to understand the differences between literary and film genre. Emphasizes critical reasoning to hone sharper perceptions, as well as develop more conscious reasoning and writing skills.
II. Course Objectives
The purpose of this course is to provide a foundation of knowledge that allows students to further their study of film and/or apply knowledge to meet their personal and professional needs. The information in the parentheses after a course objective refers to the specific general education (GE) learning outcome that the objective meets. Objectives without this information are not linked to WNC’s general education program.
Upon completion of this course the students should be able to:
· Understand the impact of cultural and historical events in general upon the development of the selected novels and films (GE 5)
· Understand the various literary and historic movements that have evolved into the selected novels and films (GE 5)
· Identify the literary and cinematic elements that make up the aspects of the novel and film (GE 1)
· Recognize and understand the importance of certain novelists and directors in a historic perspective, as well as their particular styles.
· Explore the similarity between certain literary and cinematic techniques.
Required Texts (in order of use): ~ note: other complete editions of the literary works are fine.
Leitch, Thomas. Film Adaptation and Its Discontents: From Gone with the Wind to Passion of the Christ. Baltimore: John Hopkins UP, 2009.
Harrison, Stephanie. Adaptations: From Short Story to Big Screen. New York: Three Rives P, 2005.
Conrad, Joseph. The Heart of Darkness (1899). New York: Dover P, 1990.
Wallace, Daniel. Big Fish. Chapel Hill, NC: Algonquin Books, 1998.
Lowry, Lois. The Giver. Laurel-Leaf Books, 1993.
INSTRUCTOR AVAILABILITY:
Instructor: Dr. Ryan Stryffeler (pronounced Streef-ler) Office: BRIS 350 M
Phone Number: 775-445 -4284. Email: Please use email to contact me.
My office hours for student concerns are:
Monday & Wednesday: 12:30 - 2:30pm
Tuesday & Thursday: 2:30 - 4:00pm
These are the times that I should generally be available to meet with students. Please feel free to stop in any time during these designated hours. Other office hours are by appointment only; I am willing to make time for you, but please talk to me in advance.
COURSE ASSIGNMENTS:
Daily Postings over Reading Assignment (200 pts)
Short Evaluation of Adaptation Paper (200 pts)
Mid-Term Exam (150 pts)
Short “Body of Work” Evaluation Essay (200 pts)
Final Exam (150 pts)
Cultural Presentation (100 pts)
Accumulated grade will be taken out of 1000 points total.
EVALUATION METHODS AND GRADING CRITERIA:
For average work, you will earn an average grade, which is a "C". A further important item of note: in general, papers that do not meet the minimum page/word count requirements will earn a grade no higher than a "C-". Major projects (the 2 essays and the 2 exams,) must be completed in order to pass the class.
Participation weighs in more heavily in this course than in most others - you are expected to contribute to class discussions regularly. I am here to guide you. When you have questions, ask. But I also place great responsibility on your shoulders. You must take an active role in your education. Sitting here, trying just to "absorb" what is going on is not likely to help you much. Learn to read carefully and ask questions as soon as you feel lost.
I encourage any student needing to request accommodations for a specific disability to contact the DSS coordinator, Susan Trist (445-3275), at your earliest convenience to ensure timely and appropriate accommodations.
WITHDRAWAL PROCESS AND RESPONSIBILITY:
In order to withdraw from a class, a student must fill out the requisite paperwork before the final withdrawal date. I will not withdraw you from this course; you must do it yourself! You will earn a grade for work completed during the semester unless you properly drop the course through the registration office. If a student simply stops attending class, or fails to turn in major assignments, a grade of “F” will be issued as the final grade. Last Day to Drop: April 1st, 2016
COURSE POLICIES AND EXPECTATIONS:
Attendance
Attendance is neither required nor noted. However, you will need to post a brief response (of roughly one paragraph) after you complete each reading assignment on our online discussion forum (which will be discussed in class). You may post these responses up to 30 mins before class begins in order to earn 10 points. Additionally, you are responsible for the material covered in class, all of which is “fair game” for the midterm and final exams. If you miss a class, make sure to get the information, notes, announcements, etc. from a classmate.
Late Work
I will not accept late work. There are absolutely no exceptions to this policy!
If an emergency arises, please contact me ASAP. Communication with me before an assignment is due provides you the only means to explain unforeseen circumstances and exercise other options. PLEASE NOTE: Print out your work at least the day before and/or email it to yourself so that you are able to retrieve it anywhere. Computer and/or printer failure are NO excuse. If it is not turned in during the class period in which it is due, you will earn zero points for the assignment.\
Cell Phone/Electronic Devices:
While Cell phones and iPods are convenient, their presence in the classroom can be distracting to your fellow colleagues and myself. All devices of this type should be turned off or switched to a vibrate setting while you are in class. Failure to do so will initially result in a warning; subsequent violations of this policy may result in an absence for the day and dismissal from class. This policy includes texting during class, headphones covering the ears, or using laptops for entertainment purposes, such as Facebook!
