Fall 2020 - WL 330 D100
Special Topic in World Literature (4)
Class Number: 7502
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Tue, 1:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Anosh Irani
airani@sfu.ca
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Prerequisites:
45 units.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Seminar on a topic in World Literature. This course may be repeated for credit when different topics are offered.
COURSE DETAILS:
Adapting World Literature for the Screen
Screenwriting is both an art and a science. The novel, as a form, is generous. It has the ability, perhaps even the desire, to absorb anything and everything: from poetry to personal essay and memoir, even art and photography. The novel’s generosity – and gullibility – are infinite. But film is less forgiving. It is, to put it bluntly, an unforgiving form. It does not allow one to ponder, meander – go off course – for even a minute. The exploration of the human condition (the art of screenwriting) is still at the core of all great movies, but this exploration is presented through a precise structure (the science of screenwriting).
In this course, we will focus on adapting a novel from World Literature for the screen. How do we take a generous form and translate it into a most exacting one? Through technique. We will study Aristotelian three-act structure, look at the anatomy of a scene, focus on a character’s goals, the conflict that ensues, and the theme that emerges as a result. Through a combination of lectures, workshopping and writing exercises, we shall learn how to enable compelling characters make that deadly and dangerous jump from the page to the screen – and still keep them gloriously alive in the process.
PLEASE NOTE: Students will be required to be LIVE on Zoom 1.30 – 3.30 pm each class. The rest of the activities will occur online and on Canvas.
Grading
- Structure 20%
- Writing Exercises 5%
- Original Scene 15%
- Written Feedback 10%
- Participation & Attendance 15%
- Original Script (Act One) 35%
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Readings/Viewings assigned by Instructor
Novel for Adaptation: To be decided. Will be available as e-text.
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.
Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html
TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2020
Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.
Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).