Overview

This course introduces students to the discipline of Translation Studies as has emerged and developed in the past four decades. Through the study of a number of seminal works, you will be guided through contemporary debates about the theory and practice of translation, including discussion of key concepts such as equivalence, culture, identity, gender, nationalism and cultural minority. The module will also help students consider the links between translation and creativity, subjectivity and ideology. Time will be devoted to the study of both textual and audiovisual translation. Practical cases and examples, in a variety of modern languages, will be considered in the light of the theoretical debates covered.

This course introduces students to the field of Translation Studies as has emerged and developed in the past four decades. You will be guided through contemporary debates about the theory and practice of translation, including discussion of key concepts such as equivalence, culture, identity, gender, national identities and cultural minority. The module will also help you consider the links between translation and creativity, subjectivity, ideology, power and society. Practical cases and examples, in a variety of modern languages, will be considered in relation to the theoretical themes discussed in class.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -50-59% (C- - C+): Students should demonstrate a satisfactory comprehension of the topic studied, forming solid conclusions about the validity and uses of critical theory as a whole.

-good -60-69% (B- - B+): Students receiving the higher grades of assessment will have analysed the sources provided, evaluating secondary material on set topics and assessing them as they form their own convincing conclusions.

-excellent -70+% (A- - A*):In order to achieve the highest grades, students will have supplemented the texts studied in class with additional primary and secondary reading, they will have analysed and evaluated existing readings of critical theory and come to their own innovative and thoughtful conclusions.

Learning Outcomes

• Students engage deeply with textual examples of specific critical theories.

• Students will acquire a greater awareness of the range of debates in Translation Studies.

• Students will be able to analyse the relationship between individual theories and the subject to which they are applied.

• Students will be able to analyse the uses and validity of the different theories of translation.