2024 Syllabi

Overview

For our first official publication of pedagogical materials, Adaptation Today is proud to share three syllabi with the adaptation studies community: “Modern Fairy Tale: Contemporary Retellings of ‘Once Upon a Time…’” by Dr. Stephanie Couey, “Adaptation, Archives, and Digital Remix” by Dr. Eleni Palis, and “Literatures in English and Film” by Dr. Carmen Pérez Ríu. While each syllabus incorporates important elements for studying adaptations in the undergraduate classroom, we are excited to showcase the variety of possibilities explored via these syllabi as potential inspiration for fellow instructors.

Dr. Couey’s syllabus demonstrates the power of choice; her students select one of many adaptations to “consume” from a “cafeteria-style menu” before discussing cultural, social, and historical differences. This structure encourages students to create a dynamic discussion about literature with customization and variety at the core.

Dr. Palis explores consequential discussions in adaptation studies within the realm of literature-film analysis, with particular focus on digital remixes and archival mash-ups. Her students visit the Tennessee Archive of Moving Image and Sound at the Knox County Public Library alongside discussions of videographic criticism, and one option for their final project is a creative remix submission with supporting research.

Finally, Dr. Pérez Ríu directs her course as an introduction to adaptation studies for English Studies students, with the complexity of adaptations as literary texts at the center of her pedagogical approach. This course emphasizes critical thinking skills via evaluation, interpretation, and exploration of narratives as cultural products.

Overall, all three syllabi demonstrate the range and opportunity inherent to adaptation studies within the classroom. We hope that these materials are inspirational to your future pedagogical plans – please tell us thoughts and ideas in the comment sections!