module specification

The module aims to introduce students to fundamental translation concepts and foster their awareness and understanding of the translation process in the light of relevant theoretical work. It also aims to cultivate the students’ ability to examine the translational act and use the knowledge acquired to reflect on the decision and choices made by the translator at different stages of the translation process. This module is closely related to the other modules as it deals with fundamental translational issues and provides knowledge essential to both theoretical and practical components of the course.

Week 1 – Introduction to the module and to translation studies and the nature of translation LO1
Week 2 –  The Translation process 1: Source Text Analysis LO1,LO2
Week 3 –  The Translation Process 2: Transfer LO1,LO2
Week 4 – Translation Strategies LO2,LO3
Week 5 –  Translation as Intercultural Interaction LO2,LO3,LO4,LO5
Week 6 –  Translation as Interpersonal Communication LO2,LO3,LO4,LO5
Week 7 –Translation as an intentional process LO2,LO3,LO4,LO5
Week 8 – Translation as inter-lingual exchange LO2,LO3,LO4,LO5
Week 9 – Translation as Textual Communication 1: Intention, function and purpose LO2,LO3,LO4,LO5
Week 10 – Translation as Textual Communication 2: Cohesion and Coherence LO2,LO3,LO4,LO5
Week 11 – Translation as Textual Communication 3: Text type and Text structure LO2,LO3,LO4,LO5
Week 12 – Translation as Textual Communication 4:  Register LO2,LO3,LO4,LO5

Teaching is delivered through weekly lectures / seminars and is further supported with accessible teaching material and online learning activities available on the University’s Virtual Learning Environment.

The module combines lectures on the translation process with practical classes where students learn to implement the knowledge acquired to practice.

In addition to attending classes, students are expected to devote a significant amount of time to reading and self-directed independent study.

On completing this module students will:

1. Understand the nature of translation, its fundamental concepts and their context of use;

2. Conduct full analysis of the source text based on in-depth knowledge of the translation process and good understanding of textual and extra textual aspects and their relevance to the translational act;

3. Apply acquired theoretical knowledge to select appropriate translation strategies for the translation of different types of text and to justify choices made;

4.  Draw on relevant theoretical models and gained skills to identify relevant translation challenges, find appropriate procedures to solve them and provide sound justification for decisions made during the process; 

5. Competently use knowledge and analytical skills acquired on the module to reflect and discuss the workings of the translation process and to justify choices and decisions made in translation, using appropriate meta language and register.

Coursework 100%, 3,500 words essay.
Students first submit an outline for the essay on which they receive individual feedback and discuss the content of the essay before they start working on it. In addition to this formative assessment, students also attend an essay writing workshop and are directed to the study hub for extra resources.

The essay is summative assessment submitted via Turnitin and on which students received comprehensive feedback both on the copy and on the feedback sheet. Students are also offered individual face-to-face feedback.

Baker, M. (ed.) (1998) Routledge encyclopaedia of translation studies. London and New York: Routledge.

Baker, M. (2011) In other words: a coursebook on translation. London and New York: Routledge. 

Colina, S. (2015) Fundamentals of translation.  Cambridge University Press.

Hatim, B. and Mason, I. (1990) Discourse and the translator. London: Longman.

Hatim, B. and Munday, J. (2004) Translation: an advanced resource book. London: Routledge.

Munday, J. (2016) Introducing translation studies. London and New York: Routledge.

Munday, J. (2009) The Routledge companion to translation studies. London and New York: Routledge.

Nord, C. (1991) Text analysis in translation. Amsterdam: Rodopi.
 
Newmark, P. (1988) A textbook of translation. New York and London: Prentice Hall.

Venuti, L. (ed.) (2000) The translation studies reader. London and New York: Routledge.

     A more comprehensive reading list will be provided at the start of the semester