ENG 3114 - Spring 2026 - Schultz

This course explores the unique challenges and artistic choices involved in adapting war stories from their original literary forms (novels, short stories, articles) into complex and intriguing cinematic experiences. We will analyze a diverse range of films based on war literature, examining how directors, screenwriters, and cinematographers translate themes of conflict, trauma, and the human condition from the page to the screen.

Some films you can expect to dive into: All Quiet on the Western Front, Saving Private Ryan, Apocalypse Now!, Full Metal Jacket, Jarhead, Blackhawk Down, and American Sniper.

Course Objectives:

- Students will develop a critical understanding of the key elements of cinematic adaptation, including fidelity, adaptation, appropriation, interpretation, and transformation.

- Students will analyze how film adaptations of war stories address issues of historical accuracy, ethical representation, and the impact of violence on individuals and societies.

- Students will gain a deeper appreciation for the literary and cinematic artistry involved in portraying war on screen.

- Students will develop critical writing and analytical skills through in-depth film analyses and comparative essays.