From my early beginnings as a young introvert, the public library has always been a bit of a refuge. Years later, not much has changed, albeit with an additional affinity for endless hours spent scouring second-hand bookstores to add to my ever-growing “to-read” pile.
From one bookworm to another, this column will be underscoring and outlining various literary genres, authors, and recent reads and can serve as an introduction for those unfamiliar with these works, as a refresher for long-time aficionados, and maybe as an inspiration for readers to share their own suggested topics. Do you have a topic that you would like covered in this column? Feel free to contact me for an interview and a feature in an upcoming column.
Who
This week’s column is a bit different as it focuses on a very wide-ranging topic, namely Literature and Film. Although this may be taken in a variety of directions, this column focuses on famous literary works that have been transformed into successful films.
Examples of authors whose works have become feature films include James Baldwin, Alice Walker, and Jane Austen.
What
Some well-known literary works that have been turned into films include the novel If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin, with a 2018 film of the same title, starring Kiki Layne and Stephan James; The Colour Purple by Alice Walker, with the 1995 film of the same name, starring Oprah Winfrey, Whoopi Goldberg, and Danny Glover; and Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, with a 2005 film of the same name, starring Keira Knightley.
Where
These novels and films take place throughout the United States and Great Britain.
When
These works take place during the 20 and 21-centuries.
Why
These novels and film adaptations may be of interest to AU students who would like to see their favourite literary novels on the big screen, as well as those interested in film studies and film adaptations.
How
AU’s wide range of diverse courses make it easy to study this topic in depth. Courses related to Literature and Film are available in a variety of disciplines, including one’s that may fit into your Degree Works. (Always check with an AU counsellor to see if these particular courses fulfill your personal graduation requirements!)
AU students interested in learning more about this topic may enroll in ENGL 373: Film and Literature, a senior-level, three-credit course, which “is designed to introduce students to the study of the relationships between literary and cinematic forms.” (Please note that completed prerequisites are required prior to registration for this course, including ENGL 211: Prose Forms and ENGL 212: Poetry and Plays. In addition, at this moment, this course is currently closed for revision).
Students may also be interested in CMNS 425: Film and Genre, a senior-level, three-credit course, which “looks at the historical, economic, political and social factors that influence filmmaking, particularly genre films.” (Please note that while no prerequisites are required, CMNS 301: Communication Theory and Analysis and CMNS 302: Communication in History are recommended.) Happy reading!