Unit information: Theories of Translation (2) in 2014/15

Unit name	Theories of Translation (2)
Unit code	MODLM0006
Credit points	20
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Dr. Foster
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None.
Co-requisites	None.
School/department	School of Modern Languages
Faculty	Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

The unit aims to build on the introductory unit in translation theory, allowing students to explore recent historical and socio-cultural developments in the theory of translation. It extends students’ knowledge and critical understanding of different research methodologies and construct an appropriate theoretical framework in which to analyse and evaluate a translated text of their choice. Students study a range of historical and socio-cultural approaches to translation with a particular emphasis on questions of ideology, gender and power-relations. With guidance from their tutor, they will choose an existing published translation and develop an appropriate theoretical framework within which to analyse and evaluate the translation strategies involved.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit students will be able to:

1. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of historical and socio-cultural approaches to translation theory
2. develop the research skills needed to construct an appropriate theoretical framework in which to analyse and evaluate specific translation strategies.
3. reflect critically on the impact of a chosen translation within the receiving culture;
4. present the results of their learning, thinking and independent study to a peer group in a sophisticated and effective manner
5. lead group discussion effectively and efficiently.

Teaching Information

For the MA Translation: Delivered through distance learning, via Blackboard.

For the MA Chinese-English Translation: Delivered on site

A structured reading programme will prepare students to contribute to regular seminars and/or online forums. Each student will research and present topics to the group illustrating different historical and socio-cultural approaches to the study of translation. They choose one of these by agreement with their tutor, present it to the group and lead in-class discussion. Negotiating with the tutor on an individual basis, they choose a translated text and develop an appropriate theoretical framework within which to evaluate it.

Assessment Information

There are two components to assessment:

a) Presentation of a chosen topic and management of a group discussion (40%) – assessing ILOs 1-5 .

b) Case study (3000 words) in which an appropriate theoretical framework is developed and applied to a published translated text in their chosen language (60%) – assessing ILOs 1-3.

Reading and References

• Bassnett, Susan, Constructing Cultures: Essays on Literary Translation (Multilingual Matters: 1998)

• Ellis, Roger, Translation and Nation: Towards a Cultural politics of Englishness (Multilingual Matters: 2001)

• Hermans, Theo, The Conference of Tongues (St Jerome: 2007)

• Tymockzo, M. & E. Gentzler, eds., Translation and Power (University of Massachusetts Press: 2002)

• Venuti, Lawrence, The Translation Studies Reader (Routledge: 2000)