GER40040 Translation Studies: Theoretical Approaches

Academic Year 2021/2022

This module introduces students to different theoretical approaches within the field of translation studies. With a particular focus on literary translation, the module will examine both some influential historical and important current trends in translation studies, providing students with an understanding of the development within this ever-increasing academic field. Students will read and analyse texts by different translation theorists, learning how to critically discuss the different approaches as well as how to apply them to case studies within their own areas of interest and expertise. All theoretical texts will be read in English.

Show/hide contentOpenClose All

Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
- discuss key terms and concepts of translation studies
- analyse historical and current theoretical texts on literary translation
- outline general trends in the discipline of translation studies over the centuries
- analyse translated literary texts applying theoretical approaches
- value translations as documents of an encounter of cultures in a particular historical context
- prepare and present an oral presentation on a self-chosen essay project
- formulate a question relating to translation theory, history or a particular translation example in their own area of interest--produce an extended essay which engages critically with a chosen aspect of historical or current translation studies.

Indicative Module Content:

key concepts of translation theory such as equivalence (dynamic vs formal), translatability, genre specific translation questions
historical statements and theories of translation, f. e by Jerome, D'Ablancourt, Schleiermacher, Benjamin
the cultural turn in translation studies (Toury, Lefevere, Venuti)
aspects of retranslation and translational paratext
the fictional turn in translation studies

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Seminar (or Webinar)

22
Specified Learning Activities

88
Autonomous Student Learning

90
Total

200
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
For the academic year 21-22, the module will be taught face-to-face in a weekly two-hour seminar on campus if public health guidelines allow. However, dependent on students' preference and individual situation this delivery can be adapted. Overview chapters and key texts are assigned each week to prepare for group discussions. Where texts are not originally in English, translations will form the basis of the discussions.
Students will be encouraged to develop their own essay topic and they will prepare a short presentation on their essay plan and some relevant literature. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

BA degree or equivalent

Learning Recommendations:

Student should have a very good reading comprehension of at least one modern language other than English and some interest in and familiarity with literary analysis and criticism.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Presentation: Presentation on chosen essay topic Week 12 n/a Graded No

25
Essay: 5000 WORD ESSAY Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded No

75

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

The presentation will be peer reviewed. Individual feedback will be provided on the presentation of an essay plan that feeds directly into the essay.