EN1TRANS-Thinking Translation: History and Theory

Module Provider: English Literature
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: ML1TRANS Thinking Translation: History and Theory
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Claire Ross
Email: c.a.ross@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module introduces students to the main theoretical approaches to translation. The lectures will adopt a historical perspective and address how translation practice has evolved over time. Together, we shall also look at how and whether theory has had any influence on translation practice in the market-place.

Aims:

The aim of this module is to introduce students to the scholars and practitioners who pioneered the reflection on translation. Emphasis will also be placed on key thinkers who have developed contemporary translation theory. In carefully selected case studies, we will assess the relationship between practice and theory, and will place this relationship within the cultural, intellectual and political contexts of their time. The historical approach to translation will allow students to develop a critical awareness of the role played by: genres, readership, institutional influences, market constraints, gender attitudes and discourses, purpose. In seminars, we will explore different textual typologies to offer students the opportunity to address and evaluate the challenges facing translators when dealing with a range of texts.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the course, it is expected that students will be able to:

• demonstrate a clear understanding of key theoretical concepts relevant to the practice of translation


• articulate awareness of different types of texts and approaches and strategies for translating them


• engage critically with ideas presented in lectures, group discussions and secondary materials


• demonstrate an ability to integrate theoretical ideas with evidence from textual practice

Additional outcomes:

Having successfully completed the module you will be able to:

• communicate ideas and arguments orally and in writing in a competent fashion


• demonstrate interpersonal skills whilst working with others in the investigation of problems, and in the presentation of arguments and evidence


• demonstrate self-confidence and self-awareness both in collaborative activities and independent study


• work effectively to deadlines


• develop key research skills, including scholarly information retrieval (using secondary works, the internet and discipline-specific or other relevant databases)


• the module and the wider degree programme are committed to developing a broad range of graduate attributes. These include knowledge and understanding of the subject matter, independent cognitive capacity, and transferable skills including personal efficiency and communication.

Outline content:

• Introduction to the history of, and major developments in, translation and discourses on translation developed in a variety of geographical and linguistic areas.


• Theoretical approaches to translation studies that have informed reflection on translation and the practice of translating from the early modern period to the present day and which relate to the process of translation as a cultural, political and linguistic activity, as much as to the translator as mediat ing agent


• Critical analysis of a selection of translated texts in a variety of genres and contexts.Ìý

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Depending on staff’s availability, normally, there will be 9 weeks of lectures and seminars in each term (Autumn and Spring). Within each session, students will be expected to critically engage with information given in lecture format and with the prescribed readings, to engage in group/pair work on selected texts, and to present their ideas to the whole class. Such group/pair work is designed to prepare students for the course assessment.