This unit examines the novels by Jane Austen in the context of their translation into such modern manifestations as film adaptations, zombie literature, prequels and sequels to her novels and novels by present-day writers inspired, either by Austen herself, or by one of her characters. It considers Austen and her fiction in their cultural and historical contexts and compares them with various later adaptations. Students learn a range of critical and theoretical approaches in their investigation of Jane Austen's world view and the 'magic' timelessness of her writing and characters that inspire so many writers and film makers in the twenty-first century to re-invent her world and many an actor to 'become' one of her characters.