Module Information

Module Identifier
ELM4320
Module Title
Debates in Translation Studies 2
Academic Year
2016/2017
Co-ordinator
Dr Andrea Hammel
Semester
Semester 2
Pre-Requisite
Normally a 2:2 degree in French, German and/or Spanish
Other Staff
 

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Seminar 5 x 2 Hour Seminars
Tutorial 5 x 1 Hour Tutorials
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment 1 x 3,000 word translation with commentary  100%
Supplementary Assessment Translation and commentary to be resubmitted if failed   100%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. demonstrate a critical understanding of translation theory
2. demonstrate a critical understanding of philosophical approaches to Translation Studies and Translation and Trauma
3. apply a theoretical approaches to actual translation problems
4. demonstrate that they are able to work collaboratively
5. deliver a defined translation project on time and to apply theoretical approaches to the commentary
6. use specific vocabulary critically
7. express themselves clearly, coherently and in a logical fashion, both orally and in writing
8. demonstrate that they have a solid foundation for further postgraduate research in Translation Studies

Aims

This module is designed to be a module in the new MA in Translation. It is intended to complement the other modules. The aim of this module is to deepen the students' knowledge of key theoretical approaches and debates in Translation Studies and to undertake a translation taking these further debates into account.

Brief description

This module will focus on key thinkers and their texts in Translation Studies as well as a specific area of current debate, namely Translation and Trauma. The first two sessions will focus on philosophical questions in relation to translation which have been explored by poets and thinkers like Mallarme, Benjamin, Barthes, Derrida, Eco among others. Is translation possible? What is the real status of the translator? Schlegel for instance considered translation as a fight to the death between the author and the translator. He is known for having turned Shakespeare into a German poet.
The second part focusses on a very current debate in Translation Studies: what needs to be taken into account when translating texts with focus on traumatic experiences? What are the ethical and psychological implications? Concepts of multilingualism, authenticity and memory will be explored.
The students attend five general seminars taught in English and five tutorials with language specific staff (i.e. a student who would decide to translate a Holocaust related text from German into English would get five practical sessions with a Lecturer in German).

Content

5 seminars and 5 tutorials

Seminar 1 Walter Benjamin: 'The Task of the Translator' (Bruno Sibona)

Seminar 2 Umberto Eco: Experiences in Translation (Bruno Sibona)

Seminar 3 Translation and Trauma: Conflicts in Iraq and the Former Yugoslavia (Andrea Hammel)

Seminar 4 Translation and Trauma: The Holocaust (Andrea Hammel)

Seminar 5 Translation and Memory: Ruth Kluger and Ruth David (Andrea Hammel)

READING WEEK

Tutorial 1: Identifying a source text

Tutorial 2: Discussing theoretical approaches and implications

Tutorial 3: Discussion of Structure of Commentary

Tutorial 4: Discussion of Draft 1

Tutorial 5: Discussion of Draft 2

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number Depending on the nature of the translation, an understanding of the application of numbers might be needed.
Communication Participating in seminars and the final translation and commentary will require the student to express their ideas clearly, cogently and coherently.
Improving own Learning and Performance Independent preparation for the assessed translation and seminars. Submitting drafts and considering suggestions for improvement.
Information Technology Students will be required to access bibliographical information and to submit word processed translations. They will also be expected to use web resources for research, and to use translation software and electronic resources such as corpora and online dictionaries.
Personal Development and Career planning Students will be expected to show an ability to manage their own time effectively and to translate a specified text independently.
Problem solving Selection of reading material for seminar work and research. Considering ethical and philosophical issues regarding translation. Deciding on translation strategies.
Research skills Research for seminars and tutorials and the final translation and commentary.
Subject Specific Skills Knowledge of a selection of dictionaries and accessing specific vocabulary. Using appropriate translation strategies. This is an important professional but also subject-specific skill.
Team work This will apply in the seminars.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7