A Glint and a Sparkle: Fairytales and Their Adaptations
In Fairytales and Their Adaptations, we will examine the essential characteristics of the European/Western fairytale and its influence on cultural norms and storytelling traditions. We will consider the ways in which fairytales have functioned as narratives to socialize, inspiring notions of gendered and cultural behaviors. The malleable yet enduring quality of this genre facilitates a wealth of potential adaptations. This course investigates these narratives in the context of origins and longevity, leading to a critical consideration of fairytale adaptations in art, media and popular culture. Additionally, we will engage theoretical positions and secondary literature in our attempt to understand these various texts, art and films in context.
I have organized this course around five major fairytales and their adaptations: “Little Red Riding Hood,” “Cinderella,” “Snow White,” “Bluebeard” and “Beauty and the Beast.” We will read English-language translations of early modern Italian and French fairy tales, the German tales of the Brothers Grimm as well as contemporary adaptations of these stories in film productions, a graphic narrative and literary revisions.
Goals: By the end of this course, students will be able to differentiate various fairy tale traditions, apply critical thinking skills when approaching a cultural artifact and integrate fairy tale study into real world concerns.
Requirements: There will be in-class activities, quizzes, a short essay with additional works cited page (MLA formatting required), a fairytale matrix, a group presentation, a midterm and a final examination. Attendance is mandatory. We will discuss three or four fairy-tale films. Students are responsible for watching them outside of class. No cell phones, tablets or computers are allowed in class.
Note: This is a large-enrollment course that is open to non-majors. Required readings not listed below will be available to download and print via Laulima. Assigned readings must be printed and brought to class. Please plan ahead. Required Texts: (available at Revolution Books, 2615 S. King St., Suite 211 – University Square). Chris Roberson. Cinderella: Fables are Forever. Vertigo, 2012. Stephanie Meyer. Twilight. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2006. Salla Simmuka. As Red As Blood. Skyscape, 2014. Maria Tartar, Ed. The Classic Fairy Tales. Norton Critical Editions. W.W.Norton, 1999.