TR5055 - Translating Text and Culture 2 (2021/22)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2021/22 | ||||||||||
| Module title | Translating Text and Culture 2 | ||||||||||
| Module level | Intermediate (05) | ||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 15 | ||||||||||
| School | Guildhall School of Business and Law | ||||||||||
| Total study hours | 150 | ||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| Assessment components |
|
||||||||||
| Running in 2021/22(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
|
Module summary
This module is a follow-up of TR5054. It focuses on developing students’ awareness of the important role that cultures play in the ways we process and produce texts. The focus on text is broadened through an examination of some key concepts which affect the ways in which texts operate within the cultures and societies that produce them. Existing translations and relevant theoretical concepts will be analysed with the purpose of identifying the factors which may have an impact on the choices made by the translators.
As TR5054, this module has both a theoretical and a practical nature which is reflected in the teaching structure which aims to foster transferable translation-specific skills.
Prior learning requirements
TR4052 and TR4053
Syllabus
Building on the experience in reading and writing texts critically acquired in TR5054, in this module students are sensitised to the pragmatic knowledge which can be drawn upon in order to ‘make sense’ of a text and identify the impact that socio-cultural factors have on the production and transmission of texts.
Once they have developed the capacity to determine the extent to which these socio-cultural factors influence the meaning of texts and the readers’ perceptions, students will apply this knowledge to reflective translation tasks and debate-based activities.
Learning Outcomes LO1 - LO 4
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
This is an in-class taught module delivered through lectures and seminars. Some sessions may be delivered online so that students can continue practising with a variety of interaction modes (face-to-face and distance learning). The teaching sessions combine theoretical content and practical tasks including brainstorming and reflective activities, individual and peer work, quizzes and translations. WebLearn will be used throughout to support teaching and learning. Students are encouraged to make use of the on-line forum facility and sharing of activities through Google Drive to foster peer support and feedback.
Independent study: Students are expected to undertake a substantial amount of background reading and translations with specific tasks set in preparation for discussion and extended practical activities in the following teaching sessions.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Recognise the cultural elements embedded in the texts and to what extent these reflect culture-specific worldviews and perceptions.
2. Infer in what ways the social values and ideals attached to texts influence the translator’s behaviour.
3. Assess how to transfer cultural features in the translation process.
4. Develop an inclusive and socially responsible approach when translating culturally charged texts.
Assessment strategy
Coursework: Essay of 2000 words on the topic specified by the module leader.
Equipped with the critical reading and writing skills developed in TR5054, in this assessment students have to produce an essay in which they discuss the issue of the impact of various cultural contexts and factors on translation, and the ways in which texts operate across societies and languages.
Formative feedback is given along the way to encourage personal development and reflection, with a view to producing the coursework to the required standard, appropriate to the level of study.