Common Civility
Entering a college classroom demands that you treat others in a manner that is supportive of academic inquiry, curiosity, and shared learning. By respectfully acknowledging your similarities and differences with other students, you will learn a great deal about yourself. Furthermore, if you are able to argue and discuss topics in a civil and reasoned manner (even those you feel most passionate about), you will have empowered your own voice and increased the likelihood that you will be heard and taken seriously by a professional audience. Common respect involves being adult enough to not disturb others with side conversations. In this class, only one person should be talking at a time. Whether it is the instructor or a classmate, please give the individual speaking your full attention, as we will do when you wish to speak.
Academic Honesty
The College is committed to academic integrity in all its practices. Cheating on papers, tests or other academic works is a violation of College rules. No student shall engage in behavior that, in the judgment of the instructor of the class, may be construed as cheating. This may include, but is not limited to, plagiarism or other forms of academic dishonesty such as the acquisition without permission of tests or other academic materials and/or distribution of these materials and other academic work. This includes students who aid and abet as well as those who attempt such behavior. The first act of academic dishonesty will result in an F grade for the assignment; subsequent violations will result in an F for the course. Please refer to the student handbook for more information of the College’s academic dishonesty policies.
Plagiarism is the presentation of someone else's words or ideas as your own, without giving credit to the original author. This is not based on intent. Whether you forget to put quotes around material or cite the source, or if you intentionally buy or copy an essay, plagiarism is a serious matter. BUYING an essay or willfully submitting someone else's work as your own are instances of academic dishonesty that will result in failure of the class, at the very least. In a word – do not even consider it. In addition, you may not turn in papers written for another class to fulfill the assignments for this one.
RIGHT OF REVISION STATEMENT:
The instructor and Western Nevada College reserve the right to make reasonable changes to this syllabus and/or schedule as necessary.
Continued enrollment in this course indicates that you have read and agree to follow the course policies and procedures discussed herein.
Reading Schedule for ENG 200 Spring 2016
1. Please post a one paragraph response to the reading material on our Facebook group page at least 30 minutes before the start of each class.
2. You are expected to read any biographical/cultural information included with each text (such as prologues or introductions). Exam questions will be drawn from the biographical information, as well as from the literary selections.
3. This schedule may change substantially as interest and discussion dictate. Any changes will be discussed and noted in class.
Monday, January 25th – Welcome! Introductions, class policies, homework submission.
Read: “The Killers” (p. 413-429 in Adaptations)
Wednesday, Jan. 27th – Discuss the Elements of Fiction
Read: Chapter 1 (Film Adapt.)
February 1st – View Adaptation (2002). Discuss the Elements of Film
Reading: “Introduction” (p. XV in Adaptations)
Feb. 3rd – View Adaptation (2002).
Read “It Had to be Murder” (p. 67 in Adaptations)
Feb 8th – Discuss Woolrich
Read Chapter 6 (Film Adapt.)
Feb. 10th – Watch Rear Window (1954)
Feb. 15th – President’s Day!! No Class.
Read Chapter 10 (Film Adapt.)
Feb. 17th – Finish Rear Window (1954)
Read first half of Heart of Darkness
Feb. 22nd – Discuss Conrad
Finish Heart of Darkness
Feb. 24th – Discuss Conrad
Read Chapter 5 (Film Adapt.)
Feb. 29th – Watch Apocalypse Now (1979)
Read Chapter 12 (Film Adapt.)
March 2nd – Finish Apocalypse Now (1979)
March 7th –1st Essay Due!!!! Review for Midterm exam
March 9th – Midterm exam
Read Part I of Big Fish
March 14th – Discuss Wallace
Read Part II of Big Fish
March 16th – Discuss Wallace
March 21st and March 23rd – NO CLASS!! SPRING BREAK
Read Part III of Big Fish
March 28th – Watch Big Fish (2003)
Read Chapter 8 (Film Adapt.)
March 30th – Finish Big Fish (2003)
Read “Minority Report” (p. 119+ in Adaptations)
April 4th – Discuss PKD
Read Chapter 7 (Film Adapt.)
April 6th – Watch Minority Report (2002)
Finish Minority Report on your own
April 11th – Discuss the Spielberg adaptation of the novella and Minority Report (2002)
Read the first half of The Giver
April 13th – Discuss Lowry
Finish The Giver
April 18th – Discuss Lowry
Read Chapter 9 (Film Adapt.)
April 20th – Watch The Giver (2013)
Finish The Giver film on your own
April 25th – discuss the adaptation of the novel and The Giver (2013)
April 27th – 2nd Essay is Due!
Read Chapter 3 (Film Adapt.)
May 2nd – Censorship: Religion and Film
May 4th – Review for final
May 9th – Final Exam
May 11th – Return Graded Materials and Final Thoughts
May 16th & May 18th – Finals Week! No Class!!